Here at Rinaldo's, we are super proud to be buying from this family run estate in Sri Lanka. This stunning Orange Pekoe 1 Breakfast Tea is from the Devagiri Tea Estate in Yakkalamulla, Sri Lanka.
The first tea was planted at Devagiri in 1947 by Rosh's grandfather Francis Nanayakkara - a native Sri Lankan. He bought the estate, established a tea factory and dedicated his life to making the finest teas in the south of Sri Lanka.
By the time he died in 1975, Devagiri had built a reputation as one of Sri Lanka's best estates. The British had been gone from Sri Lanka for 27 years and the country was trying to find its feet as a self-governing nation. His children (Rosh's mum and her 9 siblings) took over in a volatile political and economic environment but,
despite the many challenges, they continued to produce excellent teas.
By 2020 the business was struggling and the community was at risk, the
volatile environment combined with the inequitable supply chain had become too much to bear. The family were devastated by the idea of selling their father's beloved Devagiri, but they could see no alternative and began looking for a buyer. The only offers made were from buyers who might use the land for other purposes; and the impact
of this would have been devastating for the community of almost 100 who live and work on the estate.
Then in 2022 Mike and Rosh were on holiday in Sri Lanka and happened to visit Devagiri. They were struck by the injustice that a community who had farmed the land for four generations could be displaced almost overnight. They also saw potential to turn things around and develop a business model less vulnerable to shared content
for buyers market volatility, and less at the mercy of the traditional supply chain. So, they raised investment, left their London careers and took on the task of running Devagiri.
Mike and Rosh were disappointed at the length of the supply chain and what this meant with so little going back to the people who produce tea and the lack of traceability and environmental accountability. So they began speaking with hospitality brands that wanted to know that the food and drink they were serving comes from both a good terroir and an ethical operation, with minimum carbon footprint.
We are very proud to be one of their partners and can't wait to share more of Rosh and Mike's teas with you.
English Breakfast has always been one of our best-selling teas but this gorgeous tea takes it up another notch. Move over Yorkshire, you got nowt on us.......
Country - Sri Lanka
Origin - Yakkalamulla, Sri Lanka
Leaf - Long, Wiry, black twisted
Aroma - Heady, malty, delicate fragrance
Liquor - Light & Coppery
Cupping Notes - Light & malty notes. No bitterness or astringency
Brewing Tips 2.5g in 250ml of water at 93°C. Steep for 3-5 mins.
