Russian Caravan is a blend of Chinese teas built around Lapsang Souchong, with its characteristic smoky taste and aroma. Sweet and smooth tea notes set the stage, allowing the smoky aftertaste to drift and linger. While the smoke is prominent, it’s not aggressive. Russian Caravan tea history goes back to the overland trading routes of the 1600s and 1700s. Traders used camel caravans from China and other tea-producing regions, through Russia, and into Europe. According to lore, the abundance of campfire smoke on this route gave the tea a characteristic, prized flavor. Eventually, the smoking process moved nearer to the farms themselves, and Lapsang Souchong was created. Souchong denotes older, larger leaves on the tea plant. While the younger buds (or golden tips) are typically most sought-after, this process of smoking older tea leaves created a new phenomenon—now a mainstay of the tea world. Fortunately, we get to enjoy this tea without hopping on a camel or journeying across Mongolia. If you’re curious to try a smoked tea, Russian Caravan is an ideal place to start.