A classic high grown Ceylon tending light with astringency and expressive flavor that has an excellent finish. Kenmare was ‘Estate of the Year 2002‘.
Ingredients:
Kenmare Estate, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, FBOP (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe) black tea
Information: Kenmare and Hethersett are the selling marks (brands) of Concordia tea estate. Planted by the British, the names Concordia, Kenmare and Hethersett come from towns and villages in Britain, Scotland and Ireland. The name Kenmare in particular is of Irish origins (the Irish are world renown for their demanding standards of tea excellence). Concordia faces the Eastern side of Nuwara Eliya district and is located just above the Kandapola Town, a short distance from Piduruthalagala, at 8300 feet, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Kenmare’s teas are popular for their light liquoring, bright and flavory characteristics. It was not a surprise to the world’s tea community that Kenmare was named “Estate of the Year” in 2002. The misty and cool climates of Nuwara Eliya naturally enticed the British tea pioneers to build and name their towns after English villages.
Two seasons bring out the best in Concordia Teas, namely, January to March when the weather is sunny and cold (in fact Kenmare often suffers from heavy frost during this time), and July to September when the estate is subject to strong westerly winds from the Eastern plains of Sri Lanka.
The factory was built in 1954 at an elevation of 6800 feet above sea level and annually produces about 1,500,000 pounds of tea (enough for 272 million tea bags!). Kenmare is also known as a producer of tea for the FLO (Fair-trade Labeling Organization International) of Germany. The factory and plantation is managed by a Scottish company called James Finlay Plantation Holdings Limited, who is the managing agent for Udapussellawa Plantations Limited. Their total work force on Concordia is in excess of 1000 persons and the property covers over 1300 acres.
Hot tea brewing method: This tea is best enjoyed using 2–3 heaping teaspoons for a 6 cup teapot. Allow the tea to steep for 3–5 minutes, remove the leaves and pour. Add milk and sugar to taste but please be aware that milk and sugar may mask some of the subtle nuances and intrigue of this vintage tea.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water].
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