0 | $0

Russian Caravan | Organic

$3.75

New Mexico Tea Company
Label Art
Image3 Thumbnail Image3 Thumbnail Image4 Thumbnail
A complex and delicious blend of premium black teas, including tea smoked over pinewood fires. A hearty must-try for lovers of smoked teas.

Extra Info:

Russian Caravan is not actually from Russia, however it was made popular along the trade (or 'caravan') route from China to Russia. In the days of the camel trains across Asia this mysterious character was absorbed on the trail from evening campfires or from the camels themselves. Imagine for a moment the starry nights on the plains of Asia en route with your precious cargo of tea to the opulent courts of St. Petersburg. You are hunkering down under your blanket and sipping tea fit for a king while trying to ward off the cold bite in the night air. During the time of the Czars, tea was the most important drink after vodka. In fact, even today the tradition continues as Russians and Chinese are major consumers of tea in world terms. Their tastes have changed over the years but light, bright, flavorful teas are still in high demand in Russia. Quite often the tea is thrown into a pot and allowed to simmer and steep all day. Evidence of this custom can be seen in the Russian samovar - the ideal means of serving tea - Russian style. This is one reason you need a light, liquoring tea with flavor to be considered for Russian Caravan Tea.

Brewing Instructions:

Bring filtered or spring water to 212°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 4 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • Organic black tea

Origin:

Blend

A complex and delicious blend of premium black teas, including tea smoked over pinewood fires. A hearty must-try for lovers of smoked teas.

Extra Info:

Russian Caravan is not actually from Russia, however it was made popular along the trade (or 'caravan') route from China to Russia. In the days of the camel trains across Asia this mysterious character was absorbed on the trail from evening campfires or from the camels themselves. Imagine for a moment the starry nights on the plains of Asia en route with your precious cargo of tea to the opulent courts of St. Petersburg. You are hunkering down under your blanket and sipping tea fit for a king while trying to ward off the cold bite in the night air. During the time of the Czars, tea was the most important drink after vodka. In fact, even today the tradition continues as Russians and Chinese are major consumers of tea in world terms. Their tastes have changed over the years but light, bright, flavorful teas are still in high demand in Russia. Quite often the tea is thrown into a pot and allowed to simmer and steep all day. Evidence of this custom can be seen in the Russian samovar - the ideal means of serving tea - Russian style. This is one reason you need a light, liquoring tea with flavor to be considered for Russian Caravan Tea.

Brewing Instructions:

Bring filtered or spring water to 212°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 4 minutes.

Ingredients:

Origin:

Blend

Amount help
Qty:
Label Merchandise
Add to Wish List
Add to Gift Registry
Email this page
Save to Pinterest

Reviews:

New to this tea. Received a sample and now I'm back to go big! It's really delicious, if you like stout tea. Yum!

(0)

5 Stars

The first time I sampled this at a tea place, I was instantly hooked. The smoky aroma was so unique I had never had anything like it before. Each sip left this hint of fragrance in my mouth that craved for another sip and another. Like the description, it may not be for some people if you expect tea to be something you drink on the side of a meal. This flavor is bold and smoky. I think it is perfect to enjoy with or without milk and/or honey hot or cold. I can't get enough of this.

(0)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
5 Stars

This is just what I was hoping it would be. I opened it and smelled the campfire smokiness and had to smile. It's a lovely black tea that doesn't get bitter, even after 5 min. steeping. I drink it with cream and sometimes honey -- it doesn't need it but complements it well. Great blend, thank you!

(1)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
5 Stars

I have been drinking Russian Caravan tea for many years. This version has the best flavor of any I've had.

(0)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
5 Stars

I ordered this Russian Caravan because I was getting it from another online merchant (Upton Tea), but they are expensive. However, I have one complaint about this tea: this blend uses Lapsang Souchong. When you use that tea, the Lapsang taste (a smoky flavor) overpowers all of the rest of it. It might as well be named "Lapsang Light." I realize this is their blend, but it really didn't work for me. As for NM Tea themselves, they were great and delivery was fast, so no shade being thrown on them, just the blending choice.

(0)

3 Stars

When I smelled the dry tea it smelled like straight Lapsang souchong and I expected massive amounts of smoked pine and not much else when I brewed it. However brewed the other teas in the blend mellow things out and bring balance to the pine smoke. The malty oxidized note I associate with black tea comes through and I get a strong note that reads to me as sweet potato that sits side by side with a much tamer than I expected smoke. All in all a very nice comforting cold weather tea.

(0)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
5 Stars

This tea is one of my all-time favorites. It's perfect on a gray, gloomy autumn or winter day, or perhaps around a fire. It tastes as though it's been smoked over the cooking fires of a traveling group, following the Silk Road. It's a tapestry, a tea that would have many stories. Excellent.

(0)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
5 Stars

Great product and excellent service!

(0)

5 Stars

I absolutely Love Russian Caravan tea! It's like a good, bold wine! Another fabulous, dark, rich smokey tea is "All Day Breakfast." It rocks :-)

(0)

5 Stars

I wasn't quite sure what to make of this tea at the shop. Once I got it home and had my first cup I was hooked! This was an instant favorite for me. (I like Pu-erh, Yerba Mate, and Matcha Green to give some reference - if you like any of those you might love this)

(1)

5 Stars

This tea smells and tastes like rolling tobacco. It is gross.

(1)

verified purchase
Verified Purchase
1 Stars

I like tried a Russian Caravan tea at a local herb/renaissance stores' tasting. I fell in love. My mom drank tea everyday with milk. This tea reminds me of her. NM Tea co. has my favorite blend of this tea. It's rich and wonderful with just the right amount Lapsang souchon for smokiness. I've had to add Lapsang to other blends but this one is perfect. I like it hot with milk. I like this tea cold with a bit of South African Honeybush just to sweeten it up a little bit of ice.

(0)

5 Stars

When dark and dreary winter days get me down, I like to make a cup of Russian Caravan. With a little bit of milk, this is an excellent cup of tea to wrap myself around and find comfort in it's warm smokiness.

(6)

5 Stars

I have used this tea with a little salt as a dry rub for use on the grill, will lend a delightful but not over powering smoke note to meat.

(7)

5 Stars

This is a tea that has the character of a good black Yunan, which can be slightly smoky, however the smoke flavor here is predominant. Russian Caravan makes a good after dinner tea. Or, if you are used to a strong smoky flavor, any time of day. Not a tea for sweetening.

(4)

5 Stars

I had enjoyed the deliciousness of russian caravan before and found it everything I could want and more. Tzar nicholas has a little bit of that yummy smoked flavor but the russian caravan is like a tasteful explosion in your mouth. A little overwhelming when camping but a great wake up tea.

(0)

5 Stars
Add your Own Review

Related Items

Thumbnail of Tropical Gold | Organic
Thumbnail of Tropical Paradise | Organic
Thumbnail of Caramel Apple
Thumbnail of Black Ginger Orange Peach