Continuing with our last review of La Hermosa, we have another brand from Molino San Miguel – Pajaro Azul.

And apparently, this brand has been around for 100 years. Just check out this old poster of theirs I was able to find.

With the overwhelming presence of brands that taste similar and/or too simple, this is a hidden gem waiting to be found.

Pajaro Azul is a selección especial mate meaning it’s made from the best leaves they can possibly harvest and is typically aged for longer than usual (24 months).

From this, we get a flavor that is smoother and more complex.

So complex to the point it was even a bit difficult to write this review. The taste of each gourd I prepared, down to each refill from the past few weeks of drinking this mate, always produced a different experience.

Let’s take a closer look…

Nose

Opening the bag, Pajaro Azul immediately releases this pungent aroma of dry grass, wood shavings, and sweet bread. The distinct sweetness in the nose is what makes this really enjoyable. But there’s nothing to really take note of here. The bouquet is like most yerbas just a little sweeter.

Taste

Pajaro Azul opens up with a very interesting flavor profile on the first few sips and off the bat, quickly reminds me of Rosamonte Especial. It seems as if the aging for selección especial mate makes not only a huge difference but a similar one as well.

On the initial refills, a strong blast of soil and tobacco takes over the palate. The tobacco note is probably not what you’re expecting though. It reminds me of a burley and Virginia tobacco blend which attributes a dominant nutty flavor with lighter earthy and woody tones. Lingering behind each sip are also notes of flour, raisins, and a floral/honey-like sweetness similar to brands like Liebig and Playadito. This sweetness is what really seals the deal for me here. Why? Because it’s also complemented with the bitter/sour taste of dried orange peels. There are so many notes and flavors going on with this mate it’s hard to list them all. But it sure is a treat for those looking for something more complex.

I found Pajaro Azul to taste best in temperatures around 140-150ºF (60-66ºC). Go lower or higher than this and the flavor doesn’t show all its colors. The temperature is either too weak to bring them out or too high and drowns them out. But I encourage you to experiment first. Again, this mate has a lot going on and changes with the slightest adjustments.

Finish

On the finish, Pajaro Azul doesn’t show as much character as before. The aftertaste is mostly tart and bitter with a doughy taste and texture. A faint hint of raisins/dried fruits from before can also be detected and lasts for around 30 seconds to a minute.

Body/Texture

Pajaro Azul is a light-to-medium-bodied mate. The first gourdfuls can be a little grainy/sandy as finer particles pass through the bombilla. But as it works itself out, you’re rewarded with a silky brew with just a tad of weight on it. In the beginning, astringency can build up quickly with dryness and constricting sensations of the mouth. But a quick sip of water and it’s cleared up. Then, all the way til the end of the mate, it’s as smooth as can be.

Cut

Parajo Azul has an eclectic cut that looks like a hybrid between Argentine and Paraguayan yerba. The yerba is jagged and mostly of medium size, but balanced out with finer, more pulverized leaves. Palos are about average for an Argentine brand with many being white, long, full-sized, as well as splinter-thin. The dust is also about average with just the right amount to form a nice mountain of mate.

Preparation is as easy as it gets. Again, the yerba holds up well and I haven’t run into any filtration problems.

Cycle

Pajaro Azul pulls it together with a medium cycle. Using an average-sized gourd, you can drink up to 1/2 a liter before all its flavor starts to wash out. Strength-wise, however, this mate gives up pretty quickly. After a handful of refills, it loses a good portion of its body and flavor.

Effect

When it comes to effect, Pajaro Azul doesn’t step up to the plate as much as it did in taste.

In fact, the stimulation level fell just below average for me. It’s not until I refill my gourd about 4-5 times do I start to notice a difference. And by then, the mate is already weakened. But nevertheless, you can still feel the boost in focus and concentration. The distinct floaty-head feeling is present but to a lesser degree. Overall, there isn’t much to take note of. But if you’re looking for a strong kick, this won’t be your best option. Of course though, your mileage may vary.

I’d say this mate can safely be drunk any time until the afternoon without experiencing any negative side effects.

Pajaro Azul Yerba Mate Review

It’s not often you come across a brand like Pajaro Azul where the flavor is unique, complex, and constantly changing. So when a mate like this pops up, I always suggest grabbing a bag.

Pajaro Azul is nothing short of delicious.

It’s one of those mates where each session makes you pause and go whoa because a new note keeps appearing.

If you’re the type to get bored of a mate quickly, you won’t be with this one.

Truly a hidden gem among popular well-known brands. Unfortunately, it’s not often this mate is available so be quick when it is.

If you want to try Pajaro Azul, visit the links below:

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

P.S. If you enjoyed this review, you might also want to check out our store to grab a new mate gourd or bombilla (free shipping).