Russian Caravan is a well-known tea variety, but it is not a single tea, but rather a tea blend, consisting of a mix of Lapsang Souchong, Jade Oolong, and Keemun Black Tea. The tea is always smoky in scent and flavor, but not as smoky as pure Lapsang Souchong. Our blend is half Lapsang Souchong, with a quarter each of Jade Oolong and Keemun Black, a special tea for our tea club members. It's a strong tea, sharp, and cozy. Perfect for winter days and thoughts of spring. Tea blending is something most other companies do for a bunch of different reasons and something we have traditionally rejected. But we decided that rules, even good rules, need exceptions and we have decided to make an exception here, given the long history of Russian Caravan tea. Originally, Russian Caravan was not a blended tea at all but the result of a happy accident, more than 200 years ago, when overland transport by camel caravan of tea from southern China during the long (more than half a year, 6,000 mile) journey to Moscow resulted in the prepared black tea picking up distinctly smoky overtones from repeated exposure to the nightly campfires when the camel drivers (and their camels) stopped to eat and rest. That smokiness, unintended at first, came to be appreciated by the Russian consumers. It’s interesting to note that the overland route was thought to be better for the tea flavor than shipment by sea during which the tea would pick up disagreeable scents from the humid sea air. Russian Caravan is available by 2.75 oz pouch or by the pound. Wondering if you'll like it? Try a taste! Tasting samples are available for all our teas and good for two cups.
