Picture this beautiful scenario: Mist-kissed mountains standing tall and proud in all their glory, lush green tea plantations cover massive expanses of the hills, while you hold a warm cup of Russel’s Ceylon Fine Tea in your hands and feast your eyes on the marvellous vistas in front of you. As you take that first sip of this soothing brew, you are transported into a mystic realm of centuries-old culture, tradition and mystery. Russel’s Ceylon Fine Teas are more than just another beverage; it’s a tale woven over the years to bind and connect souls using unique infusions of tea leaves.
Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the world of Ceylon Fine Teas?
The Origins of Ceylon Tea
This wondrous story begins in the 1800s when tea plants were smuggled from China to Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. This occurred when Ceylon was still under the British rule. They made their way to the lush highlands of the island, where they were initially planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy.
A Scottish pioneer named James Taylor arrived in Ceylon and managed the highly fruitful coffee plantations on the island within the Kandy region. At that time, Ceylon grew to become one of the largest coffee producers in the world – until, disaster struck in the form of the coffee rust disease, that almost wiped out coffee production altogether in the following two decades.
The Birth of Tea in Sri Lanka
Due to the loss in revenue, the idea of experimenting with tea cultivation was presented to James Taylor and he readily took upon the challenge. He collected some tea seeds from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and planted them along the roadsides of Loolecondera, the estate that previously housed the massively profitable coffee plantations.
His attempts proved to be very successful and within a span of 12 months, James Taylor was able to expand tea cultivation to 19 acres of the Loolecondera Estate. Thus, the first ever tea estate was born in Sri Lanka and the island created a new industry.
James Taylor is fondly regarded by many as the ‘father’ of Ceylon Tea – a title he rightly deserved.
He went onto operate a fully-fledged tea factory at the Loolecondera Estate, after which the very first tea sale was made in Kandy, and tea plantations gradually converted into a lucrative venture.
The Diversity of Ceylon Black Tea
Ceylon black tea flaunts a vibrant range, varying between delicate light amber to deep, rich mahogany hues. Each shade is unique to its origin—altitude, soil, and processing methods. However, it’s not just the color that sets Ceylon black tea apart but also the tantalizing tastes, vastly different from each other.
- Highland Elegance (Dimbulla and Nuwara Eliya): The briskness, the floral notes—it’s like a symphony for your taste buds. Dimbulla and Nuwara Eliya teas dance with elegance, leaving a lingering melody of citrus and mountain air.
- Midland Magic (Kandy): Its teas are robust, full-bodied, and carry a hint of spice. Think of warm cinnamon buns and cozy evenings by a fireplace; Kandy tea wraps you in such comfort.
- Southern Charisma (Uva): Uva tea is like a sun-kissed afternoon – bright, brisk, and slightly tangy. Close your eyes, and you’ll taste the sun filtering through tea leaves, infusing them with life and their energy flowing into you.
Terrain Tales of Ceylon Black Tea
The terrain where tea is cultivated in Sri Lanka defines the unique profile it will take. The same tea plant grown at different elevations, yields distinct flavors.
- High – Up to 6000 feet : Here, the air is thin, the sun gentle. Tea leaves grow slowly, concentrating flavors and creating floral, delicate teas.
- Mid – 2000 – 4000 feet : Tea leaves bask in the perfect balance of sun and mist. These teas are bold yet nuanced.
- Low – Below 2000 feet: The warmth intensifies and tea leaves unfurl, revealing their character. These teas are robust, with a touch of earthiness.
Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or simply a curious soul, Russel’s Ceylon Fine Teas invite you to take a sip and dream of this wonderfully woven history and mystical tale.
