Taragui Traditional Yerba Mate - by Circle of Drink
Review date: 2-9-12
Type: Traditional. Blue/Red bag
Region: Corrientes, Argentina.
Producer: Establecimiento Las Marias

Description of Taragui Yerba Mate

There’s a particular bitterness to this mate that is quite unpleasant. No matter how much I think I can get used to it, I can’t! Being one of the most popular yerbas in Argentina, this mate has been put through the ringer by the locals, but my palate has never adjusted.

Cut 3.25 palos

Good palo content. A bit dusty. Contains fair amount of splinter palos. Bright, fresh, clean color.

Body/Texture 3.25 palos

Full body. Tough and harsh bitter notes. When it comes to smoothness, this mate has a long way to go. Astringent.

Nose 2.75 palos

Typical mate notes. Burnt rubber / plastic component.

Finish 2.75 palos

Harsh finish with a aggressive zap on the sides on your tongue. Sharp astringency. Lemon. Syrupy.

Cycle 3.75 palos

Excellent cycle, with lasting taste. This is a perfect mate to become lavado. As it begins to wash, this mate smoothens out and harmonizes nicely. The first serval cycles are very harsh.

Overall: 3.15 of 5

Recommendation

Decent mate, overall, but a long shot from my favorites. I prefer the other yerbas produced by Las Marias: Union and La Merced. Taragüí is their harshest product. Great mate for people seeking a unique astringency and burnt rubber component (does anyone like burnt rubber?). This mate is definitely not on my top shelf. Nobleza Gaucha and Amanda drinkers may also like this mate.

Read updated Review (September 2015) read here >>

Purchase Taragui here >>