Hopped Up on Organic Beer

01/02/07 Mateveza USA, LLC and Butte Creek Brewing Company are pleased to introduce Mateveza Yerba Mate Ale, an organic, naturally caffeinated pale ale brewed with yerba mate, the ancient tea from South America.

Mateveza unites organic yerba mate (pronounced mah-tay) with cascade hops in a classic American pale ale with a twist that appeals to casual beer drinkers and craft beer aficionados alike. "Yerba mate's earthy, herbal notes are the perfect compliment to the crisp, citrusy character of the cascade hops," says Mateveza founder Jim Woods. The yerba mate also provides a natural source of caffeine that is equivalent to one half cup of coffee in a 12 ounce serving of Mateveza.

Yerba mate is cultivated in South America, where a yerba mate infusion is as ubiquitous as a cup of coffee in the United States. The yerba mate tradition has been an integral part of South American culture for hundreds of years, bringing family and loved ones together.

Like coffee, yerba mate contains the alkaloid caffeine. Unlike coffee, yerba mate also contains theobromine, the active alkaloid in chocolate that is a mild, long-lasting stimulant. Many prefer the gentle stimulating effects of yerba mate to those of coffee.

Mateveza will be available initially on draft and in 22-ounce bottles throughout California and Oregon at retailers including Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and local co-ops and natural food stores.