James Taylor set sail from Scotland at the age of 17 for Ceylon, Sri Lanka now. He never returned to his country of origin, but the impact of his work has changed the tea industry. Originally coffee was the main agricultural export of Sri Lanka until a disease brought the crop to its knees. The term chai was originally used for a healing brew of spices and herbs that varied by the season and region. The chai we know and love today developed a life of its own when adopted into different regions of India and is now not only a traditional drink, but a tradition of its own.
Services
My name is Lalith Guy Paranavitana. I am the President and founder of Empire Tea Services LLC. I have been associated with the tea industry for over 45 years. I was the Manager of Nuwara Eliya Tea Estate in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and a Director of the Sri Lanka State Plantations (Tea) Corporation, before immigrating to the USA in 1989.
20 Pyramid sachets in a tin. Pyramid sachets offer the quality and flavor of loose leaf tea with the convenience of a tea bag. Our pyramid sachets are made of cornstarch material and are biodegradable. The tag and string are attached to the pyramid sachet by an ultrasonic sealing process. So is the sealing of the bag itself.
Foil enveloped tea bags in 14 flavors. Individually sealed for extra freshness. Packaged in window boxes showing each flavor. 10 tea bags per flavor. Harvested from tender tea leaves and carefully processed and blended to bring out the real taste of tea. Window boxes are perfect for Gift Baskets or as a gift for the tea enthusiast.
Reviews (6)
Chris Frost
Dec 11, 2021
What a great little shop! Who would have ever thought that tucked away in central Indiana is a tea blender with clients all over the world? It's a rather unassuming store front, but inside, you will find a bewildering array of teas from all over the world. This isn't your typical stuff from the grocery store. Most of it is blended there, in the shop.
There is also a nice variety of steeping vessels. I've been quite pleased with the blends I've tried so far, and look forward to trying more. I'm particularly eager to watch the flowering tea. Their website also has a very helpful series of videos that will walk you through the steeping process, explaining proper water temperature and steeping times for each type of leaf. Very cool stuff that will serve to enhance the experience.
There is also a nice variety of steeping vessels. I've been quite pleased with the blends I've tried so far, and look forward to trying more. I'm particularly eager to watch the flowering tea. Their website also has a very helpful series of videos that will walk you through the steeping process, explaining proper water temperature and steeping times for each type of leaf. Very cool stuff that will serve to enhance the experience.
Mei L.
May 26, 2021
This is a WONDERFUL shop and I highly recommend checking it out if you're looking for specialty teas that you can't find anywhere else. I stopped by looking for a birthday gift for a friend, but I will definitely be back to grab some tea for myself. Lalith, the owner, was extremely helpful in selecting several teas that would be good for my friend.
He was very knowledgeable on all the teas, but that is a given for someone who's been in the business for thirty years. This was one of the coolest experiences I've had shopping, and I learned so much about tea. Please, please, if you're unsure about visiting, definitely stop by!
He was very knowledgeable on all the teas, but that is a given for someone who's been in the business for thirty years. This was one of the coolest experiences I've had shopping, and I learned so much about tea. Please, please, if you're unsure about visiting, definitely stop by!
Ken N.
Jan 08, 2019
There is a showroom tea shop located northwest of Columbus near the split where Indianapolis Road separates from US 31. Inside is a room with tea and associated products to help you enjoy your purchases. The showroom is on the right as you enter from outside. In the room, a display of samples is on a table. These can be sniffed to get a sense of the tastes you will expect.
Along the wall on your right are tea pots and other items that go with making the tea. Ahead of you is a wall of tins and bags of tea that are for purchase. They carry a wide variety of teas for you to pick from. One of the thoughtful things provided is a sheet that describes the best temperature and steeping times for the tea you select. They also let you know how much tea to use per cup depending upon how strong you like it.
The only disappointment was that the guy who was working wasn't as knowledgeable about the tea as I had hoped. He was trying to help since I don't much about tea, but it was obvious he wasn't much more informed than I was. Still, I was able to make a couple purchases and have been enjoying the teas since. Review #2068
Along the wall on your right are tea pots and other items that go with making the tea. Ahead of you is a wall of tins and bags of tea that are for purchase. They carry a wide variety of teas for you to pick from. One of the thoughtful things provided is a sheet that describes the best temperature and steeping times for the tea you select. They also let you know how much tea to use per cup depending upon how strong you like it.
The only disappointment was that the guy who was working wasn't as knowledgeable about the tea as I had hoped. He was trying to help since I don't much about tea, but it was obvious he wasn't much more informed than I was. Still, I was able to make a couple purchases and have been enjoying the teas since. Review #2068
Eric Dymesich
Nov 27, 2016
Tina D.
Jul 11, 2013
A great place to find unique gifts for tea lovers. Their selection of teas is staggering and from all over the world. You can buy loose leaf, baggies, or pyramids. They also will make custom labels. Their tea accessories are lovely and very reasonable priced. My husband and I bought the peach and apricot green tea and the Sencha pan fried green tea in loose leaf. 60 cups for less than $9. Both are delicious. They accept credit cards, cash, and checks. I am drooling over the selection of tea pots and can't wait to go back to make a decision.
Clare K.
Mar 26, 2007