Ceylon Black tea grades are the most popular type of Ceylon Tea variety that is popular across the world. Specially the Black teas that are manufactured using the traditional Orthodox manufacturing method in Sri Lanka. Lot of people are curious to know “How does Ceylon Tea Taste like”. And sometimes we get questions like – “Why various Ceylon teas brands taste differently”. Before getting into answers, we should be aware that Ceylon tea consists of many different type of tea grades. And that they are classified by their appearance and density.
Different types of Ceylon Black Tea grades
Each of these tea grades can be identified by their unique appearance, which is mainly used to distinguish one from another. Also each grade has it’s own unique flavor and aroma. These teas get their appearance and characteristics from the way they are grown, harvested and mainly from how they are manufactured. Generally these tea grades are categorized as Whole leaf (Leafy) teas, Broken leaf (Tippy) teas and Off grades (Dust & Fannings). Whole leaf teas have a smooth refined flavor while Broken leaf grades might have a stronger flavor. And Dust and Fannings grades might have a much stronger liquor.
Black Tea Grades
We have listed below some of the popular Ceylon black tea grades and their flavor profiles and characteristics:
Tippy Grades
FBOPFsp – This tea consists of golden colored young tender tea buds/tips of the tea plant and short thin broken leaf. This tea has a slightly astringent earthy body with a rich caramel like after taste.
FBOPF1 – This tea has short slightly wiry, smaller broken leaf particles. And it has a woody scent and a full bodied robust flavor. The liquor generally has a dark reddish color and tastes a mellow caramel flavor.
BOPsp – This tea has smaller granular tea particles with a neat appearance. It has a strong liquor with a malty flavor and leaves a fruity aftertaste in the mouth. This grade is being used for English Breakfast blends. Can also be used in tea bags as it can be infused quickly.
BOPF – This tea has smaller broken leaf particles with a neat appearance. This tea can be used for the bags as well due to it’s properties. Has a strong bold taste with sweet after taste.
FBOP – This tea has short slightly wiry, less twisted broken leaf. It has a floral scent and a mellow flowery taste.
Leafy Grades
Pekoe – This tea has shorter & curly leaves. Leaves have the appearance of black peppercorns. It has a forest-like (woody) scent. The liquor generally has an astringent flavor with a sweet after taste.
BOP1 – This tea is made of smaller broken wiry tea leaves. These teas have a forest-like (woody) scent and it has a crisp flavor with a touch of maltiness.
OP1 – This tea is made of long, wiry tea leaves. This tea has a forest-like (woody) scent and it has a delicate lighter fruity taste.
OPA – This tea is made of bold, twisted tea leaves. This tea has a forest-like scent (woody) and it has a mellow lighter floral flavor.
Although one would say that certain tea grade has this flavor, if it comes from a different garden it can have a slightly different taste note or an aroma. Also even if there was a small difference in manufacturing methods or conditions it can affect the end product’s characteristics.
Furthermore even if it comes from the same garden the tea’s flavor can vary from season to season or year to year. So we should be aware that many external factors could influence a tea’s characteristics. Due to this we can’t expect one Ceylon Tea brand to taste or smell the same way as another. The more you explore different types of Ceylon Black teas, you would realize this eventually.
< Back to Guides
