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Home  /   TEA  /  Black Tea  /  Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Black Teas
Ceylon - Vithanakande Estate


Ceylon - Vithanakande Estate

 Review Average:  
 Number of Reviews: 10
 Read Reviews | Write a Review
Item #: T0359
QTY 
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Detailed Description

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has been providing excellent teas since the mid 1800's and is currently one of the largest tea producing countries in the world. Prior to the introduction of tea plants to Sri Lanka, this country was primarily known for its crops of cinnamon and coffee. Due to economic changes, which affected the cinnamon crop, and a fungal disease, which devastated the coffee plants, Ceylon began experimenting with tea plants in 1839. It wasn't until 1867, when James Taylor, a British planter, began a tea plantation in Kandy, that tea was established as a viable industry. His venture was soon followed by other tea gardens in and around the area.

Sri Lanka has 6 growing regions: Kandy, Uda Pussellawa, Uva, Ruhuna, Dimbula and Nuwara Eliya. The central highlands of Sri Lanka offer humidity, cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall, all of which provide a favorable environment for high quality teas.

Ceylon teas are best paired with foods such as breakfast meals (breads, eggs, smoked fish, bacon, etc.), light savory foods, meats, eggs, cream cheese, pastries and fruit, to name a few.

This family owned and managed estate is located in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka, overlooking the Sinharaja rainforest. Their climate is perfect for growing these slender, black, twisted leaves that produce a light amber cup.

The tea is smooth drinking, with complex flavors, and a full body that has a slightly malty taste. Wonderful as a light breakfast tea or for afternoon enjoyment!

Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.

Customer Reviews
Very complex, strong flavor 6/23/2021
This is my most favorite tea. If you are like me and like black tea, try it. You will not be disappointed.
- Marina Mitsevich, IL
 
Still 5 Stars 5/24/2021
Just came across some notes I made on this Ceylon from S&V: Light, Mild, Clean, Pretty Amber and Low Astringency. In other words, another 5-Star S&V Ceylon.
- Jim, FL
 
Wide Flavor Variety with Brew Time 4/18/2020
Many teas vary on how long they brew. When the package says 3 minutes, it means 3 minutes for a sweet, delightful cup. We tried a 5 minute brew and the flavor changed completely. Lots of tannins and the bitterness came out at 5 minutes. Wonderful at 3 minutes and nearly undrinkable (to our palettes) at 5. Long leafed variety made putting it in mesh tea balls a little challenging. All things said, I liked it at 3 minutes enough to get more and watch my brew time.
- C McG, PA
 
 Click to read more reviews (7)  |  Write a Review
The Best of Ceylon 11/1/2019
The Vithanakande Estate offering from S&V is likely the best tea that can be purchased from the region. It retains the smooth, bold, and somewhat malty flavors Ceylon is known for, while adding a bit of complexity. When brewed right (1 even tsp, no more than 4 minutes at boil) the liquor is a deep reddish color, and has just a hint of nutty character. While I prefer this later in the day when the taste buds have really awoken, it would be enjoyable as a breakfast tea. Takes a tsp of sugar just fine, but that's all I'd add.
- Peter, CT
 
Just finished this pound of tea 12/30/2018
I am not a person that is good at describing things, so all that I can say about this tea is that it is super good, I make 2 gallons at a time for iced tea, this tea is great for that because it is a strong enough tea that I dont have to use much of it, I will order more at some time.
- Cheryl, AZ
 
My favorite-- 11/28/2018
I am an Assam drinker, but this is every bit as good as well as strong. And the big bonus is the price of it here. Other shops sell this for a ridiculous price. Just another reason for being a loyal customer
Candace Pritchard
 
Delightful 7/26/2018
One of my favorite teas I choose time and time again. Perfect on it's own. Feels almost heavy, but in a good way.
- TARA P, MO
 
Six stars 3/14/2018
This is a fabulous tea - I would give it six stars if I could. Very smooth and not too dark with a slightly sweet finish. I was amazed when I first tried it what an interesting cup of tea this selection makes (and great value, to boot). Currently my favourite tea for the afternoon.
THOMAS ZUMBROICH
 
Very elegant, rarefied cup of tea... 12/23/2016
A wonderful, crisp tea, still bold and big like other Ceylon teas but not earthy. Even the last sip from my cup (where with most teas I tend to notice a touch of sweetness and some dried fruit flavors) finished completely dry and clean. Thats what I mean by rarefied. Its like this tea was distilled down to nothing but its pure tea flavor. Unlike most teas it isnt reminiscent of other things, its just itself.
DAVID
 
A really lovely tea 9/6/2016
Im so glad I stumbled across this one! It truly is exceptionally smooth, with a gentle hint of maltiness. I find it perfect for my morning and afternoon tea breaks at my desk.
- WILL, KY
 






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