Mezcal Union Viejo is made with maguey Espadin and Tobala. The Tobala is more rare but it gives the mezcal a unique texture and taste.
About this mezcal
Mezcal Union Viejo uses farm-grown maguey Espadin and wild maguey Tobala. Due to the limited supply of agave Tobala, the availability of this mezcal is much lower than Mezcal Union Uno. The name “El Viejo” is an homage to the old man who told the Union founders that the future mezcal would need to be a “union.”
Union Mezcal
Union is one of the most commonly found mezcals for cocktails in the US and Mexico. Their story says that when starting the company, an old man told them that the future of mezcal would be based on a UNIÓN. That’s how they named the company, and that’s how they decided to make a mezcal that featured different producer families. Though Pedro Hernandez is their master mezcalero, each bottle is produced by a union of Oaxacan families. There may be slight variations of flavor from batch to batch, but not much, as they are now using a Solera process to ensure better consistency.
In February of 2017, Mezcal Union signed a distribution agreement with Diageo. The agreement keeps the ownership of Union in the hands of its founders, while opening the doors to a wider distribution network. In August 2021 it was announced that Diageo would acquire Union’s parent company, Casa UM, for an undisclosed sum.
Read more about Mezcal Union on our blog: Mezcal Union Palenque Tour
Mezcal Union promotional video
Review this bottle
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Ronco Sips
11 reviewsUnion Viejo lot number L3019XX011 Bottle number 2499/9924
I’m still learning about Mezcal, but so far I’m really enjoying what I’ve tasted.
It’s been a some time I’ve had now some better Mezcals, so I’m dropping Union do to 3 stars
from 3.5.
NOSE: Light smoke, you can smell some of the alcohol.
PALATE: Citrus, Fruit, then smoke, heat going down. Second sip sweeter taste, agave.
MOUTHFEEL: Smooth, light.
FINISH: Dry clean finish
I’ve made a video a few months back for this review. https://youtu.be/DEBwzLlt798 If you watch it then say hello in the comments. cheers, Ronco
Union Viejo lot number L3019XX011 Bottle number 2499/9924
I’m still learning about Mezcal, but so far I’m really enjoying what I’ve tasted.
It’s been a some time I’ve had now some better Mezcals, so I’m dropping Union do to 3 stars
from 3.5.
NOSE: Light smoke, you can smell some of the alcohol.
PALATE: Citrus, Fruit, then smoke, heat going down. Second sip sweeter taste, agave.
MOUTHFEEL: Smooth, light.
FINISH: Dry clean finish
I’ve made a vide
jz1pelao
1 reviewNice and smooth. Dangerously drinkable
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsLOT No. UVMH-29-10-19 (Bottle No. 167/672)
Nose – Slight ethanol to start. Apple. Vanilla. Smoke quality is so-so.
Palate – Heavy smoke with a metallic tinge to it – very industrial tasting. Vanilla wafer. Some citrus in there. Unfortunately this is so smoke-forward (almost burnt tasting) that you have to look too hard to find the other flavors.
The Union Uno is superior and less expensive.
edgy4sure
39 reviewsanother good product from Union but for the money, buy the cheaper of the two
Clevercircle
2 reviewsA little harsh, decent for mixed drinks but not my first choice for sipping
Cortez
12 reviewsEarthy, with some spice, followed by raw veggies. Overall, very clean flavor. Reminds me more of a straight espadin though- didn’t have a chance to see the bottle so wondering what the split of espadin-tobala is. Easy to drink, but leaves you wanting more.
hungarianhurricane
6 reviewsLot UV/1118. Woody, earthy, easy-sipping mezcal for a great price. I don’t pick up too much tobala in the mix but maybe some of the pine, cedar and black pepper coming through is that. Solid choice for a weeknight.
Nic Hnastchenko
109 reviewsLOT UV/1118
Solid mezcal. Dried, earthy, like roasted peppers? Needed to add something with tobala to my collection.
Hörky Båmf
20 reviewsLot No. UV09/18, Bottle No. 725/1344. Been looking forward to this one for a while as availability is somewhat spotty in my area. Floral aroma, with jalapeño and green bell pepper riding on clean ethanol vapor. Initial taste is mineral and slightly brackish, then the bright green peppers again with a pronounced sweetness that lingers into the finish on a nice alcohol burn. No smoke that I can perceive. Overall impression is clean, bright, sweet. Perhaps a little tame, probably not going to blow anyone away, but solid quality and definitely enjoyable.
Lot No. UV09/18, Bottle No. 725/1344. Been looking forward to this one for a while as availability is somewhat spotty in my area. Floral aroma, with jalapeño and green bell pepper riding on clean ethanol vapor. Initial taste is mineral and slightly brackish, then the bright green peppers again with a pronounced sweetness that lingers into the finish on a nice alcohol burn. No smoke that I can perceive. Overall impression is clean, bright, sweet. Perhaps a little tame, probably not going to blow
Ravi
5 reviewsPicked up a domestic bottle of this in Tijuana on a recommendation and glad I did. Unfortunately didn’t note the Lot or bottle number and (it is now gone). It’s a very approachable mezcal, the smoke doesn’t smack you in the face, but is well integrated and creeps up. I got a lot of ‘Christmas spice’ notes in my bottle. It was almost rum-like, with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and flamed orange on top of the agave flavour. Very smooth but in no way boring. Definitely recommended!
Picked up a domestic bottle of this in Tijuana on a recommendation and glad I did. Unfortunately didn’t note the Lot or bottle number and (it is now gone). It’s a very approachable mezcal, the smoke doesn’t smack you in the face, but is well integrated and creeps up. I got a lot of ‘Christmas spice’ notes in my bottle. It was almost rum-like, with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and flamed orange on top of the agave flavour. Very smooth but in no way boring. Definitely reco
Patrick
57 reviewsLOTE : UV 06/17
BOTTLE : 4590/6048
Nose : have agree with burnt orange peels. A little vanilla sweetness and cinnamon thrown in there somewhere with dust sprinkled on top.
Taste : sweet butterscotch with cinnamon and a tinge of herbal.
Finish : lingering yet not enough to spoil your next round
Excellent price point. Should of bought more..
Jonny
736 reviewsLot UV07/18. Bottle 255/672. Burnt sweet aromas, like charred orange peels and singed limes. The palate is light but full with notes of green papaya, cashews, and peas. Hints of cinnamon and all spice linger. I’d tasted several MX-only batches of this before it came to the US and it seems like the US batches are the same quality as what they had before in MX. At this price point, I definitely recommend trying it.
Tequesta
15 reviewslot VV 07/18 I get a bright orange peel note as I pour this..then it mellows to smoked chilis. It’s so smooth and light on your palate, crystal clear and spicy as you drink it, hints of cinnamon and cloves. Bought this bottle while in Mazatlan, wish I would have brought home more. Highly recommend.
P. Binner
This is an exceptional and flavourful Mezcal! I love the hint of smoke, it so much reminds me of Mexico. I only wish I could buy this in Canada!
EXCELLENT!!!!