Rei Verde Premium

Efren GarciaTop reviewer

5/17/2026

From the moment you see the package, you know you’re dealing with a high-quality yerba. It features neat, glossy packaging that keeps dust and leaves from escaping—a definite plus. Upon opening it, you are immediately met with an intense yet very pleasant smoky aroma; visually, it appears to consist of far more leaf dust than anything else. It leaves a powdery residue behind when filling the mate gourd. The flavor is intense—strong, yet agreeable. The astringency is quite pronounced—much more so than in Canarias, Baldo, or Sara. I don't detect much acidity or bitterness, perhaps because the smokiness serves to neutralize it. However, as you drink it, the intensity of the smokiness settles down considerably, giving way to a complex, creamy, and robust flavor—one in which that smoky note continues to linger on the palate after every sip. Yet, despite its astringency, it remains very palate-friendly. This is a yerba for those days when you want to tackle everything with full force, though I wouldn't recommend it to someone just starting out with mate. Brewed at 175°F (79°C). I can easily go through a 1.5L thermos of it, and it could likely stretch to 2L. Score: 7/10.