In the verdant hills of Uva, Sri Lanka, where misty mornings give way to golden sunlight, lies a hidden gem: Amba Tea Estate. This small, independent estate is not just a producer of exceptional tea—it’s a testament to sustainable farming, community empowerment, and innovative craftsmanship. At Route 636 Tea Co., we’re thrilled to share the story behind two of their most remarkable teas: Ravana's Uva Brew and Vangedi Pekoe.
The Roots of Amba Tea Estate
Amba Tea Estate sits in the Uva Highlands, a region renowned for its bold, flavorful teas. Yet what sets Amba apart isn’t just its stunning location. It's Amba's unwavering dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. Run by a small team, Amba’s operations focus on organic farming, zero-waste production, and empowering the local community.
One of their standout initiatives is their partnership with a nearby halfway home for women facing mental health challenges. By working together, they provide meaningful employment and support systems, offering these women a fresh start and a sense of purpose. This focus on people and planet reflects a deep commitment to equity and care, and aligns so well with our philosophy of being hospitable to people and planet.
Amba’s approach to tea-making is refreshingly transparent. Unlike industrial estates that focus on quantity, Amba prioritizes quality, producing small batches with meticulous attention to detail. Each tea is handpicked and processed on-site, allowing them to control every aspect of production and ensuring a superior product.
Ravana's Uva Brew: A Bold, Bright Morning Ritual
The Story Behind Ravana's Uva Brew
Named after the legendary king of Sri Lanka, Ravana's Uva Brew is a tea as vibrant and complex as its namesake. This is a Broken Orange Pekoe black tea, but don’t let the name fool you—this is no ordinary breakfast tea.
Amba processes this tea in small batches, using a custom mini-roller that handles just 15 kilograms at a time, compared to factory rollers that churn through 1,000 kilograms an hour. This slower, more deliberate process preserves the nuanced flavors of the tea leaves, resulting in a cup that’s bold yet balanced.
Flavor Profile
With notes of bright citrus, malt, and a touch of pinewood, Ravana’s Uva Brew is an invigorating start to any day. It has a mild astringency that adds structure without overwhelming, making it ideal for pairing with milk or enjoying on its own.
Brewing Tips
For the best experience, steep 1 teaspoon of Ravana’s Uva Brew in 8 ounces of freshly boiled water for 3-5 minutes. Its boldness also makes it perfect for a masala chai base, or you can brew it strong for a refreshing iced tea.
Why It Matters
When you sip Ravana’s Uva Brew, you’re not just enjoying a delicious cup of tea—you’re supporting a product made with respect for the environment and the people who grow it. From using organic compost to hand-rolling the leaves, every step reflects Amba’s ethos of sustainability and care.
Vangedi Pekoe: The Tea Born of Tradition
The Story Behind Vangedi Pekoe
If Ravana’s Uva Brew is a bold leader, Vangedi Pekoe is a storyteller, weaving a tale of history, ingenuity, and heritage. This tea owes its name to the stone vangedi mortar, a traditional tool used to pound the leaves before oxidation and drying.
Historically known as “Thieves’ Tea” or “Illegal Tea”, Vangedi Pekoe traces its roots to estate workers who secretly brought home tea leaves to craft their own brews. Today, Amba honors that ingenuity by recreating this tea with the same care and tradition, now in full transparency and celebration of its history.
Flavor Profile
Vangedi Pekoe delivers a rich, bold flavor with layers of brown sugar, malt, and toffee, balanced by hints of orange peel and dark chocolate. The tea’s unique processing method gives it a bold texture with a bright finish and virtually no bitterness when brewed correctly.
Brewing Tips
For a perfect cup, use 1 teaspoon of Vangedi Pekoe per 8 ounces of water heated to just under boiling. Steep for 3-4 minutes to release its complex flavors. It’s also fantastic for cold brews, where the caramel and chocolate notes shine, or as a base for a luxurious chai latte.
Why It Matters
The process of creating Vangedi Pekoe is a labor of love. Pounding the leaves by hand in a stone mortar isn’t just about tradition—it’s a sustainable, low-energy technique that reduces the estate’s carbon footprint. Every cup embodies the harmony between craftsmanship and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability at Amba: More Than a Buzzword
Amba Tea Estate is a shining example of what tea production can and should be. Here’s how they live their commitment to sustainability every day:
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Organic Farming
Amba uses compost made on-site and avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only preserves soil health but also ensures that the surrounding ecosystem thrives. -
Zero-Waste Production
From the tea-making process to packaging, Amba strives to minimize waste. Spent tea leaves are composted, and even their tools are designed for longevity. -
Empowering the Community
Through their partnership with the halfway home for women, Amba proves that sustainability extends beyond the environment to include social equity. They provide training, fair wages, and a supportive work environment, creating ripple effects of positivity in the region. -
Preserving Heritage
By reviving traditional techniques like using the vangedi mortar, Amba keeps Sri Lanka’s tea-making heritage alive. These methods aren’t just sustainable—they’re a celebration of culture and history.
Why We Chose Amba
At Route 636 Tea Co., we work exclusively with growers who share our values of sustainability, transparency, and ethical production. Amba Tea Estate stood out not just for the incredible quality of their teas but for their unwavering commitment to doing things differently.
By sourcing directly from Amba, we ensure that every dollar goes straight to the people who make these teas possible. This partnership allows them to set fair prices for their products while keeping them accessible to conscious tea drinkers like you.
Explore the Flavors of Amba
We’re proud to offer Ravana's Uva Brew and Vangedi Pekoe as part of our curated collection. These teas aren’t just beverages—they’re an invitation to experience the rich heritage of Sri Lankan tea, crafted with love and care.
Every sip supports a brighter future for small tea growers, sustainable agriculture, and the communities that make it all possible. So, steep a cup, take a moment, and let the flavors transport you to the hills of Uva.
Ready to try the magic of Amba for yourself? Explore Ravana’s Uva Brew and Vangedi Pekoe here. Let’s raise a cup to sustainability, tradition, and exceptional tea!