Black tea · Revival tea
Georgian Black
7.3/10 editor's score
Black tea from western Georgia, once a giant of Soviet tea and now being revived by small farms making orthodox, hand-processed teas.
Based on published sources, not yet tasted.
What you need
At a glance
Black tea from western Georgia, once a giant of Soviet tea and now being revived by small farms making orthodox, hand-processed teas.
About Georgian Black
What sources say about the taste
Writers on Georgian tea describe it as smooth and honeyed with low astringency, but quality varies a lot by producer.
First sip
Lift the cup and smell before you drink.
Middle
Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.
Finish
What stays after you swallow.
Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.
Where it grows
History and culture
Tea came to Georgia in the 19th century, and the village of Chakvi near Batumi is remembered as the birthplace of Georgian tea production 2.
In Soviet times tea was one of Georgia's main crops and most of it was sold to other Soviet republics, though quality fell in the 1970s and 1980s 1. Today small producers make orthodox teas in much smaller volumes.
Editor's score
Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.
Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →
Taste profile and caffeine+
Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.
Caffeine
Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.
Harvest calendar+
Georgia picks tea from late spring to early autumn. Tap a month or a season.
Cultivars and plant+
Camellia sinensis bushes from the old plantations, many left unpruned for years 1.
How it is made+
By hand.
Indoors.
Often by hand.
Full.
Fired.
Dry leaf and liquor+
The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.
Food pairings and storage+
Works well
- Khachapuri
- Walnut sweets
- Honey cake
Best avoided
- Very spicy food
Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.
Storage
- Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
- Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
- Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes+
No common grade system. Producer and harvest matter most.
How to spot a poor or fake one
- Buy from named small producers.
- Check the harvest year.
FAQ+
Is Georgian tea organic?
Many old plantations were abandoned and now grow without chemicals, but check for certification.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Agriculture in Georgia (country)". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Georgia_(country)
- Wikipedia, "Chakvi". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakvi
- Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372
Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.