# GABA Dong Fang Mei Ren “Oriental Beauty” AAA, 2025
Dong Fang Mei Ren, or “Oriental Beauty,” is a Taiwanese oolong known for its distinctive fruity aroma and delicate white fuzz. The tea bushes used for this cultivar are particularly valued for their remarkable resilience. Historically, its exceptional aroma developed in response to cicadas feeding on the leaves, which influenced the tea’s distinctive flavor profile.
When warmed with your breath, the aroma is remarkably vibrant and almost effervescent. A lively sparkling acidity immediately fills the nose, while a harmonious bouquet of flowers and fruit unfolds. Fresh strawberries and juicy peach make an immediate impression, revealing the character of this GABA tea even before brewing.
The leaves are visually plump and tightly rolled. As they warm, their aroma develops gradually, moving from soft dark-green notes with flecks resembling “white pearls” toward more muted tones of tree bark.
The tea is made from leaves covered with fine white hairs, which later become visible throughout the chahai. The liquor is a beautiful amber-honey color, with the fine trichomes shimmering in the light.
The sweetness of ripe peach is pleasantly balanced by a refreshing acidity. As the tea session progresses, it develops the character of a berry-fruit mors: cranberry, red currant, sweet pear and even juicy mandarin emerge in the middle infusions. The finish is soft, with a distinct candy-like sweetness on the tip of the tongue followed by a lingering, pleasantly warming character in the throat.
For a delicate expression, brew this GABA tea at around 80–85°C. At this temperature, it reveals an elegant bouquet of jasmine, rosehip and acacia blossoms.
For a broader and deeper flavor profile, try breaking the usual rules for light and delicate teas and use water at around 90°C. This brings out a truly explosive, sparkling character with an intriguing warming finish.
The effect is very smooth and elegant. It creates a contemplative, introspective mood and encourages a more subtle and profound flow of thoughts than an ordinary working day. This GABA tea gently helps direct your thoughts and can provide inspiration and energy for personal projects and creative pursuits.
A wonderful choice for sharing with close friends and guests, and for taking a little time to reconnect with yourself.
