GABA Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea 2026, 50g | Tengchong, Yunnan

A GABA take on Tie Guan Yin, one of China's most famous oolong styles, here grown on the volcanic soils of Tengchong, Yunnan, at high altitude. It is produced through anaerobic (oxygen-free) processing, which naturally raises the leaf's GABA content. Warm and full-bodied, it carries the familiar Tie Guan Yin style in a deeper, rounder direction. The fresh 2026 harvest, offered loose in 50 g packs.

GABA tea is made in an oxygen-free environment, which, done well, yields a notably smooth cup with no harshness. Here that shows as a rich, warming profile: clear notes of toasted buckwheat, dried apricot and honeyed raisin, with a full, rounded body and a long, gently sweet finish.

The liquor is deep amber-gold, clear and silky, coating the mouth with its toasted, fruit-sweet character. Across infusions it stays smooth and even, the buckwheat and dried-fruit notes holding steady while the honeyed sweetness lingers. Forgiving to brew and rewarding in both quick gongfu steeps and a relaxed Western pot.

A distinctive choice for anyone curious about GABA tea, and an intriguing one for oolong drinkers who know Tie Guan Yin and want to taste the style reimagined, deeper and warmer. The high-altitude volcanic terroir of Tengchong gives it a clean, well-defined character.

Tea profile

📖 Brewing guide: Learn how to brew Chinese tea and gongfu cha properly to get the best flavour and aroma.

🍃 What is GABA tea? Learn how GABA tea is made and what makes its smooth, sweet character unique.