One of the best things about yerba mate is the complexity it brings. At least for some brands. Stumbling upon these complex mates are always a pleasant surprise because it presents a goldmine of flavor.

And one of these brands I’ve found is Kalena.

This Argentinian yerba mate was recommended to me by a follower on Instagram.

And luckily, I had a bag of it sitting in the back of my shelf for the longest. If it weren’t for them, it probably still would’ve hid there.

But I’m glad I decided to open it.

Kalena tastes amazing and unlike most Argentinian brands.

Nose

Kalena’s packaging is interesting. It has this black or green strip of fabric that’s tied into the opening of the bag (not pictured in mine). To unwrap it, you have to pull on the white string and it’ll come right off, releasing a familiar aroma. Notes of flowers and soil overlay hints of cereal, toast, and pancakes. Very pleasant.

Taste

When I had my first sip of Kalena, it didn’t surprise me. It had a mellow strength with a slight touch of bitterness. Familiar notes of grass and earth are present. Nothing extraordinary but it’s soft and pleasant. The grassiness is similar to Brazilian chimarrão. To be honest, if the mate was like this the entire time, I wouldn’t mind it.

But of course, that’s not how it goes…

This mate has depth.

Once I refilled my gourd for the first time, my mind was blown. At first, additional notes of maple syrup, roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and honey take over my palate. Then, I refill again and hints of malt, cedar, milk, and citrus start to appear. With Kalena, each refill unlocks a new set of flavors so pay attention! When reaching about the second half, this brand transforms into a green/black tea with milk and sugar added. And for me, this is the best part. The last time I experienced something like this was with a low-key brand called La Hoja (one of my favorites).

When it comes to temperature, it doesn’t matter what you use. I like to drink Kalena at 140-160ºF (60-71ºC) because it brings out more of its sweetness. But even higher temps will also be just as enjoyable with a slightly different flavor profile.

Finish

Like its taste, Kalena also has a unique and complex finish. It starts with a bit of astringency and bitterness but afterward is a nice subtle nuttiness. Oftentimes, you can also taste the honey-like sweetness from before. And if you pay close attention, you may also detect a pleasant tobacco note – similar to puffing on a maduro cigar.

Body/Texture

Kalena is a light-to-medium-bodied mate. Upon your first sip, you get this soft, smooth, and delicate creaminess. Which at times, can get a little grainy because of the small bits that get sucked up, but it’s not a big issue. You can also expect some astringency to tighten up your palate and dry your mouth so make sure you’re well-hydrated beforehand.

Cut

Kalena has a classic Argentine cut. Its leaves are mostly finely-cut with just a few large pieces here and there. Its stems are the same. Most are short and thin and barely noticeable, except for a few stumpy white palos. Dust content is average. Just enough to leave an imprint on your palm as well as hold the mountain of mate together. But not too much to make filtration tough. Overall, Kalena features a leaf-dominant blend with a lovely yellow-green hue.

Preparation is easy. But a good bombilla is suggested to filter this mate because of its small particles. I recommend a spoon filter for this one, but any quality straw should work.

Cycle

Just when you thought Kalena couldn’t get any better, this mate also has a long cycle. For almost the entirety of the mate, each refill is as strong as the first one. When the strength gradually dies down, you’re left with a sweet green-tea-like brew. In a medium-sized gourd, I can easily finish up to 1 liter with no problem. Kalena hangs in there all the way.

Effect

In regard to effect, Kalena is nothing special.

You can expect all the same benefits of better focus, concentration, relaxation, and creativity for hours on end. It never takes me over the top. Instead, it fits me in the perfect medium of stimulation. Effects can be felt instantly. The best part though is it doesn’t cause any stomach issues for me. I don’t get that acidic feeling in my gut like with some brands.

Kalena is best consumed in the morning as a pick-me-up or as a relaxant for non-physical activities. If you’re caffeine sensitive, I’d avoid drinking this any other time.

Kalena Yerba Mate Review

If you enjoy a complex yerba mate that leans more towards the sweeter side, Kalena is a must-try.

Although it’s not as popular or well-known as brands such as Cruz De Malta and Canarias, it delivers on all ends and is sure to shock your palate with new flavors.

Smooth, sweet, long-lasting, and with several transitions make this mate a true hidden gem.

Whether beginner or advanced, Kalena will keep you intrigued every time.

Unfortunately though, it’s not widely available.

If you want to grab yourself a bag, visit the link below now before it’s sold out.

PampaDirect (Worldwide)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag

Un-Mate (Europe – 10% OFF Order)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag

P.S. If you enjoyed this review, check out our store for yerba mate equipment you’ve never seen before.