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So, I received this tea as part of a group order organized by Martin Bednar about a year and a half ago, in late pandemic times. I did end up with COVID-19 three times (so far) and for a long while was not trusting my senses of taste and smell. Hence lack of review until now!

I was excited to support the resurgence of tea cultivation in Eastern Europe, and am pleased to see that at least some tea gardens are doing well (see https://www.fao.org/support-to-investment/news/detail/en/c/1682769/ ). I’m not sure whether the 1847 group is still active or not, as their facebook page seems quiescent. I appreciated the few photographs they sent along with the tea, and do feel a connection.

Today I have continued brewing leaves from my jar of Georgian Tea 1847 Classic Black. 2 tsp per pint (16 oz) boiling alpine spring water, Western style. I do not detect any notes of the assamica varietal in taste or aroma, so I’m assuming this is straight C. sinensis var. sinensis. The tea is strong black tea, but not at all astringent. The brewed aroma was pleasant, if unremarkable. The flavor profile is good, and grabs one from the first sip, without any sweetness or noticeable defects. The long-lasting finish is enjoyable and left a nice lingering flavor on my tongue, motivating me to brew another pot of it! Because of the neutrality of the taste, this type might be suited for blending with floral or berry. Citrus might overpower it, unless used very judiciously. Still, this is a good quality tea, having a unique story, and I would recommend it if it can be found.

As an aside, I loved the photos of their tea shop and museum that have been posted to Google Maps and, if the shop survives, I’d love to visit it some day!