Sri Lanka has a unique tropical climate that allows for continual, year-round harvesting of tea. The island features striking microclimates ideal for tea production at every altitude. Tea in Sri Lanka is classified by elevation: low, medium or high grown. Each is distinct, creating remarkable variety for a country which produces almost exclusively black tea. Rosyth Tea is low grown. Pahata Rata “Low Country” are low grown (Sea Level-2,000 ft). Teas grown in the plains and foothills of Sri Lanka produce full bodied, colorful and hearty cups of tea. The leaves are often larger, fuller and more wiry in appearance. The stronger flavour is particularly popular in the Middle Eastern and Russian markets and is sold at some of the highest prices at auction in Colombo.
For decades our Rosyth Estate Single Origin Tea had been processed at our local factory at the top our hill, which had been in operation from 1930 until earlier this year when it forced to close down. At 1,000 feet above sea level, our handpicked tea was used to produce orange pekoe in different grades and fannings, with the highest grade referred to as OP. Top quality pekoe grades consist mainly of buds and traditional grading is based on the size of the individual leaves which is separated by special meshes. The size and the wholeness of the leaves has the greatest influence on the taste, clarity and brewing time of the tea.
The Rosyth Tea Factory was not owned by the Rosyth Estate House and had been independently operated for generations. Unfortunately, during a tragic fire that took place at the Rosyth Tea Factory in April 2022, the majority of the factory was destroyed leaving it unable to function. It was extremely damaging, not only to the owners but also the local community due to the dozens of people who relied on Rosyth Tea Factory for employment.
We are determined to move away from the traditional methods of producing tea that have remained the same since the colonial era. At the Rosyth Estate House, we have begun our journey to become an organic, artisanal producer of Sri Lankan tea.
Removing mechanisation from our processes we have started to produce hand-rolled tea which is carefully crafted on the estate by our local artisans.
We have constructed our own micro tea factory where our artisans are based. This project is wholeheartedly community-focused as we look to improve the economic sustainability of our valley. Each and every person connected to the production of our tea is a partner of ours with a stake in our future success. Our partners share 10% of the revenue generated from the tea sales.
We hope our initiative will vastly increase the prosperity of our local community with the skills and investment to help it flourish
Rosyth Estate House – Our Tea Story Sri Lanka has a unique tropical climate that allows for continual, year-round harvesting of tea. The island features striking microclimates ideal for tea production at every altitude. Tea in Sri Lanka is classified by elevation: low, medium or high grown. Each is distinct, creating a remarkable variety for…
Since the devastating fire at the Rosyth Tea factory in April 2022, not owned by the Rosyth Estate House, we have worked hard to support and to find employment for as many of the workers as we could. Currently we are happy to report that we have employed 18 on our estate, tapping rubber, plucking…
Following the incredible generosity of our friends and past guests over the past few weeks, we received over £10,000.00 in donations to our appeal to help the employees of the Rosyth Tea Factory, which burnt down at the end of April & the local community. Neil & Farzana have just spent July and August in Sri…
