Dabo turned out to be very similar to the Jin Guazi. Same aroma and taste – sunflower (Old Ways Tea mentions orchid in the description), winter squash, sweet potato-ish, nutty, mineral. However, this tea has about half the intensity as the Jin Guazi in aroma, taste, texture, feelings of relaxation and longevity. Dabo is also nearly half the price of Jin Guazi, reflecting the difference in character between these two teas. This is big leaf material (found a 10cm long leaf!) and I wonder if it is from the same bushes or trees as Jin Guazi since it has a nearly identical flavor profile.
I recommend this tea on the caveat that it is brewed gongfu to get the full experience which was rather short-lived for me with 6 good steeps and another 2 that were pushing it. OR, now that I think about it, do a longer western steep. A western cup brewed at only 3 minutes turned out too light-bodied and watery for my liking. A second 5-minute steep was where I felt this tea opened up.
I enjoyed Dabo and think it is worth a try despite what might sound like a negative review. My bias follows an incredible experience with the similar but very expensive Jin Guazi and I’m leaving Dabo unrated because of that.
