815 Smoky Russian Caravan [HOME]
All Customer ReviewsAverage Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Reviewer: Chris O'Connell , Buffalo ,NY
February 28, 2009
I would agree with the "tastes like a campfire" review. I would say this tea is acquired taste that just isn't for me.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, somewhere, FL
September 03, 2008
This tea tastes like you are sipping a campfire. Ex-smokers might enjoy it and those that like an intense smoky flavor.
Reviewer: Jane , Swart , Charlotte ,NC
August 23, 2008
I was a bit skeptical when I opened the sample and smelled the intense smokiness. I brewed it up, and was very pleasantly surprised at the unique flavor, body and depth of the tea. It was smoother than I expected after having gotten that initial whiff when I opened the package. The tea was bold and held up very nicely to the smokey essense which seemed to be more noticable in the nose than on the palate as you drank it, giving it a very unique and enjoyable quality. However, in the future, when we are looking for an intensity in the flavor of our tea, we will stick with Pu Ehr's, which we have found to be absolutely an exquisit experience. Well worth trying a sample!
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Seal Cove ,ME
March 18, 2008
A wonderful Tea. I have been getting Russian Caravan for years from a supplier in Canada. I recently learned of SpecialTeas.com and I decided to give this version a go. After one cup I was glad that I went for a 2# bag right off the bat. Lovely slightly smoky flavor. Russian Caravan in general is one of my all time favorite teas, and this one is no exception. I will certainly order again.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Chula Vista ,CA
February 13, 2008
Acquired taste. I learned to like it, but I'd never make a steady diet of it. Of course it's VERY good hot, but I made many large pitchers of iced tea with it. Talk about unique! Grows on you because its so distinctively smoky, but not overwhelming. If you like the smoky flavor of Lapsang, this is more muted. It's a good choice.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Pittsburgh ,PA
April 19, 2006
When I got a sample after reading some of the other reviews, I was half expecting the Limburger of teas. Not so! The campfire smell is certainly strong, but pleasant and not overwhelming. The taste starts out mostly wood smoke, but there's a lot more going on after that. (although "fruity" might be a touch optimistic -- I got more of a spicy finish.) Just don't open the bag thinking that you have a light China green or something, and you'll like this tea.
Reviewer: Sergey,
Interesting tea. I must admit that smell of this tea may catch you by surprise. By surprise I mean you may hate dreadful fragrance of this tea, or you may like it (I sort of did). To anyone who understand Russian I would describe the fragrance of this tea as a fragrance of "kirzovix sapog". But the thing is the more you drink it more you will like it. To anyone who are into "rosy" smells of Ceylon I wouldn't recommend this tea-too much anti-rosy smell. However, if you like me enjoy strong black tea-try it. It may catch you by surprise.
Reviewer: Mark S.,
After having this one, I find I can't enjoy straight-up Lapsang as much! This tea takes everything that is great about Lapsang and then adds depth and sweetness from regular black tea. A great blend!
Reviewer: Alan Boehmer,
A delicious and bold Russian blend. It makes Lapsang Souchong seem monodimensional by comparison. The smoky notes are nicely balanced by other flavors and aromas, so do not dominate as in typical Lapsangs.
Reviewer: Eric S.,
Man this stuff reeeeeeks. I haven't tasted it yet, as I am still trying to convince my hand to bring it back up near my nose.
Reviewer: martin,
i must voice my disappointment with this particular tea. i really love my lapsang souchong and after reading a few reviews, i was really looking forward to this tea. it turned out to be a major disappointment or maybe i just got a bad batch of tea. it tasted like a very stale emperors red. would like to try it again but not if i'm going to get the same stuff. can anyone relate to this taste i'm describing. SpecialTeas comment: Dear Martin; please contact us (we do not know your last name) - we would like to replace the tea. Due to it's distinct smoky flavor, tea No. 815 Smoky Russian Caravan should have no similarities to the No. 593 Emperors Red. We apologize for the mistake.
Reviewer: Andrew Haystead,
I have to agree with the positive reviews of this tea. Tasty and fragrant.
Reviewer: Jim,
Deffinitely an aquired taste! If you like the out-doors, camp-fires, and such... this is the tea for you! With a bold smokey taste and strong campfire scent it will keep you on your toes. I always have liked my tea strong and this one dosn't dissapoint.
Reviewer: Tammie Ruzic,
This is a very unusual tea - kind of like sipping a campfire. Personally, I love it. It makes a great afternoon tea if you want something strong. Also good for coffee drinkers.
