Details
LUMBINI OP1(Estate Black tea)
Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
Region: Ruhunu
Grade: OP1 (Orange Pekoe 1)
Altitude: 1600 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: A most satisfying tea that is smooth with excellent 'mouth feel' and a plum-like finish.
Infusion: Coppery red tending orange.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea
Information:
Although most of Sri Lanka's better-known teas are produced farther up-country in the Uva and Dimbula growing districts, many fabulous teas are grown at the comparatively lower elevations of the Ruhunu region. Most plantations in Ruhunu are situated at roughly 2000 feet (Lumbini falls into this category). Teas grown in the Ruhunu tend to be full bodied and thick, with an arguably more robust mouth feel than the high grown teas Sri Lanka is famous for. Lumbini OP 1 is a stunning example of this regional character. The estate is considered one of the finest in the area and in August 2006, was awarded a One Star rating by the Sri Lankan tea board. Earning the star requires excellence in 5 categories: tea quality, estate productivity, hygiene practices, production excellence and social responsibility programs.
One sip of Lumbini's OP1 offering and you'll understand why the estate deserved the award. The full-bodied cup leads with a brooding character that rolls over the tongue followed by the round, sultry expressiveness of plum, finishing with long satisfying layers of astringency. With its bright, coppery infusion, Lumbini OP1 can be enjoyed straight, or with a dash of milk to help open the cup an amazing tea.