Description

Small-Farm GABA Oolong from Alishan, Taiwan

Farmer’s Alishan GABA Oolong is a high-quality Taiwanese GABA tea produced on a small family-run tea farm in Alishan, Taiwan.

Made from spring-harvested leaves, this tea undergoes moderate oxidation in an oxygen-reduced environment followed by a delicate final roasting. This careful processing preserves the elegance and freshness associated with Taiwanese high-mountain oolong while developing the distinctive sweet, fruity, and gently spicy character of GABA tea.

The result is an exceptionally smooth and expressive oolong with a layered bouquet of flowers, berries, honey, ripe fruit, citrus, and warm spices.

Light, refined, and multidimensional, it is equally enjoyable as an everyday tea or as the centerpiece of a slow Gongfu session.

GABA Tea & Processing

GABA tea is produced using a special processing method in which the tea leaves spend part of their oxidation process in an oxygen-reduced environment.

This encourages the natural accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the tea leaves and creates a recognizable aromatic profile that distinguishes GABA teas from conventionally processed oolongs.

This Farmer’s Alishan GABA contains a stated 230 mg of GABA per 100 g of dry tea leaves.

After moderate oxidation, the tea receives only a delicate final roast rather than intensive heating. This helps preserve its floral and fruity qualities while adding warmth, sweetness, and depth.

The combination of Alishan terroir, spring material, moderate oxidation, and gentle roasting creates a tea that is simultaneously bright, smooth, sweet, and remarkably aromatic.

Appearance and tasting notes

The dry leaves are tightly rolled into small spherical nuggets with short stems — a characteristic appearance of Taiwanese rolled oolong.

The dry aroma is soft and refined, with berries, gentle spices, and a subtle natural sweetness.

Once brewed, the leaves produce a clean, transparent and luminous golden-amber liquor.

The aromatic bouquet is bright, juicy, and multidimensional.

Floral and berry notes form the foundation, followed by nuances of warm spices, honey, ripe juicy fruit, and citrus.

The fragrance is elegant and high-toned, with a warm, slightly sweet character that becomes increasingly expressive as the leaves unfold.

On the palate, the tea is exceptionally clean and smooth.

Its texture is silky and rounded, while a distinctive candy-like sweetness is balanced by pleasant fruity acidity.

The finish is long, refreshing, enveloping, and naturally sweet, lingering comfortably after each cup.

Character and Experience

Farmer’s Alishan GABA is a bright, friendly, and remarkably versatile Taiwanese oolong.

Its strength lies in balance: aroma, sweetness, acidity, texture, and aftertaste complement each other without any single element overwhelming the rest.

This makes it an excellent introduction to GABA Oolong, while its aromatic complexity and gradual development across multiple infusions provide plenty to explore for experienced tea drinkers.

It is also relatively forgiving to brew.

The tightly rolled leaves slowly unfold over a long Gongfu session, allowing the character of the tea to change naturally from infusion to infusion.

Early infusions tend to emphasize flowers, berries, and sweetness, while subsequent brews gradually reveal deeper fruit, honey, citrus, and spicy nuances.

An excellent choice for both ceremonial and everyday tea drinking.

Its overall character is refreshing, calm, and harmonious — particularly well suited to slow, attentive tea sessions.

How to brew

Gongfu Style

• Clay teapot suitable for Taiwanese oolong or porcelain gaiwan
• Water temperature: 90–95°C (194–203°F)
• Tea-to-water ratio: 4–5 g per 100 ml
• Begin with relatively short infusions and gradually increase the steeping time as the rolled leaves open
• Allow enough space inside the teapot or gaiwan for the tightly rolled leaves to fully expand
• Enjoy approximately 8–10 infusions.

Western Style

• Glass or porcelain teapot
• Water temperature: 90–95°C (194–203°F)
• Tea-to-water ratio: approximately 5–6 g per 500 ml
• Steep for approximately 3–4 minutes
• The same leaves can be infused several times, gradually increasing the steeping time.

Origin

• Tea: Farmer’s Alishan GABA Oolong
• Type: GABA Oolong Tea
• Origin: Alishan, Taiwan
• Producer: Small Farmer / Small-Batch Production
• Harvest: Spring
• Leaf Style: Tightly Rolled Taiwanese Oolong
• Oxidation: Moderate
• Roasting: Light / Delicate Final Roast
• GABA Content: 230 mg per 100 g of dry tea
• Liquor: Clear Golden Amber
• Profile: Flowers • Berries • Honey • Ripe Fruit • Citrus • Warm Spices
• Taste: Smooth • Silky • Sweet • Juicy • Refreshing
• Character: Refined • Bright • Balanced • Aromatic • Long-Lasting
• Processing: GABA processing in an oxygen-reduced environment followed by delicate final roasting