“Goddamnitt Daylon, another oolong?”
“Not quite, it’s from the same varietal-
“Bullshit. This smells and tastes like an oolong.” My mother then smiled with her sly green eyes in confidence.
I responded with my own confidence. I knew what she was talking about. It tasted more like the higher oxidized varietal it is known for than any common green tea. I kept that in mind when I responded. “It’s a Jin Xuan, mom, which is really common for milk flavored oolong. This one is a green tea, so it’s really a baby oolong.”
My mom continued to smile. She chuckled with a quiet glee. “It’okay Daylon. This one is actually good. It reminds me of the ice cream from the Hale Koa.”
“The co-co-the green tea ice cream?”
“Yeah, that one.” She took another sip and left me the rest.

To think I haven’t opened this in over a year, and to think a green GABA tea would strike such a conversation. My mom is by no means inexperienced with tea, though she is picky with her greens and oolongs. This one is a good exception to the norm. Much of what I said in the Spring 2015 version is the same for this tea. It is lemony, grassy, thick and mildly creamy in texture, floral, tart, and sour at least for me. And the GABA did have its focusing effect. I definitely prefer the GABA Oolong, but I am not heartbroken for sending it off, nor am I regretful for keeping this one handy.

I personally would not reach for it despite its impressive quality. In order for the GABA’s to have any effect, I’ve noticed that waiting preserves its effects on me personally. So I would drink it often, but once a week rather than 3 days in that same week or everyday.

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Bio

First Off, Current Targets:

Whispering Pines Alice
Good Luxurious Work Teas
Wang Family’s Jasmine Shanlinxi
Spring, Winter Taiwan High Mountain Oolongs

Dislikes: Heavy Tannin, Astringency, Bitterness, or Fake Flavor, Overly herby herbal or aged teas

Picky with: Higher Oxidation Oolongs, Red Oolongs (Some I love, others give me headaches or are almost too sweet), Mint Teas

Currently, my stash is overflowing. Among my favorites are What-Cha’s Lishan Black, Amber Gaba Oolong, Lishan Oolong, Qilan Oolong, White Rhino, Kenya Silver Needle, Tong Mu Lapsang Black (Unsmoked); Whispering Pines Alice, Taiwanese Assam, Wang’s Shanlinxi, Cuifeng, Dayuling, Jasmine Shan Lin Xi; Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.“Old Style” Dong Ding, Mandala Milk Oolong; Paru’s Milk Oolong

Me:

I am an MSU graduate, and current alternative ed. high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), practice calisthenics on rings, lift weights, workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii. Eastern Asian influence was prominent with my friends and where I grew up, so I’ve been exposed to some tea culture at a young age. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.

Location

Michigan, USA

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