The first mate: drink it or toss it?

One of the great mate debates, and what's true on each side.

Few things divide mate drinkers like this one. Some toss the first mate; others say it's the best one.

Why some people toss it

The first pour comes out very bitter and dusty, because it carries the finest bits of the yerba. That's why, traditionally, the server sips it and spits it out, or pours it away, before the round begins.

Why some people drink it

With today's yerbas, which are cleaner and less dusty, the first mate isn't so harsh. And for many it's the tastiest: the one with the most body.

What everyone agrees on

The first mate belongs to the server. Whether it's drunk or discarded, it's never passed to anyone else: it's how the server makes sure the mate everyone else gets is good.

So what should I do?

Try both. If your yerba is very dusty, tossing the first one makes the round better; if it's a clean yerba, enjoy it.