What our customers say

Thirsty Pebbles

What’s all this talk about Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)? I ordered this tea based on the lovely description of its taste and the tantalizing photo of the tea itself. I had no idea that the name refers to an oxygen-free, nitrogen-rich fermentation process that boosts levels of naturally occurring GABA. This compound is said to offer possible benefits to the central nervous system. Lord knows, my nervous system could use a gigantic chill-pill. But that’s not why I love this tea. Here’s why: The dry GABA nuggets offer up a heady aroma while the brewed tea’s color and flavor suggest apricot. It’s woody, not sweet. On the second infusion, the leaves plumped up so big, they almost lifted the lid off my gaiwan. I probably used too much tea and underestimated its penchant for water. That was my mistake, but a happy one. The transformation and the taste were both thoroughly enjoyable.

Multiple personalities

The characteristics of this tea appear to morph like a chameleon, and it’s impossible to say which version is more enjoyable. Each infusion of Raw Reserve produced a different experience in color and taste. Using a zisha clay gaiwan, my first infusion unveiled espresso-dark liquor with the taste of unsweetened cocoa and salty mineral hints. The second infusion gave me midnight purple with a velvety texture, hints of bittersweet sassafras, and a lively tinkling on the tongue. The third produced a ruby-tart, deep cranberry concoction with a slightly sweet finish. While each infusion transformed into something different, the tea never weakened. I’m certain there are more surprises left in this shengcha pu’er, but I’d better put a lid on it and take a break before I get too tea-drunk.

This is a very unique Taiwanese oolong, I don’t think I’ve ever had anything which has the same flavor profile as this Cold Dew Alishan has. It features attributes that you might typically find in other Taiwanese oolongs, but the combination of elements here feels very unique.

It’s creamy yet tart, with a smooth mouthfeel perfectly intertwined with apparent notes of hibiscus flowers and rose hips that gently cut through the buttery notes and accentuate the body of tea. There are distinct overtones of herbs and spices, like rosemary, pine, juniper, fennel, and hints of nettle which contribute to the sharpness and clarity of this otherwise seductively smooth flavor profile.

The body is soft and smooth, and the aftertaste is thick and pungent. There are undertones of rice and oat milk which continue to build in the mouth as the session progresses, with some malted cereal grains eventually coming out towards the end. This tea maintains its composure even into the aftertaste, where the grains seem to develop a honey-like sweetness.

The aftertaste brings with it a powerful and textured mouthfeel, with a distinct oily quality to it and a powerful spicy-yet-cooling sensation that is reminiscent of the tiniest hint of clove oil. It’s not so powerful that it becomes an actual flavor; it’s just powerful enough to leave an impression on the palate and linger before gradually subsiding.

This is a complex oolong and worth every penny.

If you are a fan of the way GABA oolongs make you feel, or perhaps you like tea with good “cha qi” – make sure you check this one out. Besides its flavor profile, it is also quite a powerful tea in the body and stimulating in the brain.

Thank you for your nice review. Indeed those fruit notes do add to the complexities of this very fine oolong. So happy that you enjoy it!

This is a top-shelf umami bomb with a nice felt effect in the body and mind. Anji Baicha is a special cultivar, not only for its distinct appearance due to a genetic mutation, but also its unique molecular composition.

The cultivar used to make the authentic version of this tea is rich in L-theanine and amino acids. As a result of the genetic mutation which limits chlorophyll biosynthesis, more of the building blocks for this green pigment are shuffled off to producing amino acids which give Anji Baicha its characteristically thick, brothy like qualities and savory mouthfeel. Even the aroma coming off the dry leaf is mesmerizing in its pungency.

In the cup, the flavor profile of Tea Hong’s Anji Baicha is superb – even though the mouthfeel is so thick you could cut it with a knife, it still manages to capture and hold many delicate flavors in perfect harmony with each other. There’s some distinct sweetness, an herbaceous quality, creamy florals and warm spices that sit in perfect unison on top of a colossal wave of umami that sits deeply in the body and really relaxes the mind.

The aftertaste is lubricating and does not dry the palate out. This “wetting” effect amplifies the length of the aftertaste and keeps the amino acids coating the tongue and extending that powerful umami quality long after the session is over.

The sensations felt in the body are wonderful, and I think one of the primary reasons why anybody and everybody should try this tea. The high concentration of amino acids induces a state of being calm yet alert, relaxed yet focused.

If you have never tried Anji Baicha before, this is the one to try, because it is a top-shelf representation of the cultivar at a very modest price. Quality of this caliber is pretty much always more expensive.

Aptly named

I imagine if one picks a lovely, rare orchid out of the snow, this tea exactly mirrors that taste. Exotic florals finished by the sensation of a cool breeze circulating your olfactory system. Uplifting.