The tiny island of Sri Lanka exports as much tea as India. Teas here are graded by their region and elevation. The higher the altitude, the better the grade.
Ruhuna Highland Estate OP (Strong Black Tea) : (Formerly "Kenilworth Highland Estate OP") Ceylon's rugged central mountains are home to the incomparable Ruhuna Estate, in the cool clouds at 2,500 feet above the Indian Ocean. Here the tea leaves grow very slowly, producing teas of intense fragrance and flavor. The rare "O.P." grade, the abbreviation for "Orange Pekoe" (contrary to common thought, having no reference to the taste of orange, they are instead anglicized words taken from the 17th century Chinese tea trade) denotes the cherished largest pieces of leaf. This fine Xanadu tea creates an extraordinary golden-colored cup that is perfect as an afternoon or evening tea. Strongly flavored, with a pleasantly assertive quality, this tea may be enjoyed black, or with a splash of milk for extra richness.
Ceylon Supreme #1 (Strong Black Tea): The district of Dimbula produces this tea, one of the world's finest and most challenging to harvest. Grown at over 2,000 feet in the south-central mountains of Ceylon, this tea is harvested by hand in January and February when the leaves are young and tender, filled with the maximum amount of flavor. After harvest, Ceylon Supreme #1 leaves are quickly withered to soften the leaves and concentrate the flavor, and rolled repeatedly into their circular shape. The flavor of Ceylon Supreme #1 is full, with a dark amber extraction. Smooth - with a remarkable depth enhanced by its moderate acidity - this Xanadu tea may be enjoyed black, or with a bit of milk for extra richness.
