Tea: Russian Blend Black Tea
A Russian Caravan from Samovar Tea Lounge - 
Organic
| Brand: | Samovar Tea Lounge |
| Style: | Russian Caravan |
| Region: | Blend |
| Caffeine: | Caffeinated |
| Loose? | Loose |
| # Ratings: | 1 View All |
| Product page: | Russian Blend Black Tea |
Reviewer: E. Alex Gerster
✓ 66 teas reviewed
✓ 2 of Russian Caravan
✓ 24 of Black Tea
✓ 3 of Samovar Tea Lounge
✓ 11 of blends
Review of Russian Blend Black Tea
September 22nd, 2011
| Aroma | Flavor | Value | Total |
| 8 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 80 of 100 |
| Excellent | Good | Good Value |
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 considered a Chinese black tea, it is often a blend of Oolong, Lapsang Souchong and Indian teas (Assam, Dajeeling). It is one of the first teas that brought me into the fold, brewed up dark and strong, then thinned with water in the tradition of using a Samovar.
This blend by Samovar Tea Lounge is really different in that they blend a Lychee Black tea with Lapsang Souchong to get a very fragrant tea that is both smoky and fruity. It may sound awful, but it truly tastes very nice. Low acidity, but strong and bold flavor. The dry leaves smell primarily of the Lychee, but the smoky flavor really comes forward in the brew.
If you are willing to take a bit of an adventure, and enjoy smoky teas, this one is quite an exotic journey.
