I was given some loose Earl Grey and Russian Caravan teas for Christmas. The other day I brewed some of the Russian Caravan. When I opened the bag I thought I smelled cordite. Upon further oflactory investigation before and after brewing, I decided it smelled like a fireplace log. The tea tasted smokey, probably because the leaves are traditionally dried in bamboo baskets over a pine fire.
I drink Earl Grey or Darjeeling without anything in them. Ceylon, English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, etc. with milk and sugar. (It goes without saying that iced tea does not have anything in it.) Since I didn’t have any milk or sugar I drank the Russian Caravan ‘black’. It wasn’t bad. Different. I’ll definitely finish the bag.
But since this tea is new to me, how should it be drunk? Black? With sugar? With milk and sugar? What is the ‘best way’ to enjoy Russian Caravan tea?
I never put sugar or cream in any tea. If it can’t stand alone, out it goes. I love strong black teas (I got that from my Russian grandfather), so Russian Caravan and Prince of Wales are two of my favorites. I drink 'em black and leave them to steep so long you can stand the spoon up in the cup.
I used to drink Russian Caravan tea, although for the life of me, I can’t now remember why. Maybe it was as a character-building exercise. I suspect they named it “Russian Caravan” because it was carried for many thousands of miles over the Gobi desert on very niffy camels in very porous sacks. In any event, the tea always seemed to carry more than a whiff of overheated camel with it, as well as other flavors that I hadn’t previously associated with tea.
It’s a good strong tea for staying up late with and working on a thesis.
Russian Caravan tea should be drunk with a slice of lemon, and a little sugar if you are inclined; the sugar is not essential, but the lemon is. You let the lemon slice soak up the tea and sugar at the bottom of the cup (or better still, in one of those tea glasses with the silver holder), then when you finish your tea, you eat the lemon.
Russian Caravan is traditionally drank straight, although I like to steep mine a little lighter than usual. Some people who find it too strong will add lemon more often than milk, but it’s the smoky aroma and the smoothness of this blend you want to enjoy, so why mask it is what I say.
Mariage Freres’ take on Russian Caravan is called Tzar Alexandre which is an excellent showcase of this blend and a very nice way to end an evening meal. Do not add anything to this tea as the smokiness is more delicate and there is a touch of bergamot you don’t want to conceal.