Russian Caravan is one of the most distinctive offerings on the H. R. Higgins list.

Russia’s love affair with tea is believed to have started in around 1618, when Tsar Michael received a gift from the Mongolian leader Altyan-Kahn.

After many disputes, a common border was established and regular trade between the two countries began with a designated place for the transfer of tea to take place.

At the height of its popularity, six camel loads of tea a year were being drunk in Russia by the end of the eighteenth century. The Camel Trains formed Caravans which transported the tea over eleven thousand miles overland in exchange for furs.

With the introduction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the time taken from Mongolia to Russia was hugely reduced. However, the swifter transit caused a change to the flavour of tea. It no longer had that special quality the tea lovers so enjoyed. 

The suggestion was that the smoke from the camp fires lit by the caravan drivers on the long journey had perhaps contributed to the distinctive flavour of the tea that the Russians had so enjoyed.

A new blend was created to replicate the tea that had started their love affair with the product. And so Caravan Tea was born.

Our Russian Caravan Tea is fragrant and full bodied flavour with a fruity mellowness and just a very little hint of smokiness.