
Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
One-time purchase:
$16.99$16.99 $2.12 per Ounce ($2.12$2.12 / Ounce)
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: ClockworkCornucopia
Subscribe & Save:
0%
5%
$16.99$16.99 $2.12 per Ounce ($2.12$2.12 / Ounce)
$16.14 with 5 percent savings $16.14 $2.02 per Ounce ($2.02$2.02 / Ounce)
First delivery on Mar 10 FREE delivery Wednesday, March 5 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: ClockworkCornucopia
Unlock 5% savings
Save 5% when you receive 5 or more products in one auto-delivery to one address.Choose how often it's delivered
From once every 2 weeks to once every 6 monthsSkip or cancel any time
We'll send you a reminder before each delivery.
Added to cart
Solstice Kombucha Loose Leaf Black and Green Tea 50/50 Blend, Keemun Black & China Young Hyson Green Tea for Brewing Kombucha (8-Oz Total)
Learn more
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | SOLSTICE TEA TRADERS |
Item Form | Loose Leaves |
Flavor | hyson green / keemun black |
Unit Count | 8.0 Ounce |
Number of Items | 1 |
About this item
- Hand blended kombucha loose tea, this tea is a unique combination of keenum congou china black tea, and Chinese young hyson green tea. Small batch hand blended to ensure a balanced yeast to bacteria ratio in your brew
- These fresh tea leaves are specially blended to make kombucha, as the 50/50 blend allows for a smooth flavor and a positive environment for brewing and fermenting
- The teas included in this blend are loose leaf specialty teas imported by one of Americas oldest tea importers. Each teas is true to form, and the best possible representation of its type
- If you've never had Kombucha from black green blended tea, you are missing out, this type of blend takes your kombucha to the next level
- This bag of kombucha loose tea is double the size of other traditional Kombucha blends, and will give you many more brews for the money
Frequently bought together

More to consider from Amazon Brands
- Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Worker well-beingManufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Forestry practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed forests.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Farming practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed farms.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.BiodiversityMade with materials harvested in a way that helps protect animals, plants, and a healthy ecosystem.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Farming practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed farms.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Forestry practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed forests.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Worker well-beingManufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.BiodiversityMade with materials harvested in a way that helps protect animals, plants, and a healthy ecosystem.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Forestry practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed forests.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Farming practicesMade with materials harvested from responsibly managed farms.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Worker well-beingManufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.BiodiversityMade with materials harvested in a way that helps protect animals, plants, and a healthy ecosystem.As certified byRainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature. By choosing Rainforest Alliance certified products, you help support farmers to follow more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect natural resources and the environment by using land, water, and energy more carefully. These practices also safeguard carbon-storing forests and help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change, which ultimately improves their livelihoods.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Organic contentProduct contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.
From the brand

-
How did we get our start?
Born in southeast Kentucky, we are interested in tea, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, herbal tea, aged tea ...
What makes our products unique?
We carry specially assembled loose leaf tea samplers for you to try a variety of teas in generous quantities.
Tell me about your packaging.
Our sampler boxes are designed to look like the crates that tea was traditionally shipped in on clipper ships.
-
Tea samplers and more
Product Description

Keemun Black & China Young Hyson Green Tea for Brewing Kombucha
Hand blended kombucha loose tea, this tea is a unique combination of Keenum congou china black tea and Chinese young hyson green tea. Small batch hand blended to ensure a balanced yeast to bacteria ratio in your brew
This loose leaf tea is specifically blended to lend itself well to kombucha, as the 50/50 blend allows for a smooth flavor and a positive environment for brewing and fermenting.
The teas included in this blend are loose leaf specialty teas imported by one of Americas oldest tea importers. Each tea is true to form, and the best possible representation of its type.
If you've never had Kombucha from black-green blended tea, you are missing out, this type of blend takes your kombucha to the next level.
This bag of kombucha loose tea is double the size of other traditional Kombucha blends and will give you many more brews for the money.
This black and green loose tea mix are specially hand blended to ensure that the kombucha you brew creates the correct environment for bacteria growth.
8oz is 120+ servings. Approx. 3 cups of tea leaves.
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 8 x 2 x 12 inches; 8 ounces
- UPC : 722306881458
- Manufacturer : Solstice Tea Traders
- ASIN : B01M0TPAVM
- Country of Origin : USA
- Best Sellers Rank: #20,217 in Grocery & Gourmet Food (See Top 100 in Grocery & Gourmet Food)
- #372 in Black Tea
- Customer Reviews:
Compare with similar items
This Item ![]() Solstice Kombucha Loose Leaf Black and Green Tea 50/50 Blend, Keemun Black & China Young Hyson Green Tea for Brewing Kombucha (8-Oz Total) | Recommendations | |||||
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $16.99$16.99 | $9.00$9.00 | -6% $12.20$12.20 Typical: $13.00 | $57.49$57.49 | $16.99$16.99 | $30.99$30.99 |
Price Per Unit | $2.12 / Ounce | $2.25 / Ounce | $3.05 / Ounce | $3.27 / Ounce | $1.06 / Ounce | $2.58 / Ounce |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 5 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 5 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 5 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 5 | Get it Mar 7 - 13 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sold By | ClockworkCornucopia | Bamboo Tea House | Amazon.com | YAMASAN KYOTO UJI | FGOrganics | ClockworkCornucopia |
tea variety | — | black | sencha | sencha | green | black |
flavor | hyson green / keemun black | Smokey | Japanese Sencha Green tea | green tea | Gunpowder Green | earl grey,english breakfast,hibiscus,peach,Ultimate Sampler |
form | Loose Leaves | Leaf | Loose Leaves | Loose Leaves | Loose Leaves | Loose Leaves |
unit count | 8 | 4 | 4 | 17.6 | 16 | 12 |
weight | 0.5 pounds | — | 0.01 ounces | 500 grams | 1 pounds | 1.87 pounds |
caffeine content | 25 | high caffeine | Medium Caffeine | low caffeine | high caffeine | Caffeine free |
recommended uses | Kombucha Brewing | Evening Relaxation | Relaxation | — | Caffeinated Beverage, General Tea Consumption | Relaxation, Stress Relief |
special ingredients | Keemun black tea, Chinese young Hyson green tea | Smoky | Green Tea | Green Tea | Green Tea | Hibiscus |
Important information
Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women.
loose leaf keemun black tea (50%) and loose leaf China Young Hyson Green Tea (50%)
1. Open the bag of kombucha loose tea and shake it to ensure an even distribution of tea leaves. 2. Measure out the desired amount of tea leaves for your brew. 3. Place the tea leaves in a brewing vessel. 4. Add hot water to the vessel, ensuring that the water temperature is within the recommended range for kombucha brewing. 5. Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time. 6. Remove the tea leaves from the liquid. 7. Add starter tea or a kombucha culture (SCOBY) to the brewed tea. 8. Cover the vessel with a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band. 9. Store the vessel in a warm, dark place for the fermentation process. 10. After the fermentation period, the kombucha is ready to consume or further flavor as desired.
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy the tea's taste, quality, and value for money. They find it delicious and good for everyday use. The leaves look great and have a nice aroma. Many appreciate the color, describing it as a golden chocolate color. While some customers like the freshness and texture, others have mixed opinions on the overall quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the tea's flavor and aroma. They find it good for everyday use and a nice cup of tea.
"...The milk and salt give it a buttery flavor, and along with the smoke, it brings me old memories of my mornings sipping yak butter tea in the hills..." Read more
"...Quantity is plentiful, Taste is as described and caffeine buzz is however you want it to be...." Read more
"Very complex tea. You definitely get the feeling that this is representative of the smoky exotic tea brought to Russia by caravan from China." Read more
"...That's why I'll give it 4 out of 5 Stars. It's good for an every day tea and it has a great price point...." Read more
Customers enjoy the quality of the tea. They mention it's a great whole leaf tea with a nice lychee scent. They find it an excellent oolong, with robust bottom notes and smooth flavor that stands up to English Breakfast. The Vanilla Black is also good, comparable to YamamotoYama Sencha. It makes great Kombucha but is a little pricey.
"...like about this blend (this batch, at least) that I didn’t expect, is a nice, cozy malty layer...." Read more
"...This lasts about 5 to 6 hours, stay warm and is strong, strong, strong. You will feel the first couple of small sips...." Read more
"I'm gonna do you fellas a favor here. This tea's finicky, tastes like hell if you brew it wrong, tastes real nice if you get it right though...." Read more
"...So, with this tea, it does have that sort of distinct floral quality that you would expect from almost any oolong -- except maybe white tip...." Read more
Customers like the tea's value for money. They say it's good value for the price.
"...It's good for an every day tea and it has a great price point...." Read more
"...Overall, good value for the price! I think I'll try a different brand or variation next time though for a more malty brew and stronger vanilla flavor." Read more
"...It is a good value, so I use more to get a darker, more robust tea...." Read more
"...get 2 steeps from the amount i use in my mesh tea thing making it cost effective vs premade tea bags from the store." Read more
Customers enjoy the tea's aroma and flavor. They find the smokiness spot-on, with a nice mellow flavor. The black tea has a citrus note and sweet taste, with subtle brassy notes similar to Darjeeling. The vanilla is subtle yet distinct, and the caffeine kick is good.
"...You taste the earthiness of the black tea, you get a citrus note as it rolls across your palette, and a hint of bitterness of the Bergamot orange..." Read more
"...It's so delicious. It's light fruit notes and floral base are a perfect blend. And it's delicately sweet." Read more
"...It has a nice smoky flavor to it and the caffeine is good, so for this price for 8 ounces of loose leaf tea, you will be very happy with it...." Read more
"...Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this purchase. The smoke was very light, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on your preference,..." Read more
Customers enjoy the tea's color. They find it looks, smells, and tastes great. The blend of black and green tea leaves produces a golden chocolate color at just over 3 minutes. The flavor is toasty with a nice rich black tea base. The vanilla is subtle yet distinctive.
"...a biz/vacay in Detroit and used 1 tsp/2-minute steep and it was rich, dark, and complex...." Read more
"...The tea looks, smells, and tastes wonderful. I like to make it in my coffee maker, 7 or 8 scoops will brew a pot of decent strength...." Read more
"This tea produces the best amber color...." Read more
"...The color will be straw-colored; I brew this tea for 5-10 minutes and it never gets bitter...." Read more
Customers appreciate the freshness of the tea. They mention it's fresh, with evenly chopped leaves, and the foil package helps maintain freshness. The tea is smooth and refreshing, not old or powdery like some other kombucha teas.
"Very large bag. Tea leaves fresh, nice texture leaves evenly chopped . A little weaker than im used to in a black oolong. But definitely a good tea...." Read more
"...The resealable package keeps the tea nice and fresh. When I feel the need for an extra special cup of tea, this is what I turn to." Read more
"...This is some old, incredibly dusty stuff that has NOTHING to do with MAO FENG...." Read more
"...descriptions of flavor, I merely note that this oolong is robust, refreshing, and remarkable. I recommend it to those of my persuasion." Read more
Customers enjoy the tea's smooth texture. It has no discernible acidity, and the leaves are evenly chopped. The tea is coarse enough to steep without a bunch of fines slipping through. It is gentle on the stomach and doesn't leave any stain on caps. The sharpness settles into a very mellow, pale yellow-green tea.
"...I'm not getting that from this tea. It's smooth and mellow and has no "bite". That's why I'll give it 4 out of 5 Stars...." Read more
"...It's smooth and not at all grassy like some green teas can be; even a lifelong black tea drinker could appreciate it...." Read more
"...It’s smooth and not bitter in the slightest if brewed following their directions...." Read more
"...This Formosa Standard Oolong has a smooth, rich flavor without any bitterness...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the tea quality. Some find it has real leaves with a pleasant flavor, while others say it's the by-product of tea production and not fresh tea.
"...3/5 stars for being tasty, but hard to brew right, and not organic." Read more
"...Smooth and clean without any astringent bitterness. The leaves are nice and big, with not an inordinate amount of twigs...." Read more
"I don't even need to open the bag to know that this is not Japanese sencha tea. Sencha comes only from Japan, not China...." Read more
"Good flavor but not full leaf" Read more
Reviews with images

☕Good value vanilla tea
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020Flavor Name: Russian CaravanSize: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseUpdated review 8/20/2020: I decided to give it another try, and I’m glad I did! It tastes exactly like what the description leads you expect: a mild smokiness, and a balanced flavor between bold (assam) and light (oolong). What I really like about this blend (this batch, at least) that I didn’t expect, is a nice, cozy malty layer. I used 2.6 grams (a little less than a tablespoon) with full-boiling water steeped 5 minutes. That’s about the amount in a typical tea bag, but the fuller the leaf, it will need to be brewed a little longer because it has less surface area.
This bag contains plenty of full leaf tea, at least at the top (naturally, if you ship it in a bag, there will be more broken pieces that settle). I might suggest the manufacturer inflate the bag with some nitrogen to cushion it during shipping, but for the price, I don’t mind if some gets a little crushed.
Prior review, January 2020:
I think I got the dregs. (See update!)
My favorite way to drink Russian Caravan is sweetened, with a good amount of milk or cream, and a pinch of salt! The milk and salt give it a buttery flavor, and along with the smoke, it brings me old memories of my mornings sipping yak butter tea in the hills of Dharamsala. If the salt sounds weird to you, think of the little bit of salt in hot chocolate. Give it a try sometime!
I was so excited at first to find an affordable replacement for my beloved Choice brand Russian Caravan tea. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this purchase. The smoke was very light, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on your preference, but too light for my liking. The remaining tea flavor seems very thin to me, even using a generous portion, 2 grams (about two teaspoons) for a mug of tea. Not the bold, hearty brew I’m accustomed to in black tea. Maybe the Choice brand I was used to had more assam and less oolong.
The bag I received had an awful lot of crushed leaves, a lot more than I expected from my experience with other loose teas. The particles are not so small that a lot escapes the infuser. It was shipped in a padded envelope, which was probably not adequate protection (fulfilled by Amazon).
I noticed that this item has gone out of stock. The Lapsang Souchong by the same company seems to have consistently good reviews, so maybe I just got a bad batch that had been sitting around too long.
Update June 2020: The seller, Soulstice Trader, replied immediately to my enquiry and cheerfully refunded my purchase. Great customer service! I am trying to decide whether to take a chance on the Russian Caravan again, or go to the even smokier Lapsang Souchong.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024Flavor Name: Tropicana Black TeaSize: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseFor me this Solstice Tea checks all the boxes. Quantity is plentiful, Taste is as described and caffeine buzz is however you want it to be. Tested other companies teas and just wasn't as impressed as I am with Solstice Tea's. I also like the packaging because it's sturdy and easy to open and close. It's just plain good!!!
I was new to tea and had to learn the way I like my tea. I’d like to give all new tea drinkers a starting point and “know it all’s”, I mean experts, something new to try.
My favorite recipe:
1. I use Sivaphe Travel Tea Tumbler / Tea Infuser Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DG2NP14?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
2. Put 6 teaspoons of Solstice tea, 2 teaspoons of Spearmint Tea Leaves, and 2 teaspoons of Yellow Mountain Tea House Sweet Tea Leaves (don’t need sugar or artificial sweeteners) into the infuser.
3. Boil 25 ounces of water and put it into the tea infuser bottle. I know it says capacity is 12 oz and 17 oz on the site but it all fits.
4. Pour boiled water into the infuser and use two fingers to thread top (make sure pop-up is closed) because its plastic to steel, then tighten.
5. I then let it infuse for about an hour (don’t care what others think). Tea will still be too hot to drink. Open and remove the infuser and enjoy. This lasts about 5 to 6 hours, stay warm and is strong, strong, strong. You will feel the first couple of small sips. I usually wait a little bit between sips for full flavor per sip.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024Flavor Name: Russian CaravanSize: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseVery complex tea. You definitely get the feeling that this is representative of the smoky exotic tea brought to Russia by caravan from China.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2018Flavor Name: PlainSize: 1 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified PurchaseI love oolong tea . I have spent 50 to $60 on a bulk bag from the Republic of Tea. That was several years ago so I'm sure it's even more expensive now. I didn't want to spend that much this time around for a tea that I drink everyday. I may have considered it for a special occasion tea. But I drink oolong almost everyday and I like it strong so I don't get two and three brews off of one tea ball full of tea like other folks. I'm lucky if I can get a second brew but usually the second one is way too weak for my tastes . So I decided to try this. I guess I'm no tea Aficionado but since I have invested in some really high-quality brands from Republic of Tea, Serendipitea and other companies and I have tried and can detect the difference between varieties such as Wu Yi, Tai Quan Yin, White Tip, and Milk oolong, I have developed an appreciation and an understanding for the way that I think a good oolong should taste. So, with this tea, it does have that sort of distinct floral quality that you would expect from almost any oolong -- except maybe white tip. I didn't get that floral note from white tip oolong but then I've only tried Serendipitea's white tip oolong and I don't even think they offer it anymore on Amazon. This one has the floral quality but it is not as astringent as some of the other brands I've tried. I think it's the tannins that I'm tasting that produces that slightly astringent quality that I love. Frequent tea drinkers will understand this. I'm not talking about a bitterness. I'm talking about that slight "bite" or astringency that a good quality tea has that just kind of floods your mouth and enhances the flavor of the tea. I'm not getting that from this tea. It's smooth and mellow and has no "bite". That's why I'll give it 4 out of 5 Stars. It's good for an every day tea and it has a great price point. But it's not quite as heavenly as, for instance, a good quality Tai Quan Yin (which is my favorite).
Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.