Russian Caravan

You get a big waft of smokey-BBQ when you open the bag and I was afraid that it would be too heavy on the Lapsang Souchong. My fears were allayed however, and while there’s some smoke, it doesn’t take over the tea and drown out all the other flavours. I’m picking up a slightly astringent, tannic sort of note that comes from the Darjeeling I think, aswell as a rounder, mellower flavour that might be from the Keemun.

It’s a nice, well-balanced black tea that goes down smoothly and that doesn’t really seem like it needs a ton of milk and/or sugar. Although I suppose you could add it if you wanted – I don’t think it would wreck the taste or anything.

By some sort of magic this tea tastes just like smoke. :P It’s so rich and flavorful that I could enjoy it without adding anything else. Maybe I’m getting used to drinking tea this way. #adultlife The smoke is strong yet it doesn’t overpower the flavours of the black tea.

While I really like it, I think it would best be enjoyed as an occasional drink so that I savour the flavours. I wouldn’t want this rich blend to become ordinary. At some point I’ll need to pick up some of this instead of pilfering from my roommate! (To be fair – I asked…)

The smell, taste, and aftertaste are all consistent too! I hate it when a tea doesn’t taste as good as it smells.

As I emptied the teapot, I thought I would try it with milk and sugar to see how it worked out. It’s good, but I didn’t think the milk added much to it. Maybe with just the sugar?

I don’t quite recall how this sample tasted other than it was notable enough for me to consider puting it on my shopping list.