Lapsang Souchong vs Russian Caravan

Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong is a smoked black tea from the Wuyi mountains, where the leaves are withered and dried over pinewood fires. The cup carries a distinctive campfire smoke character layered over dried longan, pine resin, and a mild fruity sweetness. Traditional versions are gently smoky rather than harsh; the smoke integrates with the tea instead of overwhelming it. It remains one of China's most recognizable black teas and a fixture of Western tea culture since the 17th century.

Russian Caravan

Russian Caravan is a blended black tea named for the camel caravans that once carried tea from China to Russia. Most blends combine dark Chinese black teas with a portion of smoky Lapsang Souchong, giving a cup that is malty and full-bodied with a gentle campfire-smoke thread woven through sweet dried-fruit notes. The smoke level varies by blender — some versions are subtle, others unmistakably smoky. Traditionally enjoyed strong, often with sugar or lemon.

Lapsang Souchong

Water temperature

95–100°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

3–5 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Russian Caravan

Water temperature

95–100°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

3–5 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Lapsang Souchong

Medium caffeine — roughly 35–60 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Russian Caravan

High caffeine — roughly 40–70 mg per brewed serving

A noticeable lift — best earlier in the day.

Lapsang Souchong

China · Fujian (Wuyi)

Authentic Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong comes from the Wuyi mountains of northern Fujian.

Russian Caravan

Blended

Russian Caravan evokes the historic overland tea trade between China and Russia.