Russian Caravan tea is a complex, distinctly aromatic and smokey blend of black tea and oolong that gained its name and reputation from the arduous six month journey the tea had to travel on the back of camels from China to Russia in the 18th century.
Before we delve further into Russian Caravan tea it might be helpful to trace its origins. When Allyun-Khan, a ruler in early 16th century Mongolia, presented Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich of Russia with a chest of tea, a new trade route was born that would see tea shipped from China to Russia for centuries to come. The 6000-mile trek through the cold from China to Moscow would be done by camel, and to protect the shipment while resting at night fires would be lit all around the campsite. The story goes that the smoke from these fires would infuse with the tea resting in wooden chests, creating its signature smoky flavor. It is argued that this was the first version of what would become the famous Chinese Lapsang Souchong tea.
In modern times, where camel journeys are no longer essential in the tea trade, Russian Caravan tea is generally a blend of semi-fermented Oolong tea, the mild and slightly smokey Keemun black tea, and Lapsang Souchong tea, a Chinese black tea that is smoke-dried over a pinewood-fire. The simple reason why Caravan tea consists exclusively of Oolong and black tea is because these teas, compared to their green, yellow and white counterparts, were easier to transport across large distances and through various weather conditions. Obviously, these limitations are less relevant today.
The combination of black teas used in any blend of Caravan tea is highly significant in the outcome of its taste. For instance, the degree in which Lapsang Souchong tea is part of the blend will dictate the level of smokiness, while the levels of Oolong will provide a more
unique and more full-bodied flavor. Other black teas that have been used in blending Russian Caravan tea are Yunnan black tea (for woody notes) or Pu’erh (providing an earthy aroma). Whichever style of Russian Caravan tea you choose, as the days grow short, and winter is settling in, few teas would be better suited to warm up next to a cozy fire.
