The Russian Caravan contains a blend of tea leaves including Lapsang Souchong. As the tea travelled along the route from China to Russia, some amazing chemical reaction happens between the leaves and the environment and the tea takes on its own distinctive taste that still carries a bit of the smokiness that Lapsang Souchong is famous for but not the overpowering taste. (I am still not sure how the chemical reaction happens but it really is an amazing thing to me!)

Possibly, the campfire smoke from the caravan route contributed to smoking the tea leaves somewhat as they travel.

What I like about the tea is that it is flavoursome enough by itself without having to add sugar or milk. It leaves a refreshing after taste in my mouth. The aftertaste is subtly nutty (the description above is pretty accurate) although I do have trouble identifying the liquor taste. All the black tea leaves that i use to brew my tea do undergo some form of fermentation so possibly I am just used to liquorish black tea that I cannot identify that taste.

I do feel cleansed after drinking this tea. A good afternoon tea with sweet snacks, and for post dinner. I have yet to try this to bake (unlike with earl grey) but possibly, with its distinctive taste, it could become a hit. Russian Caravan cupcakes do sound exotic.

Twinings does provide quality russian caravan tea at a reasonable price although it is quite hard to find in the supermarkets. I am lucky that i work near the Twinings shop so I was able to purchase this easily. It falls into the speciality tea range.

So take time out today and sample a cup of russian caravan tea and imagine crossing the desert on a camel.