Review: Amber Gaba Oolong

Name: Amber Gaba Oolong Cultivar: Chin Xin

Type: Oolong Seller: Mei Leaf Origin: Alishan, Nantou, Taiwan Season: Spring 2019

Dry leaf appearance: tight balls of dark browns, almost black

Dry leaf smell: dried fruit like prune or raisin

Wet leaf appearance: dark greenish-brown and large when unfurled

Wet leaf smell: fruits, almonds, sweet pastries

Liquor color: amber like the name Taste: fruity, roasted, honey

For those who haven't read my previous posts (probably most of you!), I'm a newbie at writing tasting notes. So I'm using Mei Leaf teas to gain experience, because they have such thorough notes and drinker reviews with which to compare my thoughts. This is my third set of notes.

I'm drinking this on a day when I'm feeling exhausted. This is actually my first time drinking a GABA tea, so I'm not sure whether it'll wake me up gently or jolt me into nervous energy.

The liquor smells slightly spiced, with almost a hint of cinnamon. At first the flavor is subtle. After a few sips, there's a nice, warm, slightly fruity honey flavor. Noticeable astringency on the tongue. This seems like a really comforting tea.

After a few steeps, my main impression is fruit and roasted notes. The astringency started building after the third steep or so, but it's not too strong. The aftertaste is especially fruity.

The package says “Muscat flavor with a summer rain on hot stone freshness,” which is not only poetic, but surprisingly accurate. While I wouldn't think to describe it as “summer rain on hot stone” on my own, after tasting it I can picture what they mean perfectly.

Mei Leaf’s website says it can go for 9 infusions. The flavor drastically weakens after about 4 or 5, but it’s still pleasant.

I think this is my favorite of the 3 teas I’ve written tasting notes for. And the caffeine feels very gentle, with a slow build-up. I hope to buy it again for sure.

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by Ciel