Over the past few days, I have enjoy multiple cups of Dawn, my latest acquisition in the search for new teas. Typically not an avid black tea drinker, I was intrigued by the possibilities of this tea from India. After many cups I was finally ready to write a review. Let’s talk tea…
Composition: Indian Black Tea from the Abali Estate in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Dry Visual: Unexpectedly long and twisted dark brown almost black leaves with a surprising creamy tip visible on random leaves. I have never seen such long tea leaves in black tea. Thanks to The Simple Leaf for the picture.
Dry Aroma: The first time I smelled Dawn I was amazed by its delicious chocolate scent. Multiple inhalations later I refined my comparison to that of dark chocolate or cocoa beans.
Flavor: Once again, I have been converted. I have been known for saying, “I really prefer to only drink flavored black teas”. My favorites being Cream Flavored Earl Grey and a variety of chai teas. However, I must admit, Dawn blew me away. A very mild black tea with a natural sweetness requiring no sweetener at all. After several cups, Dawn leaves a slight aftertaste reminiscent of the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate. If over-brewed Dawn becomes astringent – so take my advice and don’t over-brew.
Liquor: A golden color, with red undertones. If brewed longer than recommended, Dawn begins to take on a reddish hue.
Brewing Time: Recommended brewing time is 5 minutes. I brewed for the recommended 5 minutes.
Manufacturer: The Simple Leaf
Caffeine: Yes.
I would love to hear from avid black tea drinkers who have enjoyed a cup of Dawn. How would you rate the taste of Dawn to your favorite black tea experience?
The color that you described for this tea sounds beautiful! I am a big fan of unflavored, “un-fooled around with,” teas… so I really want to try this one.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. I’ve been lurking around your blog for some time, but I just haven’t made a comment until now. I love your posts and especially love your header!
Great review!
Hey Brittiny!
Thanks for lurking and commenting today. I love to dialog with others about tea. If you ever have insight or experience with a tea I have reviewed, please comment. I like to know what others think or experience.
I am glad you enjoy reading Tea Escapade – I cannot take credit for the header though. It is actually a standard header. One day I may change it, but until then… enjoy!
Can’t wait to visit your blog again soon.
I’m going to have try black tea.Never had that. It’s a cute lil tea room in Alpharetta,Ga called Vintage Tea, Brenda Lain is the owner. http://www.vintagetea.com.She is so delighyful and its so pretty in the inside.
By the way I forgot to mention three other books that I just got in!
A Tea for all Seasons
The Tea Table
A Year of Teas at the Elmwood Inn
By Shelly&Bruce Richardson
I am an avid black tea drinker, however I prefer China black teas over black teas from India. I like the strong, bold flavors of Qimen, China. My favorite is sacred garden a unique keemun tea. I have only been able to find it at an online shop at http://www.tealaden.com.
I also got a free sample of Scottish Breakfast that I liked, but only drink it on occasion.
talkingwithtami,
I’ll have to add Vintage Tea to my Tea Room Collaboration Page. Thanks for the info.
I have not read the books you listed, however, I am looking forward to it.
Mindey,
Thanks so much for sharing! I have never had tea from Tea Laden. Thanks for the link, I ‘ll have to check the site out tonight.
Having received a sample of Dawn in the mail (thank you) I brewed up a pot this morning. Normally, I drink a strong black tea in the morning such as Irish, English, or Scottish Breakfast. I steeped Dawn my usual three minutes, tasted, found it too weak, brewed two additional minutes to the recommended five. Even after five minutes the tea was quite mild. I usually add milk or cream, doing so to this tea covered up all flavor. I enjoyed Dawn, but did not taste chocolate. (perhaps my palette is unsofisticated) I kept thinking it reminded more of an Oolong in some ways than a black tea. I found the tea pleasant, although I would not choose it for Breakfast in the future.
scrabblequeen,
I agree, Dawn is not a strong black tea. If you are used to a stronger black tea, I can see why Dawn would not be your first pick. Honestly, I think this is why I really loved Dawn – I favor the mild black tea taste to other black teas.
The chocolate… I tried a tea tasting technique I recently read about. After drinking a sip, I then took a deep breath in. By doing so, I was able to taste additional more subtle flavors.
Glad you received your tea package.