Russian Caravan

I’m in another Russian Lit phase. (I’m currently reading Turgenev.) In keeping with the theme, I wanted to pick up a really good Russian Caravan. Usually I drink Lapsang with my Russian tomes (War and Peace required over 100 grams) but I don’t need to feel like I’m in front of a campfire when it’s 110 degrees outside.

Russian Caravan should be a mix of Oolong, Keemun and Lapsang Souchong. When I first opened this bag, it was so smoke laden that I thought they had mispackaged their Lapsang into this bag. Once brewed, however, it mellowed and the plumy and vegetative qualities took precedence and there was just a faint smoke finish to the tea. There was also a lingering sweet aftertaste.

This is by far the best RC I’ve had. It was balanced, flavorful and had no bitterness. The tannins were virtually nonexistent. If Lapsang is a bit too strong for you and Keemun is too simple, this might be a good compromise.

I read about Russian Caravan online—it was described as a blend of Lapsang Souchong and Assam—and couldn’t wait to try it, since I have always loved Lapsang… and since Russian Caravan is such a beautifully evocative name (always a plus). Also read a great review of White August’s version in a Steepster discussion. And it’s true—this tea is quite, quite awesome. It’s also true that it smells very smoky, so at first I wasn’t sure it was actually a blend—it seemed like pure Lapsang. But it’s mellower than I expected—still lovely and smoky (some reviews of other Russian Caravans say they’re not smoky at all, and I definitely wanted quite a bit of smokiness), perfect for late morning/early afternoon. I’ve been drinking this every day since my order arrived.