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“Big ol’ long leaves just like the picture; I am going to have to think about this one a lot. Steeps to a rich, deep red orange and has the essence of citrus and sweet spice. But not perky...” Read full tasting note
“I was surprised to discover that I hadn’t already rated this lovely Ceylon so here it goes: In my book, this is the archetype of a high quality Ceylon. You get what you see: the hand rolled leaves...” Read full tasting note
“I really like Harney’s Amba Ceylon but when I went to order some I found it to be out of stock. I checked with a number of other vendors, with the same result. A google search turned up Single...” Read full tasting note
“Long time, no see. I’ve been away, and when I wasn’t, I was at work. So there. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time to drink tea either. I tried a few new ones though, and I’ll try to write notes...” Read full tasting note
This tea comes from one of the few artisanal tea producers in Sri Lanka. It is also the finest example of terroir in Sri Lanka. We feel it accurately represents the Uva climate in this diverse country; the high altitude and harsh drought conditions this estate faces create a unique and unrivaled quality. These stressful growing conditions are then complimented with a fine level of plucking: one leaf and one bud. Hand rolled, fermented and dried, this tea receives a level of care that is close to devotion. We believe this tea to be our finest!
Amba is prized because of the unique, menthol almost eucalyptus aroma from the leaves. Add a maraschino cherry sweetness with the classic citrus undertones of Sri lanka and you experience a very complex cup of tea!
Uva is one of the many premier tea regions of Sri Lanka. This highly mountainous region proves ideal for tea. Across the valley from Amba one can see Lipton’s Seat, one of the best view points in Sri Lanka.
While not certified; we know Amba to be an organic tea estate. Located at the top of the Ravana Ella falls, Amba looks out over a dramatic tableau of the Sri Lankan mountains, and is truly the perfect place for growing tea. It is operated by an aid worker, Beverly, who utilizes her knowledge of Sri Lanka to bring economic development to the region of Ambadandegama, as well as several charities around the area and in Colombo.
One of the classics, this is what an Uva Ceylon can and should taste like! We would urge you first to try it without milk, as its delicious nature deserves to be appreciated on its own
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Big ol’ long leaves just like the picture; I am going to have to think about this one a lot. Steeps to a rich, deep red orange and has the essence of citrus and sweet spice. But not perky cinnamon-orangey. Deep, dark spice. Nutmeg, maybe.
For sure, it’ll change any preconceived notions you have about Ceylon teas!
I was surprised to discover that I hadn’t already rated this lovely Ceylon so here it goes:
In my book, this is the archetype of a high quality Ceylon.
You get what you see: the hand rolled leaves you see in the image are exactly what you get, once steeped they unfurl and give off that wonderful earthy-Ceylon smell. None of that menthol aroma on these tea leaves.
This tea has both earthy and floral notes, and its a lovely amber color. As the tea cools the earthiness becomes more predominant. When piping hot – my favorite way to drink tea – the steam an floral aroma mix and its not so bad to be awake in the early morning. The smooth floral flavor has an elusive hint of fruit that I just cant put my finger on.
This also makes a delicious iced tea with or without lemon.
I really like Harney’s Amba Ceylon but when I went to order some I found it to be out of stock. I checked with a number of other vendors, with the same result. A google search turned up Single Origen Teas in Texas and they had some in stock. I ordered 2 – 2 oz packets and it is as good as the Harney’s Amba Ceylon.
It is a very wonderful tea with a really deep smell and flavor. It is light enough to be drunk without cream or sugar, my normal way of drinking it. But often I’ll add some sugar if I drink it in the afternoon. It is an excellent and very unique tea.
I like this too…
Glad to hear you enjoy it! Amba is a tricky estate due to its small size It has maybe 6 acres in production. A private buyer buys up all of the dry season production; so come August/September everyone’s Amba is usually running low! I tend to stock up right before the dry season hits just to be prepared.
We should be stocking Amba’s Chai blend with spices all grown either on the estate or right next to it. Next time you order (and if we have it in stock!) mention it on your order form (or send us an e-mail) and I’ll pass on a sample so you can try some. :)
Long time, no see. I’ve been away, and when I wasn’t, I was at work. So there. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time to drink tea either. I tried a few new ones though, and I’ll try to write notes about some of them.
This tea completely surprised me because it’s really a ceylon. And I never thought a ceylon could taste like this. Very malty with the best bitterness that I have experienced in tea. It’s a kind of bitterness you would get from honey, where you can almost taste the pollen and this honey’s very early planty origin. I am probably not expressing myself clear but OH WELL. ;D It was bittersweet, like the most beautiful goodbyes – does that make more sense?
Anyway, I really loved this tea and I will be definitely getting more of it. It resteeps fairly well, too, although loses a bit of its beauty in the process. I also think that I have to revise my approach towards ceylons. They are not all boring…
Thank you, Single Origin Teas, for sending me a generous sample to try!
Good morning Steepster!
This is such a delicious Ceylon, normally I’m not a fan of Ceylons, I can find them too bitter and wine-y. This has such a delicious flavor profile of cherry and a bit of menthol. It’s also “hefty” and has great body which is not something I normally associate with a Ceylon.
SOT says: One of the classics, this is what an Uva Ceylon can and should taste like!
I agree, it puts most of the other Ceylons I’ve had to shame. Evidently I’ve been drinking crap Ceylons but this is one I will gladly restock once it runs out. I’m also excited to be getting a couple of other things from them (hopefully this week).
There’s one other Ceylon that I liked equally as much and that was the Sam Bodhi by Palais de Thes. I just haven’t bothered restocking it that one because there weren’t too many other things from Palais de Thes that really “wowed” me & you have to spend $75 to get free shipping.
I’m still sick, although I am feeling like I’m a bit on the mend. I hope I survive the day, as I have writing class tonight that goes until 9 pm.
on to the wishlist hahaha
I’m getting a SOT order together. I may add this to it.
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better finally. :)
Veronica & Sil – you need some. he he he!
Cameron – TY!
Glad your feeling a little better. I love cherry notes in Ceylon’s. My Lumbini estate one fits that need for me right now but maybe I’ll try some from this estate in the future!
Hmmmm you’ve intrigued me :)
Thanks! As well-steeped as you are, I take that as a compliment of the highest order.
Interesting. I have a Ceylon that believe it or not I brew gongfu style. It’s syrupy and fruity. This one sounds lovely.
I am not a Ceylon person, but I recall liking this one.
I dislike high altitude Ceylons but love low altitude ones. This sounds like my cup o’ tea!
haha i haven’t tried a lot of teas… still so many to explore! but i’ve sort of stayed away from most ceylons (straight) so i’m intrigued enough to add to the list to try later!
I think Ceylons get a bad rap because the description shows up on so many cheap B-grade teabags.
probably :(