The tea rod is one of the most unusual creations in Sri Lankan artisan tea making. Rather than placing loose leaves inside a disposable bag, the tea maker carefully arranges and twists the leaves into a compact rod, held together with a small piece of cotton thread.
For this version, a piece of real Sri Lankan vanilla is tucked inside the rod. As the hot water passes through the leaves, the tea gradually unfurls, releasing its flavour alongside the vanilla's warm, sweet aroma.
The tea leaves come from Warnagala, the historic abandoned estate near Adam’s Peak, where tea bushes have grown into towering trees within the surrounding forest. The leaves are harvested by hand and processed in small batches.
In the cup, expect a smooth, rich black tea with notes of ripe plum, molasses, and lingering vanilla sweetness. It makes a particularly enjoyable tea for those who like a naturally sweet, aromatic cup without needing to add sugar.
