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Black tea · Mid-grown

Ceylon Kandy

Kandy tea, mid-grown Ceylon

7.6/10 editor's score

Black tea from the Kandy area, where James Taylor planted Sri Lanka's first tea plantation at Loolecondera estate in 1867.

CeylonHeritageSri Lanka
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Ceylon Kandy, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafCeylon Kandy
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorBright amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Black tea from the Kandy area, where James Taylor planted Sri Lanka's first tea plantation at Loolecondera estate in 1867.

CaffeineMedium~35 to 55 mg, our estimate
MilkFine with or without milk.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestAll yearPicked all year.
Pairs withBreakfast, Scones, SandwichesLess good with delicate desserts
Grown atMid elevation; Kandy city lies at about 465 to 500 mKandy, Central Province
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Ceylon Kandy

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its history; the taste depends on the estate and grade.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

KandyCentral ProvinceSRI LANKA
First estate
Loolecondera, 1867 1
Where
35 km south-east of Kandy 1
First shipment
To the London auction, 1875 2
Kandy
About 465 to 500 m 3

More from Kandy and Sri Lanka.

History and culture

James Taylor cleared 7.7 hectares at Loolecondera in 1867 and planted Assam hybrid seed 1.

He started a tea factory on the estate in 1872 12.

Some of his early equipment is shown at the Ceylon Tea Museum, in the former Hanthana Tea Factory 1.

Editor's score

7.6/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.5Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 7.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 8.0Flavour 6.5Heritage 8.5Availability 7.5Value 8.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 8.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Ceylon Kandy~35 to 55 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Sri Lanka. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis; the first plantation used Assam hybrid seed 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Orthodox rolling.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried and sorted.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark twisted leaf.
LiquorBright amber.
After steeping
Wet leafCopper leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Breakfast
  • Scones
  • Sandwiches

Best avoided

  • Delicate desserts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Ceylon uses the orthodox leaf grades: OP (long leaf), BOP and BOPF (broken), and Pekoe. Grades describe leaf size, not quality 2.

Teas are sold mainly through the Colombo auction.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Look for the Lion logo of the Sri Lanka Tea Board on packs made of 100% Ceylon tea.
  2. A named district or estate is more useful than just "Ceylon".
  3. Check the season: each district has a quality season.
FAQ
Where did Ceylon tea begin?

At Loolecondera, south-east of Kandy, in 1867 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from Sri LankaKandyCeylonHeritageSri Lanka

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Loolecondera". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loolecondera
  2. Wikipedia, "James Taylor (tea planter)". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Taylor_(tea_planter)
  3. Wikipedia, "Kandy". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandy
  4. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.