Baldo — 3.95 of 5 palos — reviewed 4/11/2012
Type: Traditional. Aged 4-6 months. 100% Natural, no chemicals.
Region: Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. Grown by Canarias S.A.
Description:
Produced by the same company as Canarias, Canarias S.A., this mate has virtually no distinction than the Traditional Canarias brand. In fact, the company describes the two yerbas with the same description. Hmm… I guess this one comes down to a marketing play; selling different labels to different markets. As far as I can tell, Baldo is not sold in Argentina, but in Uruguay. The
Traditional Canarias in 1kg bags are sold in Argentina, as well as online retailers.
Though a different brand, I’m compelled to give the exact rating to Baldo as Traditional Canarias. I included this, semi-redundant review, to illustrate the options of purchasing Baldo and Traditional Canarias, when only one or the other is available, depending on where you live and availability.
Simply put, without being able to discern any marked differences in flavor, cut, nose, etc., these yerbas are the same.
Cut 3.75 palos
Typical fine grain Brazilian cut. Expectedly, this yerba has a lot of polvo, as yerba from Brazil usually does. This abundance of polvo doesn’t seem to hurt, but help this yerba. The fresh, vibrant color of the cut is very pleasant. The abundance of fine polvo increases the viscosity of the drink, and sometimes, unfavorably, permits dust through the bombilla. This mate may be best drunk with a special bombilla containing a fine grain filter.
Body/Texture/Taste 4.25 palos
Full body with rich, dark chocolate overtones. Very harmonious and stable taste. Smooth. Roasted nuts. Toasted bread. There’s a sweetness to this mate that allows it to stand apart from the rest.
Nose 3.75 palos
Clean and refreshing. Similar to Guayaki’s Traditional yerba. Bready.
Finish 4.25 palos
Very stable and consistent finish. Strong character. Pleasantly bitter.
Cycle 3.75 palos
Good, stable, consistent long cycle.
Overall: 3.95 palos
Recommendation
Virtually identical in taste and nature as the renown Canarias (Traditional), this yerba is held on the top tier of Uruguayan mate, without a doubt. Most Argentines aren’t down with this, more powdery and finely cut mate, but I say even the casual mate drinker needs to try this yerba (or Canarias). Its unique taste is something to be appreciated, especially if you’ve been hooked to your typical Argentinian mates for some time now. There’s nothing like Brazilian yerba, with it’s high polvo content and fine grain cut that never ceases to surprise my taste buds, each and every sip.
