From Local Gardens in Sri Lanka to Global Fields: Our Tea Sources
Embark on a journey with us as we traverse the world of tea, from the lush local gardens to the vast global terrains. Our commitment to quality and diversity leads us to source the finest teas from renowned regions. We bring together the best of both worlds – the rich, traditional flavours from our local producers and the exotic, unique blends from international estates. Each cup reflects our dedication to excellence, sustainability, and the celebration of global tea cultures.
Sri Lanka
Among our prized tea sources is Sri Lanka, renowned for its picturesque tea plantations nestled amidst lush landscapes and known for the exceptional Orthodox Black Teas in the world. From the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya to the sun-kissed fields of Ruhuna, we handpick the finest Ceylon teas, each imbued with the distinct flavours and heritage of this idyllic island nation that is our cherished homeland.
Nuwara Eliya, nestled at elevations above 6000 ft, yields teas boasting a light golden hue with a refreshing citrus fragrance. The cool temperatures of this high-altitude region, particularly during February to April, contribute to its distinct quality. When brewed lightly, its smoothness delights, while iced, it offers a refreshing twist.
Nestled on the western slopes of the district, Dimbula's tea boasts a golden-orange hue and a refreshing, mellow taste, best savoured between February and April during its quality season. Thriving at altitudes exceeding 4000 ft, Dimbula tea is a delightful choice, whether enjoyed pure or with a splash of milk.
Located in Sri Lanka's Central Province, the Kandy region boasts a stunning landscape dotted with tea estates like Nilambe, Hantane, and Gampola. Renowned for its 'mid-grown' tea, the area benefits from altitudes of 2000-4000 ft, yielding distinctively flavorful teas celebrated by tea connoisseurs worldwide.
The Uda Pussellawa region, nestled near Nuwara Eliya, offers teas with a medium body and delicate character. Its traditional quality season spans July to September, yet the dry, cold conditions of the first quarter of the year result in a spectrum of rosy teas, renowned for their lighter flavour profiles.
The Uva region in Sri Lanka yields teas boasting a distinct character, renowned for their mellow, smooth taste. Grown at elevations ranging from 3000 to 5000 ft above sea level, teas from this region exhibit their unique qualities, particularly shining during the quality season from July to September.
Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka, the Sabaragamuwa region boasts tea leaves akin in appearance and colour to Ruhuna, yet its higher altitude imparts a subtly lighter hue to the cup. A distinct aroma, reminiscent of sweet caramel, distinguishes it, while its flavour profile, particularly in low-grown varieties, leaves a memorable impression.
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka, the Ruhuna region epitomises tea cultivation at its finest. Despite its modest size, this region yields a bounty of richly flavorful tea, characterised by its dark reddish hue and captivating caramel notes. Perfect for aficionados seeking a robust, indulgent brew, whether enjoyed pure or with a splash of milk.
Discover Sri Lanka's Unique Sourcing Regions
China
China is known as the ‘Cradle of Tea’ and where the culture of drinking tea originated. Its four main tea growing regions produce a variety of brews including black tea, green tea, yellow tea, Oolong tea and white tea. Chinese black tea is generally mild and soothing, while its green tea is bright with a floral aroma and a sharp taste.
Kenya
Kenya’s unique climate makes it an all-year tea growing destination with black tea being its most popular product. Kenyan black tea has a copper tint, with full-bodied flavour which makes it ideal for blending into English Breakfast tea. Kenyan tea is also known to be high in antioxidants because of the high altitude conditions it is grown in.
India
India has three main tea growing regions – Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri. Black tea from Assam is bright in colour and has a malty flavour, making it ideal for English Breakfast Tea. Darjeeling tea is grown on Himalayan foothills at an altitude of 6000 ft above sea level, giving its brew a fragrant aroma and distinctly sweet taste.
Taiwan
Taiwan is famous for its many variations of Oolong tea which has qualities in between traditional black tea and green tea. Oolong tea from Taiwan is generally grown at high altitudes and is light in colour with a complex aroma and full-bodied texture. Tea from Taiwan is often branded under ‘Formosa Tea’ which refers to the island’s old name.
Japan
Japan has a rich heritage of growing tea dating back to the 12th century BC. Tea is grown in all parts of the country except Hokkaido in the North. Japan’s most popular brews are Sencha and Matcha tea which are green teas famous for their smooth sweetness, bright colour and the healing properties they are believed to have.
Vietnam
Vietnam has been exporting tea to the world since the 1880s, but its local culture of drinking tea dates back centuries. Vietnam produces green tea, black tea and white tea, in addition to its famous specialty which is lotus tea. It’s a green tea and lotus leaf infusion that creates a brew with a rich floral aroma and soothing taste.