Best Oolong Tea to Buy: Tie Guan Yin, Dan Cong, Wuyi Rock and GABA Compared

There is no single "best oolong", because oolong is the widest category in tea. It runs from nearly green and floral to dark, roasted and mineral. So the useful question is not "which is best" but "which style fits what I already like". Here are five common ones, side by side. For the full background, start with oolong explained.

Tie Guan Yin (Anxi, Fujian)

The most famous oolong. The modern light style is green, creamy and floral; a roasted version is darker, nuttier and warmer. It is a very good first oolong for anyone who likes jasmine or floral drinks. Read why people love Tie Guan Yin, then compare a light Tie Guan Yin with a roasted one.

Dan Cong (Phoenix Mountain, Guangdong)

Single-bush teas, often named after the aroma they are said to resemble, such as honey orchid. The cup is highly aromatic and can be dramatic. It suits people who love fragrance and are curious about how much flavour a tea can carry. See Dan Cong explained, and try Mi Lan Xiang or Ya Shi Xiang.

Wuyi rock tea (Fujian)

Roasted, mineral and layered, the style behind famous names like Da Hong Pao. The key word is "yan yun", the rock-and-charcoal depth that experienced drinkers look for. It suits people who like dark, deep flavours, and it is more demanding to brew. Our guide to yan yun explains the term, and Da Hong Pao: what you are really buying is a useful read before you shop. A Wuyishan Da Hong Pao is a natural place to start.

Oriental Beauty (Dong Fang Mei Ren, Taiwan)

A heavily oxidised oolong with honey, ripe fruit and a soft, round body. Often a good oolong for people who normally find tea too bitter. See Oriental Beauty.

GABA oolong (Taiwan)

Processed in a way that changes its chemistry and gives a sweet, fruity cup that often reminds people of dried fruit and honey. Read what GABA processing does, then try Wild Honey GABA or Volcanic GABA.

Which one first?

• Like floral, fresh drinks: light Tie Guan Yin.
• Like deep, dark flavours: Wuyi rock tea or a roasted oolong.
• Like fruity, sweet cups: Oriental Beauty or GABA.
• Love aroma above everything: Dan Cong.

Roast changes a lot, so oolong roasting levels is worth reading too. You can see every style in the oolong category.