Blend ・ Russian Caravan
Russian Caravan
Subtle smoky aroma. A blend with a story from caravan journeys.
- Leaf
- China (Keemun, Lapsang, and others)
- Liquor color
- Deep reddish-brown
- How to enjoy
- Best enjoyed as straight or milk tea
About Russian Caravan
Once, camel caravans transported tea from China to Russia over several months. During the journey, the tea leaves absorbed the smoke from campfires... This blend is inspired by that tale. It often combines Keemun, Oolong, and Lapsang Souchong (the exact blend varies by manufacturer), resulting in a subtly smoky and sweet flavor that evokes the spirit of travel.
How to brew
Good tea comes down to three basics: the amount of leaves, fresh boiling water, and steeping time. Use about one teaspoon (3g) of leaves per cup, pour freshly boiled water at 95–100°C briskly over them, put the lid on the pot, and steep for 2.5–3 minutes. When the leaves circulate up and down in the pot (the 'jumping' effect), the aroma and flavor come out well.
- As a straight tea
- Enjoy the tea's natural aroma and liquor color. Steep for about 2.5–3 minutes; shorten it slightly if you find it too astringent. Pour out to the very last drop (the 'best drop') so the second cup keeps the same strength.
- As a milk tea
- Full-bodied teas pair well with milk. Use slightly more leaves and steep a bit longer (3–4 minutes) for a strong brew, then add room-temperature milk afterwards. Not overheating the milk lets the tea's aroma shine.
A general guide to brewing black tea. Adjust to the tea and your taste.