Del Cebador is one of those brands I’ve been dying to try.

I’ve heard about this brand for years and with that, lots of praise about how this is one of the best Uruguayan brands out there

Well today, I’m going to find out for myself.

I wasn’t able to find any information on how this yerba is processed. But based on the traditional method of Uruguayan yerbas, Del Cebador is likely smoke-dried and aged.

I don’t have the most experience with these brands compared to Argentine yerbas, but Del Cebador offers something a little different than the ones I’ve had so far.

It upholds the same standard as other Uruguayan yerbas and has a rich flavor profile to explore.

So without further ado, let’s see what it’s all about.

Nose

To the nose, Del Cebador cannot be ignored. It strikes the senses with a pungent, sweet barnyard smell. Grass, hay, baked bread, and a bit of smoke coming from firewood. It’s strong, sharp, and produces a powerful aroma.

Taste

With high expectations, Del Cebador was a little underwhelming at first. But as I kept drinking it every day, the flavors really grew on me. My only complaint is the taste isn’t consistent. Each time I prepare it, I almost always get something different.

On the first few refills, Del Cebador shows off a dominant creamy earth and soil note that is distinct to Uruguayan yerbas. Similar to brands like Canarias and Baldo, but with the addition of a smooth cedarwood/hay mix. And within the same sip, you can experience these flavors simmer down to an obvious floral/vegetal taste that’s like taking a sip of green tea. Truly unique, I can really see myself getting behind this yerba. However, this flavor goes away as we reach the halfway point. From here, hints of milk chocolate and malt make an appearance. But along with that is a pleasant umami taste that I can only think of being like sweet corn.

I find Del Cebador to taste great in almost any water temperature. Slight adjustments in temperature bring out different flavor profiles. But I often find myself brewing this yerba at 150ºF (65ºC).

Finish

On the finish, Del Cebador leaves a smooth delicate touch of flavor behind. That same chocolate and umami taste from before drags on into the finish for at least 30 seconds. This yerba is one that you don’t want to rush with when drinking. It benefits you to take your time in between sips to fully experience and appreciate all its flavor.

Body/Texture

Del Cebador is a full-bodied mate lover’s dream. If you love yerbas that feel robust and creamy, this is one you need to try. From the first pour all the way into the sixth, seventh, or even eighth refill, Del Cebador does not show any signs of diminishing. It’s chalky and sandy in the beginning. But smooths out into a sticky mouth texture with a light astringency. If astringency is preferred, you can brew hotter to accentuate it.

Cut

Del Cebador features a P.U.1 (padron Uruguayo) Uruguayan cut. Which is your typical Uruguayan yerba mate with no less than 90% leaves and no more than 10% stems. However, I’ve noticed this yerba has a lot more dust than other brands. Just pouring the yerba into my gourd shrouded it in a cloud of dust. It’s actually ridiculous how much powder there is but I’m not complaining. It’s just something I’ve never seen before even with other Uruguayan brands. But hiding beneath all the powder, are leaves of varying sizes. Some are cut fine while some are of Argentine yerba size. Very disorganized.

Cycle

Del Cebador shows off a long cycle with powerful maintenance in its strength of flavor. This is a yerba that keeps on giving. When drinking, I find myself constantly wondering when I’ll finish it. Del Cebador easily lasts 1+ liter with the strength weakening about a little more than half a liter. Even when it looks lavado (washed out), you can still get a couple more refills out of it.

Effect

The effect of Del Cebador is not what you’d expect from such a robust yerba.

It still gets you in the zone, but doesn’t give you that burst of energy that makes you want to get up and move around. It’s heavy on the mental focus aspect, not on the physical. Of course, this is just my experience. But I find Del Cebador to be one of those mates that I like to sit back and sip to. It’s relaxing and mentally stimulating, making it nice when reading, writing, or studying. This combined with the taste and it’s truly a mate for the soul.

Del Cebador Clasica Yerba Mate Review

Del Cebador is a great yerba.

Despite it tasting close to a lot of other Uruguayan brands I’ve tried, there’s some nuance to it.

Although still upholding your classic malty, rich, full-bodied flavors, Del Cebador also sneaks in its own woody, floral, chocolatey notes that deserve to be appreciated.

So far, with the Uruguayan brands I’ve tried, this ranks pretty high (but still under Canarias).

But personally, its taste is not enough for me to buy it again.

It’s delicious and I can rely on it as a daily mate. But at this point of having tried so many different brands, I value uniqueness. And Del Cebador Clasica doesn’t bring enough of it for me.

If you’re new to Uruguayan yerbas though, this would be a great option as the taste is not too bitter or harsh, rather the opposite.

If you want to give this a try, click on one of the links below to get a bag:

Amazon (US | UK | CA | ES | DE | FR)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag

PampaDirect (Worldwide)
Click Here To Get A 1000g / 1kg Bag

P.S. If you enjoyed this review, you might want to check out our store for gourds and bombillas that work well with Uruguayan yerbas.