“I pushed the rating on this down a bit. The dry leaf is a little funky. I don’t know how to describe it…I still really enjoy the flavor, and the texture is silky. I’d still be happy to have it...” Read full tasting note
Under Russian control, Georgia was the main producer of tea for Soviet Samovars from the 1890s (bulk produced, fairly low quality). Since gaining independence from Russia, the black tea that Georgian families have been making for over a hundred years in their farmhouses by the traditional method has become more popular, both inside and outside Georgia.
Some of this handmade tea is produced without any machinery at all, if machines are used then they are small-scale and locally designed, more often than not they are crafted by the local blacksmith. Around 700 handmade tea producers formed the Caucasus Tea Farmers Association in 2003, and these traditional skills are being passed down through to a new generation of tea makers. This tea is made by Iuri in the tiny village of Nasakirali.
Canton Tea Co is a London-based tea company trading in high grade, whole leaf Chinese tea. We have exclusive access to some of the best jasmine, white, green, oolong, black and authentic puerh teas available. In our first year, we scooped Six Golds at the 2009 Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards. Our Jasmine Pearls won the top three star gold award, endorsing it as the best available in the UK.