Today, we’re in for a change of pace.
It’s summertime and it’s getting hot – the perfect time for tereré (or iced yerba mate).
If you’ve been keeping up with my reviews, you’ll notice we’re on a little Kraus-spree. We covered Kraus Organica, Kraus Gaucho, and Kraus Pionero. Now lastly, we have Kraus Silvestre.
Silvestre is Kraus’ peppermint blend.
Having tried other brands flavored with mint, or any mate that’s flavored or blended with herbs, it usually tastes best when consumed ice cold rather than hot.
Today, I’ll be trying it both ways though so you can decide what sounds better to you.
Let’s start!
Nose
After opening the bag, taking a whiff of Kraus Silvestre will knock you right off your feet. Straight out of the gate, this yerba produces a strong rejuvenating smell of mint that wakes up your sense. Each sniff gives a cooling tingle in the back of my nose. Other notes are hardly detectable, but I still get a bit of that sweet, pastry-like smell that’s found in most mate brands.
Taste
Kraus Silvestre is completely different when brewed hot than brewed cold as tereré. For a mate like this, it’s usually best to avoid drinking it hot, but surprisingly, it’s not too bad.
When hot, Kraus Silvestre opens up with a refreshing blast of mint. Not an artificial mint either. It actually tastes like you’re chewing on freshly-picked mint leaves. While the mint makes up most of the mate’s flavor, dark notes of earth, toast, and malt linger in the background, helping balance out the mint’s strength.
When brewed cold, however, these notes are nonexistent, while the mint note shines brighter in taste and transforms more into peppermint gum. But when compared to a popular brand like Kurupi Menta Y Boldo – a Paraguayan tereré classic – the mint is nowhere near as strong. I personally prefer it to be stronger, but Silvestre is powerful enough to give you a good minty taste. Citrus notes of lime and lemon also make a nice appearance at the start, while a subtler flavor that reminds me of grass jelly and tapioca balls sit in the back of each sip. A little sweet, a little herbal, and very enjoyable.
I would definitely suggest preparing this mate ice cold instead of hot. When hot, the mint can be a bit too strong and astringent for my liking. But when cold, everything is balanced and delicious. It also makes it lasts longer.
Finish
Kraus Silvestre leaves two very different finishes when brewed hot and cold. When cold, it leaves a light finish of mint and sunflower seeds that lasts about 20 seconds. But when hot, you get some mint and a lingering bitter taste on the back of the tongue.
Body/Texture
Kraus Silvestre is a light-to-medium-bodied mate. For the most part, this mate feels watered down but the initial gourdfuls provide a bit of weight and texture. The pulverized particles make it past the bombilla and give off a slightly grainy, sandy mouth-feel. But after that, it’s as smooth as a whistle.
Cycle
Kraus Silvestre has a medium cycle. A medium-sized gourd can last you around 3/4 of a liter. But when it comes to strength, this yerba loses it quite fast. All of the supporting notes that give this mate some backbone disappear after a few refills, leaving just the minty taste behind.
Cut
Kraus Silvestre features a classic Argentine cut blended with peppermint leaves. Some sites state there are also herbs like pennyroyal and cedron (lemon verbena), but nothing on the packaging or their website comfirm it. However, looking into the bag, you’ll find lots of varying-sized jagged leaves in different shades of olive, brown, and tan. As well as large white palos and plenty of thin splinter ones too.
When it comes to dust, this bag is packed with it. Preparing the mate leaves a heavy imprint on my palm like an Uruguayan brand would, and poses no issues when maintaining the mountain of mate. A good bombilla will be required though because the smaller particles can cause some clogging issues.
Effect
Kraus Silvestre is a little on the weaker end when it comes to effects and stimulation.
Compared to most brands, you don’t get as much of a high with this one. Focus, concentration, and creativity are always enhanced. But that ‘floaty head’ sensation isn’t nearly as intense. Still, this mate has enough juice in it to power you through the day, but not enough to give you a good kick in the butt. This is perfect for low-level activities like reading, writing, or for just unwinding and enjoying its refreshing mint flavor under the sun.
Silvestre can easily be consumed during any time of the day. The effects are never overbearing. If anything, it might be underwhelming for most experienced mate drinkers.
Kraus Silvestre Yerba Mate Review
With the addition of herbs, Kraus Silvestre offers a completely different experience from their other yerbas.
This unsmoked Argentinian mate makes for a bright and refreshing Paraguayan-style tereré.
Probably not best during the colder seasons, but a great mate to cool off from the summer heat.
Smooth, delicious, and incredibly refreshing, Kraus has outdone themselves with this blend. I can’t imagine anyone disliking this unless they can’t stand the taste of mint alone.
If you want an easy-to-prepare tereré, Silvestre is a great Argentinian option.
To get a bag today, just visit one of the links below now:
PampaDirect (Worldwide)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag
Un-Mate (Europe – 10% OFF Order)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1.1lb Bag
P.S. If you enjoyed this review, you might want to check out our store for awesome gourds and bombillas!