Kraus — 3.65 of 5 palos — reviewed 2/7/2012
Type: Kraus Gaucho
Region: Misiones, Argentina
Description
This is Kraus’ strong line of mate, Gaucho (Cowboy) style. Well balanced and tasty mate. Has a bit of a kick. Solid mate with excellent structure.
Cut 3.00 palos
Fluffy, fine cut. Contains fair amount of splinter palos. For a mate “sin palos” (without twigs), this is some of the best that you’re going to find on the market. Decent PPL-R, with evenly cut leaves and low polvo amount. Palos are absolutely included, so their marketing as “without stems” is a bit questionable — for those of you that absolutely don’t like palos.
Body/Texture 3.50 palos
Mid to Full Body. Has strong, coffee-like overtones. Balanced taste profile. Dark chocolate. Woody notes. Clay. Wet stone.
Nose 3.50 palos
Surprisingly subtle aroma for a mate with such strength. Clean, strong notes. Simple, sweet notes.
Finish 4.25 palos
Solid, bright, lasting finish. One of the most well-balanced and harmonious finishes I’ve ever experienced. No astringent backlash. Smooth, milk to dark chocolate finish. Coffee and cacao notes. Toasted bread.
Cycle 4 palos
Excellent cycle. Very maintainable.
Overall: 3.65 palos
Recommendation
Solid mate with strong backbone. Has the boldness of Rosamonte, Taragüí, and Cruz, but minus the harshness and punch in the face backlash. Very strong, but smooth finish for those of you that enjoy the bitterness of dark chocolate but also the smoothness of hot chocolate. This mate is a marriage of Mate Factor and Cruz de Malta. Highly recommendable to all mate drinkers.
