ARIEL Russian Caravan

Our classic smoky black tea blend, with the depth and balance that defines the Russian Caravan tradition. Available in 1 kg loose leaf bulk – a destination format for café programs and retail customers seeking a credible smoky black tea position. The smoke is restrained – warmer and less assertive than Lapsang Souchong – which makes Russian Caravan a more versatile menu item. Pairs naturally with milk.

Tasting Notes

A deep amber red cup, with a smoky aroma that reads as warming rather than charred. The black tea base leads: malty, full-bodied, with a hint of natural sweetness. Pine smoke comes through at the middle and finish, layered rather than dominant. Earthy notes underneath. Tolerates milk well – the smoke holds its place without disappearing.

Blend

Our base is whole leaf black tea, blended to recreate the smoky character that gives Russian Caravan its name. The name refers to the historical tea trade between China and Russia: tea was transported by camel caravan over months of overland travel, and tradition holds that the leaves absorbed wood smoke from the caravan's nightly campfires. Modern Russian Caravan blends recreate this character by smoking a portion of the leaves over pine fires. The result is a complex, layered cup – more accessible than Lapsang Souchong, more characterful than a standard black tea.

Brewing

Steep 2.5 g per 250 ml at 95 °C for 3 minutes. Black tea is the most heat-tolerant of the true teas; boiling water works. At commercial scale, a 1 kg bag yields about 400 servings. Zero calories per 250 ml serving.

Additional Information

• Ingredients: Whole leaf black tea
• Formats: 1 kg bulk bag
• Certifications: Kosher, Aliments préparés au Québec
• Foundation: Humaniterra Foundation
• Type: Black tea, caffeinated, loose leaf