After drinking your typical Argentine mate, you may eventually have an urge to push away from the traditional flavors and want to try something lighter. If that’s the case, Mathienzo is the one for you.
At first glance, this brand struck me as a super intense mate.
I mean, with an all-black package and sleek metallic font, who wouldn’t think that?
But fortunately, that’s not how it is at all…
In today’s Mathienzo Review, we’re going go over how it tastes, smells, looks, feels, and more.
So without further ado, let’s see what this mate is all about.
Nose
While shaking up the bag and holding it to my nose, clouds of dust fill the air and my nostrils with a familiar aroma of fresh bread, sweet berry jam, and pancake batter. A little floral and vegetal scent lingers in the background as well. Very nice. This mate smells good enough to eat.
Taste
Again, as I mentioned before, Mathienzo isn’t your typical bold, earthy Argentine mate. It’s on the smoother side of things and I like it.
Right off the bat, this mate starts off with pleasant notes of dry grass, hay, and dirt. Nothing too bitter, sharp, or harsh. It has the perfect amount of strength to give you enough flavor without being overbearing. As I keep sipping, I start getting strong hints of toasted bread and oats. A light bitterness also starts to come up that tastes like grape skins. However, it’s later balanced out with a more dominant cedar taste and a hint of sweetness that pulls everything back together. Not a lot of transitions in this mate, but its simple flavor profile is tasty enough to keep me coming back for more. If you like organic tasting brands like La Obereña and Anna Park, this will be another one to add to your list.
It’s smooth, easy-going, and perfect for the matero who needs something lighter on the palate to fuel their day.
I found Mathienzo to taste best in temperatures of 140F-160F (60C-71C). Go on the higher range for more bready notes, and lower for more sweetness.
Finish
At the beginning of its cycle, Mathienzo has a long-lasting finish that drags on its grape-skin taste. A hint of unsalted sunflower seeds can also be detected along with a beer-like bitterness that drys the mouth a little. But as you get near the midway point, that astringency disappears and so does the finish as a whole.
Body/Texture
Mathienzo is a medium-to-full-bodied mate. Initially, every sip brings up this grainy texture that coats your palate. Even after swallowing, you can still feel the sandiness. However, after a few refills, it disappears and changes into this nice smooth and creamy brew before it finally turns watery.
Cut
Mathienzo features a classic Argentine cut with finely chopped and medium-sized leaves and palos. The leaves are of varying shades of light and dark greens, showing off their air-dried – non-smoked – process. While palos of different shapes keep a bright white hue to them. A couple of seeds can also be found within the blend. As far as dust, you get a little above average amount. When preparing in a gourd, it leaves a thick imprint on your palm.
Preparation, however, is very easy. Although I would recommend you grab a quality bombilla to filter this yerba. The dust and small particles cake together when soaked in water, the same way it does for chimarrão. Clogging won’t happen, but suction can give a bit of resistance if not done right.
Cycle
Mathienzo has a long cycle. As if this mate couldn’t get any better, I’m able to easily finish an entire liter with a medium-sized gourd. What’s even better, the mate doesn’t lose it’s flavor fast. It holds up for a majority of its duration before it slowly becomes washed out. A gourd of this seems like it never ends.
Effect
With the smoothness of Mathienzo’s taste and texture, I would’ve expected a mild effect. But that’s far from the truth.
Every time I prepare myself a gourd and on the first sip, my brain is instantly stimulated. Intense focus and concentration overwhelm my mind, while at the same time, a deep calming relaxation keeps me from going over the edge. This is just what I need when doing anything creative such as writing, or anything easygoing like reading.
I recommend this only as a morning mate. The strong effect this yerba has is better off avoided later in the day or else you won’t fall asleep.
Mathienzo Yerba Mate Review
Although I don’t find this mate too unique in flavor, it’s one I can drink every day.
Its soft, smooth, sweet and delicious taste can’t be passed up. And the best thing about it is there’s nothing that throws you off. There’s nothing sharp, smokey, or harsh whatsoever. And being aged for 24 months, you can see why.
Then, with its unmatched effect, I would recommend this brand as a staple on every materos’ shelf.
It’s one of those reliable, safe brands you don’t have to put thought into. It’s the bag you reach for when you don’t know what to drink that day. And when you do drink it, you’re always happy with your choice.
If Mathienzo sounds like something you’d enjoy, grab a bag below:
PampaDirect (Worldwide)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag
Un-Mate (Europe – 10% OFF Order)
Click Here To Get A 500g / 1lb Bag
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