Taiwan Oolong Red Jade GABA | Hong Yu Wu Long - Option: Sample 15 g

Taiwanese Red Jade GABA Oolong – Hong Yu GABA Wu Long 紅玉GABA烏龍 represents a unique combination of the famous Taiwanese Hong Yu 紅玉 (TTES #18) cultivar and the GABA tea manufacturing process. The result is a tea that combines the richness and character of Red Jade black tea with the elegance of a semi-oxidized oolong and the exceptionally smooth profile typical of GABA teas.

The Hong Yu 紅玉 cultivar, also known as Red Jade or TTES #18, is one of Taiwan's most celebrated tea cultivars. It was developed at the Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES) by crossing a native Taiwanese wild tea tree with Burmese assamica. It is renowned for its distinctive aroma reminiscent of mint, cinnamon, camphor, forest honey and ripe fruit. Thanks to this remarkable aromatic complexity, it has become one of the signature cultivars for premium Taiwanese black teas.

In this tea, the leaves are processed using the GABA method, during which they are exposed to an almost oxygen-free environment throughout oxidation. This special manufacturing process naturally increases the content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA – gamma-aminobutyric acid) while significantly influencing the tea's flavor profile. The tannins become softer and rounder, giving the tea greater sweetness, smoothness and balance while preserving its full body and rich aromatics.

This tea is produced exclusively from carefully selected spring harvests, which offer the brightest aromatics and the most balanced character. The combination of the Hong Yu cultivar and the GABA process creates a tea of remarkable depth, elegance and clarity. Compared to classic Hong Yu black tea, it is rounder, smoother and fruitier, while offering a fuller body and a more complex aromatic profile than most traditional GABA oolongs.

The infusion displays a rich amber to copper color and an expressive aroma reminiscent of forest honey, mint, cinnamon, stewed fruit, dried plums and delicate citrus notes. The taste combines natural sweetness with gentle fruity freshness and a pleasant touch of acidity that brings vibrancy to the cup. Thanks to the GABA process, the tannins are exceptionally soft, giving the tea an impressively smooth and rounded character.

Hong Yu GABA Wu Long is equally enjoyable prepared hot or as an iced tea. Its full body, honeyed sweetness and fruity freshness develop into an exceptionally refreshing beverage when served cold while preserving its complexity.

This tea is an excellent choice for both lovers of traditional GABA teas and enthusiasts of the Hong Yu cultivar. It combines the best of both worlds—the rich aromatics of Red Jade with the exceptional smoothness that defines premium GABA teas.

Flavor profile:
Forest honey, mint, cinnamon, stewed fruit, dried plums, citrus freshness, delicate sweetness and a long smooth finish.

Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 preparation:
For traditional preparation, we recommend using approximately 8 g of tea per 150 ml of water at 90–95 °C. Steep the first infusion for around 20 seconds, then gradually increase the steeping time for subsequent infusions. At this leaf-to-water ratio, the tea usually provides around 6–8 full infusions, during which the aroma evolves from fresh honeyed fruit notes toward deeper sweetness, gentle spice and a long mineral finish.

Western preparation:
We recommend using approximately 5 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 90–95 °C. Steep for 2–3 minutes. The tea is suitable for multiple infusions and is also excellent prepared as a cold brew.