Guayaki

hoping this will help wake me up, clear my stuffy head, and cheer my heart on this foggy gray morning. I’ll settle for 2 out of 3.

I was surprised to see this as a choice of teabags at a restaurant recently (well it was sort of a unique place, a general store/gourmet market/cafe of sorts, so not too surprised…) Anyway, I’ve been wanting to try this because I don’t like the taste of mate so it has to be masked pretty well. This was an interesting blend, rather cinnamony and a good bit chocolatey, but without letting you forget that it is an herbal tea (as in, it didn’t taste like coffee or or hot cocoa or anything.) It’s rather unlike anything I’ve had. I drank it all so I must have liked it. As for whether it gave me an energy burst, it’s hard to say but I did do a lot of shopping, wine tasting, and play watching that day so I think it did help keep me going. I will be having this one again, as I bought a box for my mate/mocha loving hubby a few weeks ago as a Christmas gift. So glad I got to sample it so now I know what I’m giving him!

Made in a gourd.
I liked it ok.

I brewed this one too weak and don’t have any more of it to try, so will try to rate based on how I think it would taste when brewed correctly. It did not seem to have much of the traditional yerba mate flavor – I pretty much just tasted the cocoa and spices. The spices were fairly light, which was nice. Prepared with stevia. Tasted pretty much the same with and without almond milk.

I picked this up at the healthfood store – I’ve tried hot mate and thought it decent but I’ve never had it iced. Apparently it’s quite a popular way to drink it in South Amercia, though I’m not sure if they bother with all the sugar that’s in this.

And sweet it is – there’s less sugar in it than in bottled iced tea or pop, but 20g of sugar is still a fair bit. I tasted most of the sweetness at the start of each sip, as I swallowed it took on a herbal, sort of woody taste. It left almost a smokey aftertaste in my mouth, interestingly.

It’s interesting and I’m glad I tried it for variety, but it’s not going to be my go-to cold drink or anything.

I got introduced to this tea by two Argentine in Mexico, talk about odd but it was love at first taste. Now it’s the first thing I reach for in the morning. Enough said.

I bought a box of this a long time ago (at least a year, if not much longer). The bags are dwindling down, and I’m glad that it’s almost gone. It’s just kinda gross.

I’ve never had plain yerba mate, so I don’t know how well I like it. But I don’t like this. It does taste slightly chocolate, and it’s got some spice…but it’s just not good. Wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.

Trying the mate again today. This time I tried it prepared in a coffee pot as mentioned on the package (as opposed to with my mug infuser). Wow, much stronger this way. I must not have had the temperature hot enough or used enough of the leaves last time. I added a little milk and sugar as well. MMM…This is so much more palatable! It has a smoother more soothing feel this way (as I suppose should be expected!). It reminds me of green tea but not quite as pungent and more roasty. This may just become my coffee alternative!

I am certainly getting that “earthy” quality others have mentioned. This is my first time trying mate… had to even ask how it was pronounced. I am feeling somewhat more energized, which is definitely a good thing as I am currently at work and have another 2 and a half hours to go till this shift is through! Some days midnight cannot come soon enough. :)

Heard about the health benefits and decided to give it a try. It is not too bad. Added a little sweetner to improve the flavor. Will give it another try.

Went on holiday without any tea and picked this up to get by. Although it is good hot, everyone seemed to like it strongly brewed and iced.

This is my slap in the face. It was interesting watching the color change while it was steeping. Started really bright green and slowly turned a hazy amber. The smell is a little intimidating but the tea is alright, and just alright. This is not one I would get excited to drink. Very, Very earthy, but will for sure give you an energy boost.

Great to start the day. I added a little milk and sugar as well.

Brewed this even stronger today. This tea punches you in the face with how earthy it is. Not for the faint of heart.

Its a good thing I have been drinking all this Mate today since I had to go out and change a flat on my car. I think I did it in record time though because I’m all hopped up on Mate. Go Me!

Its official. I’m calling it. Today shall be Mate day. MMMMmmmm soak it in.

Sometimes its like getting hit in the face by tea. Whammy!

OK so I actually used the drip coffee maker to brew this as suggested. I’m not as excited today about it as I was yesterday. Maybe a little too earthy. This is a very strong mate. I was pretty excited for the boost of energy late in the afternoon yesterday. Not bad, just not sure if it will be my thing. I generally enjoy mate and was excited to try this one. It stays true to the Paraguay cutting methods. It has a lot of powder in the grind. It will make you think someone is mowing your yard by the smell whill it is brewing and it definitely has some of that in the taste also. Overall not a bad tea and I will probably keep some on hand for when I need a pick me up.