Seven regions. One island.
Ceylon tea is sold by where and how high it grows. From Nuwara Eliya’s cold heights to the warm valleys of Ruhuna, each region gives the cup a different character.
We do not own estates. We buy from them, through the Colombo auction, where every lot is catalogued by estate, region and grade before it is sold.
That gives our buyers a choice no single estate can offer: high grown brightness, mid grown body or low grown strength, matched to the market they sell into.
“Altitude decides the cup. We buy with that in mind.”
Monarch Teas
High grown
Above 1,200 m. Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussellawa, Dimbula and Uva. Bright, brisk and fragrant.
Mid grown
600 to 1,200 m around Kandy. Full-bodied, strong and coppery, a steady base for blends.
Low grown
Below 600 m in Sabaragamuwa and Ruhuna. Dark, sweet and strong, with the leafy grades the Gulf loves.
The seven tea regions of Ceylon.
Every auction lot is catalogued by region and elevation. These are the districts we buy from, with the character buyers look for and the months each one is at its best.
01
High grown
Nuwara Eliya
Above 1,800 m
Light, delicate and floral, with a pale golden liquor. The most fragrant Ceylon.
Best January to March
02
High grown
Dimbula
1,100 to 2,500 m
Brisk and refreshing with a bright, golden-orange liquor. The classic high-grown cup.
Best January to March
03
High grown
Uda Pussellawa
950 to 1,600 m
Medium body with a faint rosy note. Sits between Nuwara Eliya and Uva in character.
Best July to September
04
High grown
Uva
900 to 1,800 m
Mellow and aromatic, with a distinctive note when the dry Uva winds blow.
Best July to September
05
Mid grown
Kandy
600 to 1,200 m
Full-bodied, strong and coppery. A steady base for blends all year.
Made year-round
06
Low grown
Sabaragamuwa
Up to 750 m
Dark, sweet liquor with a hint of caramel. Leafy grades are a Gulf favourite.
Made year-round
07
Low grown
Ruhuna
Up to 600 m
Black, well-made leaf with a rich, malty cup. Home of the tippy FBOPF grades.
Made year-round
Need a single-region lot?
Tell us the district, grade and quantity. We will shortlist matching lots from this week’s catalogues.
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