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Scheherazade drank Russian Caravan by Twinings

2248 tasting notes

I’ve been drinking this quite steadily at work these past few days. The mornings have got pretty cold, and this is just the tea I need to get the day started once I arrive. I know there’s some confusion about the origin of this tea, but my bag says chinese keemun.

First off, I have to say that this isn’t quite what I thought. From what I’ve read about Russian Caravan I was expecting a slightly smoky taste, which I can’t detect at all. I find myself mildly disappointed by this. That being said, I think this is a fabulous breakfast tea — strong and dependable. I’m actually considering replacing my usual English Breakfast with this, because, while not very exciting, it is a fabulous tasting tea.

I think I’ll continue to experiment with Russian Caravan blends from other manufacturers, because I’d really like to find one with the fabled smokiness. For now, though, this is really hitting the spot.

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 30 sec

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1 comments

CrowSister
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DELETEless than a minute ago
I started drinking russian caravan in high school in the 70s…ahem. I can recommend http://steepster.com/teas/upton-tea-imports/10276-finest-russian-caravan-tb70
The trick is to limit steeping time as it becomes bitter (?)quickly. I simply love this as my afternoon black tea when I indulge.

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CrowSister
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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Suffolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs around a decade ago. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Yunnan also occupies a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I’m still warming up to green teas (even after all this time!) I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, but I don’t hate them anymore. Oolongs, with the exception of the odd one or two, just don’t generally tend to float my boat. My exploration of pu’erh, both ripened and raw, continues.

Everything else I can take or leave, but I am still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

My default brewing style is western with no additions. If I deviate from that it will be documented in the specific tasting note. If you would like me to review your teas please contact me via instagram @scheherazade_steeps

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.