On to the next tea from LiberTEAS! I probably used more leaf than was necessary, but I didn’t want to have a weak cup of tea. I’ve only tried one flavored yerba mate before, so this will be my first unflavored version.
After being told Guayusa was similar to puer and then discovering it was nothing like it, I wonder if anyone mixed Guayusa and Yerba Mate up. Now this reminds me of puer! It has a very puer-esque aroma: earthy and slightly medicinal with a touch of salt. Uh oh. I’m definitely more intimidated now than I was with the Guayusa.
The liquor is fairly light though. So, I can’t imagine it’s going to be too much like puer. Only one way to find out! Whoa!! I was not expecting that punch of flavor!
This is yet another very unique taste. I definitely like it more than puer and maybe more than guayusa too. It’s interesting because it’s so intense, but only when it’s still in your mouth. As soon as I swallow, it has barely any after taste at all. In fact, it’s kind of palate cleansing.
I wish I could describe the taste better. It has a black pepper quality to it. Hmm, that’s all I can come up with. The description says light body and clean finish. I think that’s accurate. There’s no bitterness or astringency.
I probably wouldn’t drink this unflavored on a regular basis as it is somewhat bland. But I’m definitely going to revisit the 52teas’ flavored yerba mate I have now that I’ve a better understanding of what the base tastes like. But there’re still two more yerba mates to try in my package of samplers first! Thanks LiberTEAS!!
