HAND-ROLLED BLACK
HAND-ROLLED BLACK TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
MacDuff, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is a high-grown Sri Lankan red tea from the Nuwara Eliya region in Sri Lanka, produced from tea bushes over 120 years old. It is produced at MacDuff Estate using traditional hand-rolling techniques, allowing careful control over leaf structure and oxidation. The infusion is clean and elegant, offering light floral notes, gentle citrus brightness, and a smooth, well-defined finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, honey
TASTE
Honey, fruity
ALTITUDE: 2400+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
MacDuff, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is a high-grown Sri Lankan red tea from the Nuwara Eliya region in Sri Lanka, produced from tea bushes over 120 years old. It is produced at MacDuff Estate using traditional hand-rolling techniques, allowing careful control over leaf structure and oxidation. The infusion is clean and elegant, offering light floral notes, gentle citrus brightness, and a smooth, well-defined finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, honey
TASTE
Honey, fruity
ALTITUDE: 2400+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is a high-grown Sri Lankan red tea produced in the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka, one of the highest tea-growing areas in the world. The tea is sourced from gardens located at elevations exceeding 2400 meters, where extreme highland conditions contribute to a slow and highly controlled development of the leaves. This altitude is associated with a refined and precise aromatic profile, characteristic of the region.
The raw material comes from tea bushes with an age of over 120 years, representing established plantations with deep root systems and stable growth cycles. Such mature plant material contributes to consistency and structural balance in the final tea. The leaves are carefully harvested and processed using traditional hand-rolling techniques, allowing for precise control over leaf shape and oxidation.
This combination of high-altitude cultivation, mature tea plants, and artisanal processing results in a tea that emphasizes clarity, elegance, and refinement. MacDuff hand-rolled black tea reflects both the heritage of Sri Lankan tea production and the precision of small-scale craftsmanship, offering a distinctive and well-defined profile appreciated by experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is sourced from the high mountain area of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, at elevations exceeding 2400 meters. This extreme high-altitude environment is characterized by a cool climate, frequent mist, strong winds, and significant day and night temperature variation. These conditions slow down leaf growth considerably, allowing for a concentrated accumulation of aromatic compounds and structural precision in the raw material.
The soils in this region are well-drained and relatively low in nutrients, which naturally limits excessive plant growth and promotes greater concentration in the leaves. The combination of altitude, climate, and soil results in smaller, denser leaves with a refined chemical composition. The presence of long-established tea bushes further supports stability and consistency in leaf development.
The terroir of Nuwara Eliya is known for producing teas with exceptional clarity, brightness, and aromatic definition. The environmental conditions emphasize precision and freshness, allowing the tea to express delicate floral notes, light citrus nuances, and a clean, structured profile across multiple infusions.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is carefully hand-rolled, with long, twisted leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights, reflecting artisanal processing. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of light floral tones, dried fruit, and a subtle citrus nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes brighter and more expressive, revealing fresh floral notes, gentle citrus, and a light honeyed sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and precision, combining delicate floral tones with soft fruit and a clean, slightly brisk character.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and transparent, with light floral notes and a subtle citrus freshness. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, lively texture. From the first sips, a gentle sweetness emerges, supported by fresh floral nuances and light citrus brightness, with moderate, well-integrated astringency that adds structure without harshness. The profile remains clear and precise across multiple infusions, emphasizing refinement and balance. The aftertaste is clean and refreshing, leaving a light floral sweetness and a slightly cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of flowers, citrus peel, and a soft sweet trace remain.
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is a high-grown Sri Lankan red tea produced in the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka, one of the highest tea-growing areas in the world. The tea is sourced from gardens located at elevations exceeding 2400 meters, where extreme highland conditions contribute to a slow and highly controlled development of the leaves. This altitude is associated with a refined and precise aromatic profile, characteristic of the region.
The raw material comes from tea bushes with an age of over 120 years, representing established plantations with deep root systems and stable growth cycles. Such mature plant material contributes to consistency and structural balance in the final tea. The leaves are carefully harvested and processed using traditional hand-rolling techniques, allowing for precise control over leaf shape and oxidation.
This combination of high-altitude cultivation, mature tea plants, and artisanal processing results in a tea that emphasizes clarity, elegance, and refinement. MacDuff hand-rolled black tea reflects both the heritage of Sri Lankan tea production and the precision of small-scale craftsmanship, offering a distinctive and well-defined profile appreciated by experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Hand-Rolled Black Tea from MacDuff is sourced from the high mountain area of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, at elevations exceeding 2400 meters. This extreme high-altitude environment is characterized by a cool climate, frequent mist, strong winds, and significant day and night temperature variation. These conditions slow down leaf growth considerably, allowing for a concentrated accumulation of aromatic compounds and structural precision in the raw material.
The soils in this region are well-drained and relatively low in nutrients, which naturally limits excessive plant growth and promotes greater concentration in the leaves. The combination of altitude, climate, and soil results in smaller, denser leaves with a refined chemical composition. The presence of long-established tea bushes further supports stability and consistency in leaf development.
The terroir of Nuwara Eliya is known for producing teas with exceptional clarity, brightness, and aromatic definition. The environmental conditions emphasize precision and freshness, allowing the tea to express delicate floral notes, light citrus nuances, and a clean, structured profile across multiple infusions.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is carefully hand-rolled, with long, twisted leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights, reflecting artisanal processing. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of light floral tones, dried fruit, and a subtle citrus nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes brighter and more expressive, revealing fresh floral notes, gentle citrus, and a light honeyed sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and precision, combining delicate floral tones with soft fruit and a clean, slightly brisk character.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and transparent, with light floral notes and a subtle citrus freshness. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, lively texture. From the first sips, a gentle sweetness emerges, supported by fresh floral nuances and light citrus brightness, with moderate, well-integrated astringency that adds structure without harshness. The profile remains clear and precise across multiple infusions, emphasizing refinement and balance. The aftertaste is clean and refreshing, leaving a light floral sweetness and a slightly cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of flowers, citrus peel, and a soft sweet trace remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.