After my first sip of El Moncayo Compuesta, I already knew I was in for a treat.
If you’re tired of all the typical and similar-tasting Uruguayan brands, this is one that’s been flying under everyone’s radar. I haven’t heard many people talk about this brand other than a few in our Discord, and they all swear by it.
Now, having tried it myself, I think I have to jump on this mini bandwagon as well.
From my experience, compuestas are usually hit or miss. Either it has an ingredient I don’t like and it ruins the entire thing for me, or it has the perfect blend and tastes amazing.
Luckily, the former is true with this one.
Nose
There’s not many yerbas where I open the bag and am impressed by its aroma. This one did it though. It’s sweet, spicy, herbal, citrusy, and minty. Not surprising given the herbs it features, but this is something I always take a second to appreciate when I pour the yerba into my gourd. The smell is unlike anything I’ve smelled before, so this is a fantastic start.
Taste
El Moncayo Compuesta is filled with so many herbs that I’ve never even heard of. So for them to have made such a good-tasting, balanced flavor profile, is beyond me.
On the first sip, there’s mint. And lots of it. The mint taste here needs to be pointed out because it’s not like anything else I’ve had. This actually tastes like chewing on fresh mint leaves. But let’s get this clear – this isn’t some artificial, cooling mint flavor like you’d get with Paraguayan brands for tereré like Kurupi Menta Y Boldo. This is herbaceous and peppery – just like the real thing. But that’s not the only herb that plays a big role.
El Moncayo Compuesta also features cedrón or lemon verbena, and it plays a supporting role as a hint of lemon sits behind each sip. As far as the other herbs, I can’t tell you anything about them or how they taste individually. But as a whole, this yerba provides a rich earthiness and cream note that is super smooth. Each sip also ends with a touch of sweetness, that reminds me of stevia.
No particular water temps here. All taste great, so I just go to my default of 160F (71C).
Finish
El Moncayo Compuesta has a strong, long-lasting finish. And it tastes almost nothing of yerba. I get a herbal bitterness from beginning to end that’s balanced by a natural sweetness. And of course, the mint is dragged onto here as well. The finish is present for no less than a minute. Probably the strongest I’ve had in a while. Especially compared to other Uruguayan brands where the finish is a lot less present.
Body/Texture
El Moncayo Compuesta is a full-bodied mate. Probably the creamiest yerba I’ve had. It’s on par with chimarrao, but without the grittiness. Same thing when compared to other Uruguayan yerbas… Despite the similar fine cut, this one doesn’t allow any particles to come up. Or at least that I can physically feel on my palate. The first few refills feel like I’m drinking whole milk, but the fullness takes a steep drop after about half a liter. It also has a light cooling sensation on the palate from the mint. A creaminess coats the mouth as well.
Cut
El Moncayo Compuesta features the typical Uruguayan cut. But we don’t have just one, or two, or three, or four, or even FIVE herbs… We have a whopping 10 herbs added to this blend. There’s peppermint, lemon verbena, chamomile, boldo, big leaf linden, hairy fleabane, saltwater false willow, willow leaf phyllanthus, myrtle, and sombra de toro. More than half of which I’ve never heard of or tried in my life. Just seeing this list can be intimidating, but as they state on the package, the blend of herbs make up only 35g of the entire 1000g bag. From its taste, you wouldn’t expect that, but some herbs don’t need a lot to make their presence known.
Preparation-wise, this is no different than any other Uruguayan brand. A nice spoon bombilla and you’re good to go.
Cycle
El Moncayo Compuesta has a medium-to-long cycle. In an average-sized gourd, this lasts at minimum 1 liter and upwards to 1.5 liters. For the beginning half, you get a nice balance of flavor from the yerba and herbs. But for the refills afterwards, you’re mostly tasting just the herbs.
Effect
El Moncayo Compuesta might be one of the only yerbas I’ve had that makes me noticeably feel more relaxed and at ease. Which should come as no surprise considering a handful of the added herbs produce calming effects. While the other handful are primarily good for digestive support. But from a yerba standpoint and its caffeine content, this is still quite strong.
I get a good floaty-head feeling but overall, the effects are less intense. And in certain instances, that’s what I’m looking for. I don’t always want a strong caffeine kick in the morning. Sometimes, I prefer something light and easy-going. And this gives me that without having to settle for a weaker tasting yerba.
This is an easy all-day mate for me. I’ve had it in the night and had no issues sleeping. But as always, your mileage may vary.
El Moncayo Compuesta Review
I’m not usually a fan of compuestas. Partially because I enjoy yerba mate in its purest form, and do lean on the side of “adding anything to it, ruins it”. But if it actually works and tastes good, I’m all for it. And this is one of those.
The people at El Moncayo must’ve hired some wizards because to combine so many ingredients together and have it taste so good and so smooth, is magic.
Compared to a lot of other compuestas I’ve tried, this is one I’m willing to keep on my shelf at all times.
There is nothing else that even comes close to the flavor profile, strength, and balance of it.
If you want to give it a try, click the links below to get a bag:
PampaDirect (Worldwide)
Click Here To Order From PampaDirect
P.S. If you enjoyed this review, you might want to grab some premium gourds and bombillas on our shop.