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Daylon R Thomas drank Alishan High Mountain GABA Black Tea by Taiwan Sourcing

1155 tasting notes

I got a sampler pack from Taiwan Sourcing to see what their tea was like, and when I saw they had a sampler for GABA in green, black, oolong, and roasted oolong, something beckoned me to get it. I am a college student in need of caffeine AND relaxation. Based on my experience with GABA before, I can get exactly that. Although the studies for the GABA are contradictory, some do show promise for those with ADHD or ADD, and I’ve almost been diagnosed with one of those conditions, so they help me.

This one had a molasses type taste which I was kinda expecting based on the distinct possibility that I’ve had black Jin Xuans before. I brewed this in a combo of gongfu and western, starting off with 15 seconds. Sweet, and molasses like, but too light. At 30 seconds, more molasses and an Asssam like malty note. Still sweet, and definitely like a black tea.

Steep 2 at about 50 seconds, there’s again molasses but with a strong sweet potato starchiness. Something about it almost reminded me of a plantain. The same went for steeps 3 and 4 each at about 2 and 3 minutes.

Mandala’s Black GABA has my favoritism for now, but I think that this one requires more experimentation to get the other flavors that are hiding. Really enjoyable, though I was expecting a little more. Expect an eventual update on this one.

Flavors: Earth, Floral, Grass, Malt, Molasses, Nuts, Sweet, Sweet Potatoes

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 0 min, 15 sec 1 tsp 7 OZ / 207 ML

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First Off, Current Targets:
Taiwan Sourcing Luxurious Jade Sampler (FRICKIN’ PRICEY)
Taiwan Sourcing Longhan Nectar Red Oolong

The best Alishan and or Lishan for the best price
The best Jade Oolong Period.
The best Dancong Period.

What-Cha:
Nepal Jun Chiyabari ‘Himalayan Tippy’ Black Tea
Lishan (I’m always stocking up on it)

My wish list is fairly accurate though it is broad.

Current Favorites:
Shang Tea/Phoenix Tea:
Tangerine Blossom

Golden Tea Leaf Company:
Iris Orchid Dancong Oolong
Dung Ting Oolong (green)
Ali Mountain Oolong

What-Cha:
Taiwan Amber GABA Oolong
Vietnam Red Buffalo Oolong
China Yunnan Pure Bud Golden Snail Black Tea
Taiwan Lishan Oolong
Kenya ‘Rhino’ Premium White Tea

Hugo Tea: Vanilla Black Chai

Liquid Proust Teas:
French Toast Dianhong
Nostalgia

Floating Leaves Tea:
Dayuling

Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.:
“Old Style” Dong Ding

Me:

I am an MSU graduate about to become a 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), 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 with a dominant Eastern Asian influence. 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.