Sri Lankan Green Tea Cigars - Handcrafted Tea Artistry

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Experience the extraordinary artistry of Sri Lankan tea in its most unique and captivating form—handcrafted tea cigars. Our Sri Lankan Green Tea Cigars represent the perfect marriage of centuries-old tea tradition and innovative presentation, creating a tea experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This is tea reimagined, tea elevated, tea transformed into edible art.

The Art of the Tea Cigar: A Sri Lankan Masterpiece

Tea cigars are not cigars in the tobacco sense—they are ethically grown tea leaves that have been meticulously hand-rolled, infused with aromatic cinnamon, and shaped into elegant cigar silhouettes. Each tea cigar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, requiring exceptional skill, patience, and artistry to create.

The process begins with selecting the finest green tea leaves from Sri Lanka's renowned tea gardens. These leaves must be pliable yet strong, large enough to roll but tender enough to infuse properly. Only the most perfect leaves make the cut.

Skilled artisans—many of whom have spent years perfecting their craft—then hand-roll each leaf with precision, infusing it with a whisper of cinnamon as they work. The rolling technique is crucial: too tight and the tea won't infuse properly; too loose and the cigar will fall apart. The result is a tightly wound, beautifully formed tea cigar that looks almost too beautiful to steep.

Sri Lanka: The Island of Exceptional Tea

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is one of the world's premier tea-producing nations. The island's diverse elevations, tropical climate, and rich volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing exceptional tea. From the high-grown estates of Nuwara Eliya to the low-grown gardens of Ruhuna, Sri Lankan tea is celebrated globally for its quality, character, and distinctive flavor profiles.

Our tea cigars come from Kotopola, a region known for producing high-quality green tea with bright, vegetal character and natural sweetness. The area's moderate elevation (around 2,000-3,000 feet) and consistent rainfall create teas that are flavorful yet delicate—perfect for the tea cigar format.

The Cinnamon Connection: Sri Lanka's Spice Heritage

The addition of cinnamon to our tea cigars is no accident—it's a celebration of Sri Lanka's spice heritage. Sri Lanka (particularly the region around Colombo) produces some of the world's finest true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon), prized for its delicate, sweet flavor and aromatic complexity.

Unlike the harsh, spicy cassia cinnamon commonly found in supermarkets, Ceylon cinnamon is subtle, sweet, and sophisticated. When infused into tea leaves, it adds warmth and depth without overwhelming the tea's natural character. The result is a harmonious blend where tea and spice dance together, each enhancing the other.

Tasting Notes: A Sophisticated Infusion

Appearance: The tea cigar itself is a work of art—tightly rolled green tea leaves bound with natural string, shaped into an elegant cigar form approximately 3-4 inches long. The leaves are a rich green-brown color, and you can see the careful craftsmanship in every roll.

Dry Aroma: Fresh green tea with warm cinnamon spice. The aroma is inviting and complex, promising the flavors to come.

Liquor Color: Pale golden-green, clear and bright. As the cigar steeps, you can watch the leaves slowly unfurl, releasing their color and flavor into the water—a mesmerizing visual experience.

Aroma: The brewed tea releases a sophisticated bouquet of vegetal green tea, sweet cinnamon, and subtle floral notes. The cinnamon is present but not dominant, adding warmth without overwhelming the tea's natural character.

Flavor: Bright, vegetal green tea forms the base—fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet with notes of steamed greens and fresh herbs. The cinnamon adds layers of warmth, sweetness, and subtle spice. You might also detect hints of honey, toasted nuts, and a gentle earthiness.

The flavor is clean and refreshing, with a natural sweetness that makes this tea enjoyable without any additions. The cinnamon provides just enough warmth to make the tea feel comforting and satisfying.

Finish: Clean and slightly sweet with lingering cinnamon warmth. The finish is refreshing, leaving you ready for another sip.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied with a smooth, silky texture. The tea coats the palate gently without heaviness.

Brewing Guide: Unfurling the Experience

Brewing a tea cigar is an experience unto itself—part tea preparation, part performance art. Here's how to unlock its full potential:

The Ritual:

1. Prepare Your Vessel: Use a clear glass teapot or cup if possible. Watching the tea cigar unfurl is half the magic.

2. Remove the String: Carefully remove the string at the lower portion of the cigar. Some people like to leave it partially bound for the first infusion, allowing it to unfurl slowly.

3. Heat Your Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to 170-180°F (77-82°C). Green tea requires gentle heat to avoid bitterness.

4. Place the Cigar: Gently place one tea cigar in your vessel. Use 8 oz (240ml) of water per cigar.

5. Pour and Watch: Pour the hot water over the cigar and watch as it begins to unfurl. The tightly rolled leaves will slowly open, releasing their color, aroma, and flavor. This process is meditative and beautiful—don't rush it.

6. Steep: Allow the tea to steep for 4 minutes for the first infusion. The leaves will continue to unfurl throughout the steeping process.

7. Multiple Infusions: Tea cigars are excellent for 2-3 infusions. For the second and third infusions, increase steeping time by 1-2 minutes. The leaves are already fully unfurled, so subsequent infusions will be quicker to release their flavors.

Pro Tips:

- If you want to fully unfurl the cigar before steeping, you can gently unroll it by hand. This creates a dramatic presentation and allows for faster infusion.

- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, break the cigar into smaller pieces before steeping.

- Try cold brewing: Place a tea cigar in cold water and refrigerate for 6-8 hours. The result is a smooth, sweet, refreshing iced tea with subtle cinnamon notes.

Perfect Pairings: Sri Lankan Cuisine & Beyond

This tea's Sri Lankan origins make it a natural pairing for the island's vibrant cuisine:

Sri Lankan Specialties:

- Green Jackfruit Curry: The tea's vegetal notes complement the curry's savory character while the cinnamon echoes the warm spices.

- Dhal Curry (Red Lentils): The tea's clean finish cuts through the richness of coconut milk and lentils.

- Sour Fish Curry: The tea's subtle sweetness balances the curry's tartness.

- Parippu (Lentil Dish): Simple, comforting, and perfect with this tea's gentle character.

- Hoppers (Bowl-Shaped Pancakes): Whether plain, egg, or sweet, hoppers pair beautifully with this tea.

International Pairings:

- Light Asian cuisine: Spring rolls, dim sum, or steamed dumplings

- Salads with citrus vinaigrettes

- Grilled vegetables or vegetable stir-fries

- Light seafood: Steamed fish, shrimp, or scallops

- Cinnamon-spiced desserts: Snickerdoodles, cinnamon rolls, or apple pie

Time of Day: Perfect for morning or afternoon. The moderate caffeine content (25-45mg per cup) provides gentle energy without overwhelming.

The Visual Experience: Tea as Performance

One of the most remarkable aspects of tea cigars is the visual spectacle they provide. In an age of tea bags and instant gratification, tea cigars remind us that tea can be an experience, not just a beverage.

For Hospitality:

- Hotels & Resorts: Serve tea cigars as part of welcome amenities or in-room tea service. The unique presentation creates Instagram-worthy moments that guests will remember and share.

- Restaurants: Feature tea cigars on your beverage menu or as part of a tea pairing experience. Prepare them tableside for dramatic effect.

- Tea Lounges & Cafés: Offer tea cigar brewing demonstrations. Customers love watching the unfurling process.

- Events & Catering: Use tea cigars as conversation starters at corporate events, weddings, or upscale gatherings.

For Gifting:

Tea cigars make exceptional gifts for:

- Tea enthusiasts who appreciate unique, artisan products

- Cigar aficionados looking for a non-tobacco alternative

- Anyone who values craftsmanship and artistry

- Corporate clients who appreciate distinctive, memorable gifts

- Wedding favors or special occasion gifts

Health & Wellness Benefits

Green Tea Antioxidants: Rich in catechins and polyphenols that support overall wellness and combat oxidative stress.

Cinnamon Benefits: Ceylon cinnamon has been traditionally used to support metabolic health, circulation, and digestive wellness.

Moderate Caffeine: Provides gentle, sustained energy without jitters or crashes.

L-Theanine: Promotes calm focus and mental clarity.

Pure & Natural: No artificial flavors, no additives—just pure tea and natural cinnamon.

Sourcing & Sustainability

At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., we source our tea cigars from ethical producers in Kotopola, Sri Lanka. These artisans are committed to:

- Sustainable tea cultivation without harmful pesticides or chemicals

- Fair wages for tea workers and artisans

- Preservation of traditional tea-rolling techniques

- Supporting local communities through ethical business practices

Each tea cigar is handcrafted by skilled artisans who take pride in their work. By purchasing these tea cigars, you're supporting traditional craftsmanship and sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.

The Innovation of Tradition

Tea cigars represent something special in the tea world—they honor tradition while embracing innovation. The rolling technique is ancient, passed down through generations of Sri Lankan tea makers. But the presentation as a "cigar" is relatively modern, created to showcase the artistry of tea in a new, visually striking way.

This balance between old and new, traditional and innovative, is what makes tea cigars so compelling. They remind us that tea culture is living and evolving, always finding new ways to delight and surprise us.

Storage & Care

Store tea cigars in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odors. The rolled format makes them slightly more durable than loose leaf tea, but they should still be protected from environmental factors.

Properly stored, tea cigars maintain their character for 12-18 months. The cinnamon infusion helps preserve the tea and adds aromatic complexity over time.

The Symphony of Leaves Promise

For over a decade, we've been seeking out the world's most exceptional and unique teas. Sri Lankan Green Tea Cigars represent our commitment to discovering teas that aren't just delicious, but memorable—teas that create experiences, spark conversations, and celebrate the artistry of tea culture.

These aren't mass-produced tea bags or generic loose leaf. These are handcrafted works of art, created by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka who have dedicated their lives to the craft of tea.

When you choose our tea cigars, you're choosing quality, artistry, sustainability, and a tea experience unlike any other.

Experience the artistry of Sri Lankan tea. Watch the magic unfurl. Discover a sophisticated, aromatic infusion that celebrates tradition with a modern twist. This is tea, reimagined—effortless, indulgent, and unforgettable.