Canarias is one of, if not the most popular yerba mate brand in Uruguay.
And in this post, you’re about to find out why it's one of the best.
I’ve been drinking Canarias (I’m also drinking it as I write this), and compared to most popular Argentinian yerbas, this one will knock you off your feet.
When I first heard of Canarias, I didn’t think too much of it. It seemed overhyped. And what most people tend to like, I tend to stray away from.
But as it turns out…
I was wrong.
This brand is grown in Brazil and then aged for 4-6 months (according to their website), before reaching you. And after drinking this and coming back to it over the years (several times), I believe Canarias deserves all the hype it gets.
Here’s why…
Nose
Right out of the bag, Canarias releases this pungent smell. To the nose, it contains a rich and dark earthiness as well as a fresh hay note. A little bit of citrus is hiding in the back, along with a hint of smoke. This all changes when it’s brewing in the gourd, though. When it comes in contact with hot water, a nuttiness and sweetness float into the air.
Taste
When it comes to taste, Canarias is quite similar to how it smells. To start, you’re immediately hit with a strong combination of soil, earth, and hay. This isn’t your usual yerba mate taste either. Compared to Argentinian or Paraguayan mate, this is stronger, fuller, and richer in taste, all while being extremely well-balanced and smooth. Though this may depend on your palate. But to me, it’s one of the softest brands I’ve had.
Then, after a handful of refills, this mate begins to show its true colors. The more I sip, the more notes I discover. Hearty notes of bread, oats, and roasted nuts pop up, and they all coalesce wonderfully. But that’s not even the best part. As I get to the second half, a delectable milk chocolate and peanut butter taste spoils my palate.
To a beginner, this will be a beast. It’s jam-packed with flavor. And to an experienced mate drinker, this will likely be what you’ve been searching for – a complex flavor profile that keeps giving.
I found Canarias to taste best around 155-170ºF (68-77ºC), but any temp will do. The temp doesn’t exactly change the tasting notes, but it does change how strong it comes through.
Finish
On the finish, Canarias doesn’t offer anything new. The more dominant flavors from before (earth, soil, and malt) carry over with no harshness or bitterness. This surprised me, coming from such a strong mate. The finish lasts only about 30 seconds and is as mellow as can be - just how I like it.
Body/Texture
Canarias is a full-bodied mate with a unique creamy texture that can’t go unnoticed. In the beginning, it’s heavy and a bit gritty due to the powder content. But as you keep drinking, it smooths itself out, but still maintains its heavy-cream-like mouthfeel almost throughout the entire gourd. And the most shocking part of all, Canarias is not astringent. The dry mouth and constricting sensations caused by most yerbas are barely felt here.
Cycle
To top everything off, Canarias has a long cycle, and it’s all thanks to its cut. I can easily finish more than a liter of water with an average-sized mate gourd. The flavor doesn’t wash away quickly either. Instead, it gradually simmers down, allowing you to truly experience all it has to offer.
Cut
Canarias features a classic Uruguayan cut. It’s predominantly composed of finely-cut yellow-green leaves with some that are brown and black. Palos/stems are present but all are no longer than maybe 2 millimeters. Overall, Canarias is mostly leaves and dust. The powder helps form a nice mountain of mate when preparing, but can easily be sucked up if not using the right bombilla.
I highly recommend a spoon bombilla for this type of yerba or you’ll risk having it clog. To mitigate this from happening, every once in a while, you want to take your bombilla and push the yerba to one side to keep the mountain and filtration alive and well.
Effect
With a full-bodied and bold mate like Canarias, you can expect the effects to reflect its taste.
This might be one of the only yerbas to make me feel a bit jittery and anxious. But with a cut that’s made mostly of leaves, this is bound to happen since you’re consuming more caffeine.
On the flip side, however, my focus and concentration levels are top-notch. My thoughts and mind become focused on one thing at a time, making it great for any type of productive work. But most notably, I get a jolt of energy. If you’re looking for something to wake you up, there's nothing like Canarias. This gets me a little amped up, and that translates to wanting to move around. So naturally, Canarias serves as a perfect pre-workout in my opinion.
I suggest avoiding this brand any time other than in the mornings. This can keep you going all day long. But of course, test and see for yourself first.
Canarias Yerba Mate Review
Whether a beginner or advanced drinker, Canarias fits the bill.
For beginners, it can be too strong for their palate. But if that’s what you’re looking for, then by all means. In fact, we have a lot of followers tell us that they wished they started with Canarias first. So it's really up to you.
With a full spectrum of bitterness, sweetness, and everything in between, each sip takes you for a smooth ride.
Does Canarias live up to its praise?
Absolutely. I really don’t have anything bad to say about it at all. And it easily sits on my top 5 favorite yerbas of all time.
If you’re interested in giving it a try and want to experience a more complex flavor profile, you can buy a bag of Canarias on our store now!
