RayStantzPhD
750
PART 2
However,
there is also a real machine in this room that is exclusively used to produce /
prepare the leaves for Oolong tea. As probably some of you know, this is a
variant in-between green and black. Whereas with green tea, the leaves are not ‘artificially
damaged’ at all and look again like you plucked them after being brewed, the
black tea leaves are rolled completely and heavily to start / support oxidation.
Now what is the intermediate of damaged and not damaged at all? Correct, slightly
damaged 
And in case of Oolong, traditionally, this happens very specifically
at the edges of the leaves, so the center part stays intact. You need something
like a revolving drum then that can touch / damage at the circumference:
And in case of Oolong, traditionally, this happens very specifically
at the edges of the leaves, so the center part stays intact. You need something
like a revolving drum then that can touch / damage at the circumference: 
Next,
I will show a series of pictures that are more or less self-explanatory with
some added text in them. What happens in the production hall is stopping of
oxidation of green tea as well as ‘baking’ of black tea for smokey flavors in
the gas propelled heater drums; rolling of the black tea leaves to ease
oxidation with the mechanically very beautiful roller machines; oxidate the black-ish
teas in an oxidizer with water supply for an intense hot-humid environment; and
dry the tea at the end.
Of
course, my wife also sported some horological prowess, with the 35mm first gen Co-Ax
OMEGA Constellation in yellow bicolor and this awesome dial that is now equally
discontinued as the 100m water resistance of this model line, that made it a
perfect chic mother’s watch that can take a serious spit or more… 
Now
a glimpse into the final production room, which is the sorting (and packaging)
room. Mind that sometimes 10 to 15 percent of the already produced and refined
tea gets sorted out. You can see how that ‘material’ looks like. You could brew
it but it is considered optically not good enough for the final product.
In
a side room, we were shown more of that leftover material that is used as
fertilizer in the fields AND this demo sign that could bear YOUR name for a
little extra money on the first order. That way the individual bushes that you
adopted for your yearly delivery are marked and reserved for the customer. A
nice idea and touch that already hints at the (smaller) manufacture character
of the company, that wants to grow still, yes, but not too big and always stay
in touch with the customers.
At
the end of the visit, we received the treat in the tasting room. As we already
knew many varieties and already ordered tea for ourselves, we could discuss a
bit more intensively the characteristics and try some old and new ones.
The
most popular and demanded varieties could be bought directly here at the
manufacture. We took this opportunity as we already know that our last year’s
initial order volume is too small as we will consume probably 80-90% Renegade
tea in the future.
I hope
that this report could give you a little glimpse into the (still) exotic country
Georgia, an artisanal tea manufacture operated by real enthusiasts and local
workers and…three abruptly sneaked-in wrist shots to justify the report being
posted in a watch forum
Artisanal tea manufacturing in Georgia (the country!)
This is a picture-heavy report of my visit to the Renegade Tea Estate (feel free to google them and find them on IG for more info on their very young company story) in Georgia, in the mountains near the very old city of Kutaisi (some of you probably know ...
They claim it is... anyway they are early adopters for sure!
Thanks for looking, Alex
PART 2
However, there is also a real machine in this room that is exclusively used to produce / prepare the leaves for Oolong tea. As probably some of you know, this is a variant in-between green and black. Whereas with green tea, the leaves are not ‘artificiall...
I like lightly fermented Oolong tea!
What's the elevation of the farm where the tea is grown?
They got you covered then...
... as their range of Oolong is quite wide from almost green to almost black. You will find info on the plantations here: www.renegadetea.com
Thanks and part 2 is up already!
Tea plants are quite robust actually, here in this region of Georgia the winter is strong. The frost actually helps avoiding the use of chemicals because many insects die in the winter.
