94
drank Dawn by The Simple Leaf
59 tasting notes

I’ve updated my first log of this with a couple more details, but I just had to post another note.

For some reason, this tea makes me crave it late at night. It’s so smooth, light, and calm. There’s just no bitterness at all. I’m now noticing a hint of starfruit there, in addition to the highly cocoa-centric flavor.

I’m not sure if this applies to other tea drinkers, but it seems to me that different teas give slightly different highs – Chinese green teas often make me feel thin and twitchy and mentally hyperactive, Assams are more physically energizing. Dawn is sort of like a runner’s high. If I’m not already too full of vigor, I can sleep after having it even though it has caffeine. The milk I use might be affecting this too; milk seems to soften all aspects of a tea, including the stimulant effect. I use about half of what I would use for a more robust black. It looks a bit light in color after the milk is added but the flavor is very nice.

Dawn is also still good even if oversteeped. It’s the first black tea that I’ve actually considered steeping twice; often, the smell of used black tea leaves is somewhat repulsive to me, but Dawn’s large leaves still smell and look nice.

The other thing I had to say is that this is now my girlfriend’s favorite tea. She also likes it blended with Keemun.

I’m going to have to bump up my rating again.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 5 min, 15 sec
JacquelineM

This sounds sooooooo good. The Simple Leaf is very much on my to try list – I love how they concentrate on one region and offer a small, thoughtful selection.

SoccerMom

Jacqueline, I am so with you on this I would order it right now (and still might) but I just got in an order from Samovar (samples) and Harney and Sons samples & order is on it’s way! I too am anxious to try this one.

Erin

@Harfatum – I totally get what you mean about different teas affecting you differently. Normally black teas make me a shaky jittery mess, but this one is so gentle and wonderful. That is another reason (besides its heavenly taste) why it is my favorite tea.

@JacquelineM & SoccerMom – I highly recommend that you move Dawn to the top of your shopping list. You won’t regret it! Although SoccerMom, prepare to be delighted by Samovar as well!

SoccerMom

@ Harfatum It’s a done deal! (It’s at the top of my list) :P

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JacquelineM

This sounds sooooooo good. The Simple Leaf is very much on my to try list – I love how they concentrate on one region and offer a small, thoughtful selection.

SoccerMom

Jacqueline, I am so with you on this I would order it right now (and still might) but I just got in an order from Samovar (samples) and Harney and Sons samples & order is on it’s way! I too am anxious to try this one.

Erin

@Harfatum – I totally get what you mean about different teas affecting you differently. Normally black teas make me a shaky jittery mess, but this one is so gentle and wonderful. That is another reason (besides its heavenly taste) why it is my favorite tea.

@JacquelineM & SoccerMom – I highly recommend that you move Dawn to the top of your shopping list. You won’t regret it! Although SoccerMom, prepare to be delighted by Samovar as well!

SoccerMom

@ Harfatum It’s a done deal! (It’s at the top of my list) :P

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Bio

I work as a web coder guy. I eat primal/paleo; I love math, science, gaming, and of course tea. I’ve been drinking tea since I was 3! I started with looseleaf in 2004 and have had lots of fun trying all sorts of new things since then.

I mostly drink black tea, and that usually with milk and sugar. I also enjoy, in more or less descending order:

cooked puers
rooibos, lighter greens, oolongs
whites, raw puers
some other herbals
darker greens

Location

Somerville, MA

Website

http://www.facebook.com/akrusz

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