Czar Nicholas Russian Caravan

Special Blend

Country of Origin: India, China, Sri Lanka 
Region: Assam, Fujian, Dimbula
Shipping Port: Haldia, Fuzhou, Colombo
Grade: OP (Orange Pekoe)
Altitude: 1700’ ft, 1500’ ft, 5200’ ft above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Infusion: Bright tending light with excellent flavour. 
Cup Characteristics: A delicate cup with a lively sprightly slightly toasty notes. A hint of Lapsang Souchong relives the heady days and mystery of the Royal Court of St. Petersburg.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea

During the Czar’s time tea was the most important drink after vodka. In fact, even today the tradition continues as Russia and the CIS are major consumers of tea in world terms. Their tastes have changed over the years but light bright flavorful teas are still in high demand in Russia. Quite often the tea is thrown into a pot and allowed to simmer and steep all day. Evidence of this custom can be seen in the Russian samovar - the ideal means of serving tea Russian style. This is one reason you need a light liquoring tea with flavour to be considered for Russian Caravan Tea.

The history of this tea goes back hundreds of years. In the city of Xian in central China one can see the historical marker that is acknowledged to be the beginning of the Silk Road - the trail that lead to central Asia (areas such as the Caucuses and the Black Sea). One of the commodities taken along the Silk Road was tea. The tea that was carried on the camel trains left a lasting impression on central Asia - so much so that to supplement the importation, tea was cultivated in the region.
The Lapsang Souchong in the blend gives the hint of mystery. No doubt in the days of the camel trains across Asia this mysterious, smoky character was absorbed on the trail from evening campfires or from the camels themselves. Imagine for a moment the starry nights on the plains of Asia enroute with your precious cargo of tea to the opulent courts of St. Petersburg. You are hunkering down under your blanket and sipping tea fit for a king while trying to ward off the cold bite in the night air. As the tea courses its way into your body and warms you, you think Now this is the Life!