Journey from a leaf to your cuppa
Even after 31 years in the industry, the Chairman of the Tea and Herb Company Senaka Kotagama confesses that he still finds tea tasting and
The tour in progress. Pix by Athula Devapriya
blending extremely fascinating. “It is a feast for the senses,” he told journalists while conducting the company’s inaugural Tea and Herb Tour.
The journey of the tea leaf from the point at which it is plucked until it reaches the tea cup and that in-between process of blending and tasting is what the Colombo Tea and Herb Tour is all about.
A unique venture by the Tea and Herb Company, a growing entity in the industry of tea in Sri Lanka established 16 years ago by Mr. Kotagama, the Colombo Tea and Herb Tour is an enthralling two hour journey into the world of tea at the company’s state of the art factory in Mulleriyawa – an event both fun and informative.
“This programme is dedicated to sharing with the world, the world of tea; to provide more than a glimpse of the technical and technological aspects of the modern tea industry. Up until now, what happens in the process of making tea has remained within the walls of the tea factory. Through the tour we have created an opportunity to share with the public some of the goings-on within this state of the art facility,”
A taste of tea: Senaka Kotagama shows the way
Mr. Kotagama said.
A delightful glass of Real Berry Iced Tea is served at the starting point, and the exciting tea tour starts with a brief educational presentation on harvesting and manufacturing of Ceylon Tea, leading up to a factory tour to see the tea grading, tasting, processing and packing facility. Thus participants are familiarised with the entire process involved.
From the rather hot and humid confines of the factory, next you step outdoors to the tempting spread of tea that awaits you under a marquee. Beautifully laid out on a crisp white table cloth is the range including Ceylon teas from different elevations to the more exotic ones from around the world, fancy blends that include natural herbs, spices and fruit pieces and the wellness tea range.
Undoubtedly the most anticipated segment of the tour, here is where you experience the fine art of tea tasting from gauging the quality of leaves through visual inspection, touch and aroma or feeling their distinct characteristics through the spoonful of liquid that you slurp into your mouth.
There will be professional tea tasters to guide you along the way to sample different teas, delightful fruit, herb and spicy flavours to pick the blends that best suit your palate and you can also learn how to brew that perfect cup of Ceylon Tea.
At the end of the tour will be a blind tea tasting competition where the skills and knowledge you acquired will be put to test. A chance to make your own take-home tea blend is done at leisure, while enjoying a delicious High Tea.
Admissions to the tea tour are by reservation only. More details can be obtained via 0777671858 / bimal@tea-and-herb.com.