Russian Caravan Loose Tea
17 Reviews | Add Your Review
A blend of black teas and smoky Lapsang Souchong which recreate the campfires and brisk, starry nights experienced by the caravans carrying tea to the Russian Czar.
| Product Name | Price | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Caravan - Loose 2oz/56g |
$7.95 |
|
| Russian Caravan - Loose 4oz/113g |
$13.95 |
|
| Russian Caravan - Loose 8oz/227g |
$24.95 |
|
| Russian Caravan - Loose 16oz/454g |
$44.95 |
|
Bright and flavourful, Russian Caravan takes its name from the camel trains that traveled from China to Russia, once used to transport fine teas to the courts of the Czar in Saint Petersburg.
It has been said that the blend was created to rekindle some of the flavours found in those teas, hints of campfire and bright starry nights. Unique blending of Lapsang, Darjeeling, Himalayan and China black tea creates a rich, aromatic brew with a smoky flavour.
Ingredients: Black tea (Assam, Darjeeling, Nepal, Keemun), Lapsang Souchong
| Caffeine | Caffeinated |
|---|---|
| Cup Strength | Strong |
| Origin | Blend |
| Tea Format | Loose Tea |
| Type | Black |
Tea for Scotch Drinkers Review by ['Stardog']
If you like Scotch--especially the smoky, peaty varieties--this is the tea for you!
Posted on 2024-03-21Absolutely Breathtaking Review by ['Jo']
This is my first time trying Murchies, this was tucked away in a fine tea cabinet. I was shocked by the flavor, nuance and smell of this tea. My new favorite all day tea :)
Posted on 2024-01-24Wonderful full bodied tea, Great for the cold. Review by ['Nighthawk']
This has been my go to tea since the 40+ years ago when I placed my first order with Murchie's. Been away from Munchies's too long and decided to submit an order for Christmas and the other holidays. Love Russian Caravan with a bit of raw sugar and a dollop of whole cream. Winter heaven.
Posted on 2023-12-10Incredibly sensual Review by Valeria
This is incredibly satisfying. Marvelous full body with an exotic smoky taste.
Posted on 2023-09-12Excellent and bright Review by Michelle Butler Hallett
1.5 tsp for 300mL water 100C, steeped 4 minutes, drunk bare. Dry leaf: mostly brown, some dark green. Aroma: smoky toast, some nuttiness. Wet leaf: mahogany, brown, and amber with some bright green. Aroma: subtle smoke, earth. Liquor: reddish brown, light body. Smoky but not tarry. Some surprising crispness and florals— a Nepal or Darjeeling tea in the blend? Some mineral notes as the tea cools. I wish the body was just a little heavier. Otherwise a very fine Russian Caravan, distinctive and smoky yet also balanced.
Posted on 2019-01-09Tea is medicine Review by Mr. Wobbles
We have been drinking Murchies, Russia Caravan for, 20 years and have found it by far the best blend of any RC that we have tried. Stick to what your nose and tongue tells you. A bit of organic maple syrup and a touch of heavy cream makes for an nice way to start the day when the weather is grey, or when it’s not. I also put in a few slivers of ginger when flu season is around.
Posted on 2018-05-21Murchies most "manly" tea.... Review by 45clive
One of my two favourite teas, both Murchies of course, the other being Queen Victoria. I like the smokiness and overall breadth of flavour of Russian Caravan. You can almost taste the camel sweat through the leather and silk "saddle bags". As manly as a tea can get.
Posted on 2018-01-30Story Worthy Review by Ryan
If you like to smoke meats and enjoy the smokey smell associated with a day of smoking, this tea might be for you. Drinking this tea reminds me of smoking salmon in my backyard. I don't hate it, but I'd rather smoke salmon than drink this tea. I love the name of this tea and I enjoy having some on hand for people to taste. Definitely a different tasting tea.
Posted on 2016-11-28Imagine yourself sipping tea brewed on a campfire on the Russian Steppes Review by Sybilla
I had forgotten about the smoky toastiness of this blend that I tried many decades ago, but soon fell under its spell again. I imagine huddling around a smoky fire as darkness falls, wind blowing, wolves howling, on the Russian Steppes. Yummy!
Posted on 2015-11-23Never tried or heard of before Review by Kos
The smokey smell reminds me of Camping. Never tasted Lapsang Souchong of tea before. I bought for my Birthday. It is an exciting new flavour to experience. Not in anyway like Orange Pekoe. I think it is time to put Orange Pekoe to bed. A winner for sure! I prefer it with almond milk added. On to my second cup.
Posted on 2014-03-07Excellent on a Wet Coast Day Review by Charlie
This blend of Darjeeling, China Black (Keemun?) and Lapsang Souchong is a perfect blend of strong, mellow, black teas with just enough smoky Lapsang Souchong to make it perfect for a rainy, grey day. Very much a Wet Coast breakfast tea, and it has become one of my favourites.
Posted on 2013-08-295 stars Review by Uncle Tundra
This is one of my top three teas, with a long steep it develops a beautiful smoky sweetness. With Lapsang Souchong and Keemun plus other teas, I find it perfect for iced tea because its inherent sweetness and lightness. I've bought this blend for almost 35 years, since I was a college student
Posted on 2013-06-19Another choice Review by geric
This one is very good but if you like smokey, also try Lapsang Souchong.
Posted on 2012-11-15My favorite! Review by Tundra Ice
This has a nice strong flavor and is consistently my favorite!
Posted on 2012-07-30I am hooked Review by Gitterich
A friend of mine introduced me to this very flavorful tea. Now I am addicted to it, gladly!
Posted on 2012-07-12Very good Review by Velora
Never thought a tea could taste like this, it is manly and smoky. Taste like an adventure.
Posted on 2012-01-30Long-time favourite. Review by Tradairn
My absolute favourite tea for many years.
Posted on 2011-12-30Write your Own Review
You're reviewing: Russian Caravan Loose Tea
Flavour Profile Guide
Tea and coffee tasting is a very individual, multi-dimensional experience: one person’s perfect cup can be too strong or weak, too brisk or watery for the next person. At Murchie’s, we believe that the best tea or coffee is the one that YOU like the best! We use the following flavour profile guides to help compare our teas and coffees within a relative scale.
Tea Strength Ratings
This rating method indicates the strength of flavour each tea has when brewed according to our brewing guide.
RATING |
RATING PROFILE |
|
|
Light/Delicate: Very light in colour and delicate in flavour | |
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Medium: Medium-light cup with slightly fuller cup | |
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Medium-Strong: Medium-dark cup, medium body, and full flavour without harshness | |
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Strong: Full body, rich cup, takes milk well | |
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Very Strong: Rich, dark cup with very full, strong flavour and briskness |
Coffee Ratings
We rate the flavour properties of our coffees along two dimensions: roast and body.
Roast is simply a result of how long and how hot the beans have been roasted, which can be seen in the colour of the finished bean, and typically results in general flavour traits:
| Light Roast | More acidity, brightness and a slight pucker | |
| Medium Roast | Slightly richer flavours, some acidity, enhanced creaminess | |
| Dark Roast | Distinctive roasted flavour, sometimes notes of toasted sugar or charcoal |
Body is the term used to describe how the brewed coffee feels in your mouth:
| Light Body | Easy to drink with little lingering flavour, ‘thin’ or ‘clean’ feeling on the palate | |
| Medium Body | Heavier, creamier mouth-feel with more lingering flavour | |
| Full Body | Rich, full-mouth feeling: hits all of the palate and lingers |
Tea Brewing Guide
Different types of teas should be brewed according to certain times and water temperatures to bring out their best flavours. Use this guide as a starting point, and then experiment until you find the perfect brewing method for your favourite tea.
Based on approximately one level teaspoon (2.5g) of loose tea or one tea bag per 6-8 ounce (180-240ml) cup. For stronger flavour, add more tea. Brewing for longer may increase the strength of the tea, but will likely also cause bitterness.
Brew times shown in minutes.
Coffee Brewing Guide
The simplest methods for brewing coffee are drip coffee, pour over and French press. These guidelines are a starting point; modify the ratio of coffee to water, the grind, and brewing time to your taste. If your coffee is not strong enough, increase the proportion of coffee per cup of water, grind the beans finer, or allow them to brew longer – or any combination of these factors. If your coffee is too strong, simply do the opposite.
Drip coffee or pour over method: hot water is gradually poured over coffee grounds and slowly drips through
- Fine to medium grind coffee
- 1.5 to 2.5 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water
- Coarse grind coffee
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per cup (e.g. 4-6 tbsp for a 4-cup French press)
- Pour about 1/3 of the water over the coffee grinds; wait about 30 seconds and then pour in the rest
- Wait 4-5 minutes, then push down the plunger to separate the grounds from finished coffee, and enjoy!
