Tea’s growth is subject to climatic and topographical conditions much the same as any other plant. As a result, teas from one area of an estate will taste different to another - and even this will change from day to day depending on the temperature, humidity and the number of sunshine hours.

Sri Lanka holds a privileged rank at the top of 30 countries producing tea and is famed for its different varieties of the brew. Tea from a low grown elevation will usually be darker in liquor and leaf with a heavier flavor and feel. A medium elevation will yield a tea that will be easy drinking and have a fairly bright liquor. Some of the best varieties of tea come from the high-elevation plantations which produce teas which are bright in liquor and strong in flavor.

Senior hands in the business know that where the tea comes from matters as much as its Grade in the making of the perfect blend. FBOP tea from Kandy for instance would carry a different flavor to FBOP from an estate in Nuwara Eliya.

Tea Traders associate the following qualities and geographical reference to every ‘Lot’ which enters the weekly tea auctions in Colombo.

• Ceylon Tea by Geography
• Grades of Tea