Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté

Where to Buy:  Teapigs

Product Description:

We’re not going to lie to you – no one it seems is indifferent to this tea. You’ll either love it or hate it. Yerba Mate (pronounced yerba mah-tey) is native to South America, where it is drunk as a natural stimulant to increase focus and alertness while helping with detoxing and weight loss. And it does all this, allegedly, without any side effects. So one for our celebrity customers then. (We’re also working on a Mate Vanilla, so that mate haters can get the health benefits without enduring the taste.)

Taster’s Review:

I don’t know that I necessarily love Yerba Maté, but I certainly don’t hate it.  I enjoy a cup of Maté every once in a while.  I don’t know if that makes me indifferent, or something else?

Anyway, I am enjoying this Maté quite a bit.  It has a pleasant, rustic taste to it.  While it does possess the earthy, vegetative taste that I typically get from Yerba Maté, I am not finding this particular Maté to be overwhelmingly earthy or vegetative. It is a robust cup, but it doesn’t have any bitter taste to it (the key is to pull the kettle just before it reaches a full boil, use “almost boiling” water rather than boiling).

Another thing that I really like about Maté is that it is an amazing stimulant.  It is more stimulating than most teas, but it doesn’t affect me with the ill side effects that I get from coffee.  I get the alertness I would normally get from a cup of coffee, but without the nervous jitters or the sick feeling afterward.  In a sense, it is the best of both worlds in one teacup!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Fusion Tea Room

Product Description:

Caramel Cream Mate takes the bold rich flavor of the roasted mate and the full bodied nutty rooibos and pairs them with real decadent caramel bits. Marigold flowers are added to help bring out the smokey tones of the rooibos and caramels. Adding a splash of cream and sugar creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Taster’s Review:

I don’t drink coffee.  I can’t.  Well, I guess I can, but, if I do, I won’t be feeling very well in a couple of hours.  But that doesn’t stop me from wishing I could indulge every time I pass a coffee shop and see their enticing advertisements for their latest latte creation, especially if that latte is a caramel latte.  In fact, there have been several times when I’ve been thisclose to actually breaking down and ordering one because my sweet tooth was craving that yummy caramel and roasted coffee combination.  Well, I think I may have finally found the perfect alternative!

The first time I tried this blend, I was a bit unsure about it.  It has a very strong chicory presence – which when added conservatively can give a very pleasing depth to the cup.  Chicory is often used as a coffee substitute for those who need to reduce their caffeine intake, because it has a flavor that is very similar to coffee.  Paired with the Yerba Maté, it creates a very robust flavor.  (Note:  Yerba Maté does contain caffeine, so this not a blend I would suggest to someone who is trying to reduce their caffeine)

The chicory lends a deep roasted flavor to the cup.  There is a hint of smoke to it too.  The Yerba Maté is earthy, roasted and just slightly vegetative.  The rooibos is nutty and a little woody.  Together, these three components create a base that is a strong roasted flavor that is quite similar to a stout coffee.  In fact, this is much more like coffee to me than a tea (or tisane).  The caramel is a burnt sugar caramel taste, and this is really highlighted by the deep roasted and smoky notes of the base blend.

I recommend drinking this blend with sugar and milk (or cream).  It’s not often that I strongly recommend additions, but, this time, is an exception.  This blend has a very strong flavor, and it can be a little harsh.  However, the addition of milk really smooths out the harsher tones of this blend and makes it not only palatable – but downright delicious.  It becomes a great alternative to a caramel coffee latte for those of us who can’t drink coffee!

Tea Type: Yerba Mate

Where To Buy: Fusion Tea Room

Product Description:

Ingredients: Green Matè, sunflowers and flavor

Tasters Review:

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Fusion Tea Room

Product Description:

Ingredients: Green yerba mate, organic green rooibos, organic rooibos, pistachios, coconut chips, lime leaves, lime zest, almonds, lime pieces, lime juice, natural flavor.

Read More about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

As I write this review, it is spring.  And even though it is spring, it is chilly and raining.  Yesterday, it was sunny and warm.  Just a few days ago, it was hailing.  Just another week here in the Pacific Northwest where, when it comes to the weather, you must learn to expect the unexpected.

You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this.  Well, because this tisane is a bit like springtime in a teacup.  So, even though it is not very spring-like outside, I am enjoying spring inside with this tea.

The combination of Green Yerba Maté and green and red rooibos creates a very smooth base for the flavors of pistachio, lime, coconut and almond to develop.  The base is mild but with a refreshing, lively taste, complimenting the juicy taste of lime and sweetness of the nuts and coconut.

The lime offers a pleasant tartness, and yet the sweetness from the other ingredients ensure that the tartness never becomes too overwhelming.  I like how the lime lingers in the aftertaste.  It’s a crisp, zesty kind of taste.

This is a really lovely fusion of flavors.  I like that I can taste notes from each ingredient.  While the lime is the strongest note, no one ingredient becomes too aggressive to overthrow the balance of tastes.  It has a delicious tropical flair to it that is perfect on days like this – when you want springtime but the weather is not complying with that desire.

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Fusion Tea Room

Product Review:

Rich Argentinean roasted mate is combined with rooibos, cocoa bits, coconut flakes, cinnamon, cloves, cornflower blossoms and flavor to give you a burst of energy without the jitters, that will last the entire day. Enjoy as a latte for a healthier alternative to coffee without sacrificing full, rich flavor.

Taster’s Review:

I have tried a few of the blends from Fusion Tea Room thus far (and there are still quite a few more to try!) and I must say that I have been very impressed.  They certainly have a way with bringing flavors together to create a delicious cup, similar to the way a masterful chef has a way with combining ingredients to create a delicious dish.  True artistry at work when it comes to Fusion Tea Room!

The flavor of this Good Morning Maté is delightful.  The richness and robust character reminds me very much of that morning cup of coffee that I used to enjoy many years ago (and even though I’m much happier with the switch to tea, there are times when I miss that deep, robust flavor of coffee, especially on those sleepy mornings).

The Yerba Maté seems to be the main component of this particular blend, and it is the Maté that provides the aforementioned deep, rich flavor.  There is a pleasant roasted flavor from the Maté, but it isn’t overwhelmingly earthy the way some Yerba Maté tisanes can be.

The cinnamon and cloves enhance the background and every once in a while arrive to the forefront with their warm spice.  But it’s just a touch of spice – certainly not what I would consider a spicy cup.  The chocolate and coconut are also not particularly prominent in this cup – rather this is more like a well-balanced combination of each ingredient which allows each flavor to be represented without being overwhelmed by another.

If there is one ingredient that seems to be lacking in comparison to the rest, it would be the rooibos.  That being said, I do get a distinct rooibos taste in this cup, although it is not strong or what I would consider one of the main flavors in this blend.

This tisane offers a very happy way to wake up with its hints of cocoa and coconut, as well as its deep, rich character and myriad of contemplative flavors.  If I were to offer any complaint about this at all, it would be that I would like for the chocolate to be a little stronger – but then, that’s the chocoholic in me talking.  Otherwise I’m finding this to be a rather exceptional tasting Yerba Maté blend!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté

Where to Buy:  Jennifer’s Tea Garden

Product Description:

Roasting gives this Yerba Mate a toasty-nutty, full bodied flavor to energize your day without the unpleasant side effects coffee can bring. This legendary South American beverage has been known and enjoyed for centuries for its many health benefits and is sure to become a modern favorite.

Taster’s Review:

I still recall the first couple of times that I tried Yerba Maté.  It wasn’t pleasant.  Since that time, however, I have had quite a few delicious Yerba Maté experiences and it has changed my opinion of Yerba Maté significantly.  I not only tolerate it, but I actually enjoy Yerba Maté now!

And this Roasted Yerba Maté from Jennifer’s Tea Garden is delicious.  It has a beautiful toasted flavor that gives it an almost caramel-y undertone of sweetness.  It is rich and earthy, with a hint of vegetative taste.  I find that the roasted Yerba Maté tends to be a little less vegetal than a green Yerba Maté will be.  Instead the roasting process gives it a sweeter tone – and that is true of this Roasted Yerba Maté.  And while some Yerba Maté can come off as a little bitter, I am really not getting any bitterness from this cup.

What I am getting is a very vibrant beverage that is re-energizing me with every sip!  This is one tisane that you don’t want to drink too late in the day because it might just keep you awake at night.  This stuff is powerfully caffeinated!

I recommend brewing Yerba Mate at a temperature just below the boiling point.  I used to recommend brewing it in boiling water, but have since found that a slightly lower temperature seems to curb some of those bitter notes I mentioned previously.  Perhaps that is why I am not experiencing bitterness with this tisane.  I also like my Yerba Maté with a little honey as it helps to accentuate the naturally occurring sweetness of the Maté.

When brewed properly, this Roasted Yerba Maté makes for a delicious, invigorating cup!  Enjoy!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Fusion Tea Room

Product Description:

Rich Argentinean roasted yerba mate with a cocoa raspberry twist. While both of these flavors are wonderful by themselves we just had to try them together to blast your taste buds. One cup just isn’t enough with this fusion blend. Once you have this in the morning, you will never have to rely on your coffee pick me up again. Throw in a splash of milk or creamer and you have got yourself one irresistible cup of mate.

Taster’s Review:

Irresistible is right!  This is so yummy, I don’t want to put my teacup down!

The combination of both roasted Yerba Maté and green Yerba Maté offers a well-rounded flavor that is deep, earthy and toasted, with hints of vegetation.  The toasted flavor is further accentuated by the addition of toasted rice, which also lends a bit of sweetness to the overall cup.

The rooibos in the blend lends a certain lightness as well as a hint of nutty flavor, which compliments the almond note quite nicely.  The barley and chicory present a nice depth of flavor to this tisane, giving it a very satisfying, full flavor.  The result is a smooth tasting base that allows the flavors of chocolate and raspberry to express themselves well.

The chocolate tastes rich and creamy.  The raspberry takes a couple of sips to develop, but after that development, the berry “tingle” lingers in the aftertaste deliciously.  These two ingredients are a classic paring in the dessert world, making this tisane a delightful dessert tea or an indulgent way to start your morning.

I really enjoyed this cup.  Rich, sweet and flavorful, even when served neat and clean.  I personally prefer my Yerba Maté with just a little bit of sweetener to help curb some of the bitter tones it can sometimes have, but, to be honest, I don’t get much bitterness at all from this cup.  I attribute that to the blending of such a diverse group of ingredients, and each of these ingredients seems to bring out the very best in each component.

This may very well be the best cup of Yerba Maté I’ve tried!  It’s delish!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Yerba Maté

Where to Buy:  Teaquilibrium

Product Description:

Getting ready for race season or simply want to add some calm pep to your day?

The mouthwatering combination of chocolate and fresh mint has made Achieve Mint a customer favorite.  Overachieve Mint is blended with energizing Yerba Mate to give that sustained boost that mate is known for. This is a fabulous choice for endurance athletes or anyone who wants a natural calm energy.

ingredients: yerba mate, peppermint, cacao nibs, natural chocolate flavor.

Taster’s Review:

This is a really tasty Yerba Maté blend.  The mint is strong but the chocolate does come through nicely.

The Yerba Maté base is a green (not roasted) Maté and offers a hint of its earthy, vegetative flavor.  However, the mint flavor is rather intense here, and it does seem to mask some of the stronger notes of the Yerba Maté.  But, I’m not complaining because I sometimes find the rather distinct flavor of Maté to be a bit too much for me.  With this blend, it’s really quite enjoyable and melds very well with the other flavors.

The peppermint is very strong – this blend is certainly not for those who do not care for mint.  For those of us who do, though, this is a clean, crisp tasting peppermint that invigorates while leaving the palate feeling refreshed.

The chocolate is a bit subtle, but, I am liking how it comes through.  I can really notice the cocoa notes in the aftertaste mingling with the minty flavor.  I also found that the chocolate seems to pop a bit more as the tisane cools, so don’t drink this one piping hot!  Let it cool just a little so that you can enjoy the chocolate flavors!

This tisane reminds me of a peppermint patty (especially the aftertaste), but without the overwhelming sugary sweetness!  A thin layer of chocolate coating … just enough to coat the peppermint but not overpower it … a snappy, vibrant treat that will surely get you going!

I like this one a lot!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Yerba Maté

Where to Buy:  Teaquilibrium

Product Description:

Teaquilibrium’s Energizing Sport Tea contains yerba mate, a South American herb known for its plethora of health benefits. A study of yerba mate at The Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific society in 1964 concluded that mate contains “practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life.” Mate is also a natural source of caffeine, theobromine (dark chocolate’s euphoric stimulant) and theophylline (tea’s soothing stimulant) which stimulate the central nervous system to create calm energy and mental clarity.

Yerba Mate fuels your muscles and nourishes your body with 15 amino acids, 24 vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex. Natural phytochemicals stimulate your immune system and boost your metabolism.

Taster’s Review:

OK, when I first saw the name of this tea, I was immediately reminded of “the other” Zest (you know, the bar of soap?)

But I’d much rather use THIS Zest as my “eye-opener” – and it certainly does do just that.  The lemon-y flavor is bright and clean… and shall I say it?  Zesty!  The delicious, lemon-y flavor curbs the earthy notes of the yerba maté.  This is not overly earthy or grassy tasting, it is quite smooth for a yerba maté, which sometimes can come off as a little bitter.  I’m not getting that with this cup at all!

The lemon-y flavor is not incredibly tart, although there is a faint, tangy note at the finish that lingers a little bit with a tingly sensation on the tongue.  This is something that is almost barely noticeable unless you’re focusing on it, though.  Mostly what I get from the lemon is a smooth, sweet citrus-y taste that reminds me a bit of lemon curd.

The yerba maté is a green maté (that is, it isn’t roasted), so it has a fresher taste to it which is very fitting with the whole concept of “Zest.”  This tastes fresh and bright and lively!  It is certainly enough to get you going even on those days when you feel sort of sluggish.  This will help rid you of those “sleepyzzz!”

I like to steep this energizing drink in a vessel that I can keep the leaves continually steeping as I sip… so I am using my Libre Mug.  I put the loose leaf into the main chamber, and then add the hot water and allow it to steep for five minutes, then I screw on the filter lid and the filter lid strains the tisane as I sip it.  Since yerba maté lacks the tannins of tea leaves, it doesn’t get bitter from lengthy brew times – it just gets more flavorful!

I like this!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Yerba Maté

Where to Buy:  Tea Addiction

Product Description:

Ingredients: Yerba maté, cacao nibs, and vanilla flavoring. Get yourself going with this yerba maté chocolate treat! These leaves are believed to stimulate the immune system, decrease inflammation, and increase metabolism.

With the addition of cacao nibs, a myriad of vitamins as well as a natural anti-depressant “sweeten” the pot. Cacao is also thought to encourage mental alertness and clarity of mind. Try adding a touch of milk to make your cup of smooth and chocolaty Yin Yang Maté extra special!

Taster’s Review:

I am really enjoying this Yerba Maté blend.

The fragrance of the dry leaf is quite tempting – it smells like chocolate!  YUM!  The brewed liquor maintains the chocolate scent which now combines with a slightly toasty scent, a hint of vanilla and an earthy quality.

The flavor is a little surprising!  There is a toasty/smoky/woodsy taste to the cup that I hadn’t expected.  Usually, I do expect a light roasted flavor along with an earthy note and a vegetative quality, but not so much of a smoky wood flavor.  It is not an off-putting flavor, just different.

As the cup cools, I find that the smoky wood flavor subsides as more of the earthy/vegetative quality emerges.  The vegetative note is much less noticeable in these roasted Yerba Maté leaves, which trade in some of the vegetal taste for a more caramelized earth note, which plays off especially well with the cacao and vanilla flavors.

The cacao is more savory than sweet, but the addition of the vanilla gives it a sweet, creaminess that almost intimates at a milk chocolate note in the distance.  You can enhance that flavor by the simple addition of a splash of milk, if you wish.  I find this to be rather delightful without the milk – but I do recommend a dollop of honey or agave nectar to smooth out some of the bitter taste of the Yerba Maté.

This is the first that I’m trying from Tea Addiction – and I’m quite happy with it, and the company!  They are incredibly nice, and as a tin collector I can’t overlook the sleek tins!  I just love it when I find a new tea company!