This is the Guozi Shule Grape Oolong. It uses a bai ya qi lan oolong tea base flavoured with the juice of black summer grapes. Bai ya qi lan is a lightly oxidised oolong from Pinghe County, Fujian Province, China, named for its light-coloured young spring buds (‘bai ya’ meaning ‘white bud’) and its orchid aroma (‘qi lan’ meaning ‘strange orchid’).
The tea had a clear red-purple hue with a floral grape aroma and light toasted notes. The grape flavour was immediate, sweet with a subtle acidity, followed by the undertones of the oolong. Initially subtle, the oolong developed bright floral orchid notes, as suggested by its aroma. The light roasting of the oolong added a velvety-sweet toasted quality to the typically fresher orchid notes. In the finish, a subtle astringency emerged without any bitterness, with the grape receding and leaving a lingering orchid presence in the aftertaste.
Unlike the brnad’s other floral-flavoured teas (1, 2), the unique, velvety-sweet notes were enhanced by the grape juice, making this a refreshing and distinct tea beverage worth repurchasing.
This Guozi Shule Summer Black Grape Oolong contained 500 mL. It was produced in China and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.