We are so pleased to introduce our NEW Devagiri leaf, from the Devagiri Estate in Yakkalamulla, Sri Lanka.
A lovely black tea. Harvested in April 2025. A medium length, wiry, twisted leaf, aromatic, with a good strength and malty flavour.
Steep in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
Price x 125G
Devagiri's History
Tea was first planted at Devagiri in 1947 by Francis Nanayakkara, who bought the estate. established a tea factory and dedicated his life to making the finest teas in the south of Sri Lanka. By the time of his death in 1975, Devagiri had built a reputation as one of Sri Lanka's best estates. His 10 children took over and continued to produce excellent teas.
By 2020, the siblings were still making fine teas, and the estate was in its 4th generation. But the volatile environment, combined with the inequitable supply chain, became too much to bear. And though devastated at the thought of selling their father's beloved Devagiri, there was no alternative. Unfortunately, the only interest was from those who wanted to acquire the land for purposes other than to continue the legacy.
In 2022, Mike and Rosh were on holiday in Sri Lanka and visited Devagiri. They were struck by the injustice that a community that had farmed the land for four generations could be displaced almost overnight. They saw potential to turn things around. They raised investment, left London, and took on Devagiri..... and the beautiful part..... Rosh is the granddaughter of Francis Nanayakkara!
Mike personally delivered our new tea. That is farm to table, cutting the supply chain! With a shorter supply chain, more money can go back into the estate and help build the economic well-being of the community.
