Del Maguey VIDA is one of the most commonly used mezcals for cocktails. It can be sipped neat, but it’s typically a cocktail mixer.
About this mezcal
Del Maguey VIDA San Luis Del Rio is an artisanal, organic Mezcal. This Mezcal is sold at an entry-level price point and has broader availability. It launched in 2010, is highly mixable, and has gained much anticipated industry acceptance and high bartender demand. Hand crafted, it is twice distilled, very slowly in small wood-fired, copper stills to flavor specifications that underscore its versatility in cocktails.
This mezcal had a minor label change in 2023 as VIDA “Clásico” to differentiate it from VIDA Puebla.
Del Maguey Mezcal
Del Maguey (pronounced ma–gay), Single Village Mezcal was founded in 1995 by internationally renowned artist and Mezcal visionary, Ron Cooper. Ron introduced the world to previously unavailable 100% certified organic, artisanal Mezcal produced the original handcrafted way. Through deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican Indian producers in the remote villages of Oaxaca, Mexico, Del Maguey harnesses ancient, original organic processes. Combining these methods with varying micro-climates and terroir gives each creation its own unique, rich, sweet and smoky character. Every product in their collection is made by individual family palenqueros (producers) in old-style villages. They are the first producer to credit each product after the village where our liquid is made. When you see their beautiful green bottles you know it’s Del Maguey. Most of Del Maguey’s mezcals are distilled to proof, so the ABV will vary slightly between batches.
In June of 2017, international spirits company, Pernod Ricard, purchased majority stake in the company. Del Maguey is now part of their portfolio that includes Jameson Whiskey, Absolute Vodka, and Havana Club Rum.
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MatchaMezcal
3 reviewsBasically an introductory mezcal, very common at your local backbar. The pricepoint is good for delving into the world of mezcals. As mentioned, goes well in cocktails if you like mezcal cocktails. Considering how much goes into the agave, I find mezcal cocktails to be kind of a waste? Just my opinion. I suppose if you have to mix something… mix an Espadin. Specifically, this Espadin.
SeattleMezcalLover
9 reviewsPeople recommend this to start with. Don’t listen to them. It’s relatively cheap and probably fine in some cocktails. Possibly the quality has gone down as it’s popularity and demand have increased. Spend $5 more and you will find something almost twice as nice.
Gfunk
23 reviewsSmoky yet lacking any other qualities. Finish is almost immediate. It’s not unpleasant but also not memorable.
Tyler
667 reviewsNot a great sipper. I see VIDA at a lot of bars and it’s mostly used for mixing cocktails, as it should be. There are notes vanilla and leather on the initial sip but it quickly becomes dominated by flavors of alcohol and generic smoke. The finish is strong and the lingering taste is slightly metallic. If you are new to mezcal and want to enjoy some Del Maguey neat, my recommendation is to start with the Chichicapa or Minero… or why not both! Del Maguey has released some really great offerings over the years, but this is not it. If you see it as an option for a cocktail mixer then go for it. Vida makes great margaritas because the strong smoke notes shine through nicely. Two stars as a sipper, four stars as a mixer.
Not a great sipper. I see VIDA at a lot of bars and it’s mostly used for mixing cocktails, as it should be. There are notes vanilla and leather on the initial sip but it quickly becomes dominated by flavors of alcohol and generic smoke. The finish is strong and the lingering taste is slightly metallic. If you are new to mezcal and want to enjoy some Del Maguey neat, my recommendation is to start with the Chichicapa or Minero… or why not both! Del Maguey has released some really great