Georgia Natela's Gold Standard Black Tea

A fantastic tea made entirely by hand, with a brilliant smooth texture coupled with a sweet caramel and raisin taste.

2021 Update: After trying for a number of years and with considerable effort, it is with great excitement that Natela's Gold is back! Natela's Gold was purchased direct from the Georgian Hand-Made Tea Makers Association, who exclusively make 100% handmade Georgian teas.

The bulk of Georgia's teas during the Soviet era were sent to Russia with the local populace having to find 'creative' solutions to get their tea fix. While the tea producing factories were locked, the tea fields were open and unprotected. This resulted in the local villagers 'stealing' tea leaves to take home and manually process them by hand (as they had no equipment or machinery nor access to). Just like in China, each village would come up with it's own methods and styles of tea processing which would be passed down the generations.

Natela Gujabidze of Nagobilevi village, is a great example of this unique Georgian practice. Natela's mother in law taught her how to hand process the tea leaves Natela 'borrowed' from the state-run tea farm she worked on. After decades of honing her skill, Natela now guides her fellow Nagobilevi villagers in the art of hand-made teas.

It is my pleasure to offer Natela's Gold Standard, the best and rarest of Natela's teas, of which only 50 kilograms is produced each year.

Tasting Notes:
- No astringency or bitterness
- Incredibly smooth
- Sweet caramel and raisin taste

Harvest: 2021
Origin: Natela's Garden, Nagobilevi Village, Guria, Georgia
Farmer: Natela Gujabidze
Sourced: Direct from the Georgian Hand-Made Tea Makers Association

Brewing Advice:
- Heat water to roughly 90°C/194°F
- Use 2 teaspoon per cup/small teapot
- Brew for 4 minutes

Packaging: Resealable ziplock bag

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