B-GE-045

Georgian Black

ქართული ჩაი

Orthodox black, from Guria, Georgia.

Black tea

Georgian Black is strongest on sweetness, smoothness and body. Typical tasting words: honey, dried fig, dry wood, caramel, baked bread. Georgia was a massive tea supplier to the Soviet Union; recent decades have seen artisanal revitalization of historic cold-hardy tea gardens. Traditionally brewed strong using a samovar and served plain or with sweet fruit preserves (varenye).

Also known as Gruzinsky Chai and Georgia Orthodox Black.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency2umami1brightness2body3smoothness4aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral1fruity3vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty2malty2honey3spicy0woody2earthy2smoky0creamy0citrus0stone fruit1tropical0cocoa1caramel2

Facts

Origin: Guria, Georgia
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Harvest: spring to mid summer, May to July
Elevation: low
Oxidation: 85 to 95%
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: twisted
Price band: mid-range
Availability: specialist
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 4 of 5
L-theanine: low

Made by: withering, then rolling, then oxidation, then drying, then sorting.

Caffeine

A cup of Georgian Black carries a typical estimate of 45 mg of caffeine, within a range of 35 to 60 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	90 to 95 °C	3 min, 4 min, 5 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	5 g	90 to 95 °C	25 s, 30 s, 40 s, 60 s, 90 s, 2 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
afternoon
breakfast
relaxing

Pairs with pastry, scones_cakes and sweets. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.