Finest Russian Caravan

I’ve been looking for an afternoon blend with character and finally found it with this one (I’ve been on a tea tasting tear for a year and tried over 50 Upton teas!). It has a hint of smoke, no bitterness (brew for 4 minutes), and a richness not commonly found in teas from any one country. Highly recommend.

Some teas are forgiving, some not as much. This is one of the latter. My first time I steeped for five minutes. It was too bitter. The next time I backed off a bit until I found the “sweet spot.” For me this was four minutes, or a few seconds less. That made a great cup. I also found that if I let it cool slightly it was better.

I can see why they call it an afternoon or evening tea. Use extra tea for more flavor!

I can see why they call it an afternoon or evening tea. Use extra tea for more flavor!

I can see why they call it an afternoon or evening tea. Use extra tea for more flavor!

As described, this is an afternoon tea without enough punch for a morning cup. It is lightweight, smooth and easy drinking, but I found the taste "nondescript black." I weighed the leaves at 1.4 gr/level teaspoon, so use enough for full effect. For a solid morning cup, try River Shannon.

Perfect cup, great in the morning or at tea time. I steep it for three minutes exactly. Hearty but smooth at the same time.

This is my go-to tea. I enjoy a variety of tea, expensive and not expensive, but this is my most favorite! A great choice if you enjoy a black-tea blend.

This is my go-to tea. I enjoy a variety of tea, expensive and not expensive, but this is my most favorite! A great choice if you enjoy a black-tea blend.

An amazingly smooth tea for such a dark cup! This one is very much a wake up tea, it’ll make you want to join a Russian Caravan! It’s one of my favorite breakfast teas, with a lot of intensity, but no harsh tannins at all.