Samovar Tea Lounge

This tea really grew on me, and by the end I adored it. The sample I got - which was enough for one cup - suggested brewing it very quickly, just 30-45 seconds, with water just below the boiling point. In retrospect I think that following those instructions would have worked out well, but I'm paranoid about using water...

Dry leaf has a potent, cereal-like aroma.

First infusion brews a hazy, pale golden cup...it almost looks like there's a tiny bit of iridescent dust on top of the tea's surface.

Flavor is mild but delightful...sweet, crisp, and with a hint of a fruitiness that I can only describe as reminiscent of cola. It sort o...

Nice smooth, full bodied, malty, and a light briskness. Reminds me very much of Rishi Tea's Golden Yunnan Organic Black Tea, but a bit lighter on peppery tones. It is a beautiful blend of Dian Hong style tea (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dian_hong_tea) mixing whole leaf top-quality tea and a high content of fine go...

Jingmai Mountain produces some amazing teas, and this one from Samovar is no exception. They are right on the money when they describe the taste and aroma as: "Deep and malty with hints of baked, bittersweet chocolate and raisin sugar. Lightly roasted body with a slightly sweet finish."

Optimal brewing is with sprin...

This is one of the most unusual "Russian Caravan" type teas I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Its name originates from the 18th century camel caravans that facilitated the transcontinental tea trade from tea-producing areas (namely India, Ceylon and China) to Europe via Russia. Although it is primarily considere...