Excellent value for the price point. This mezcal is commonly used in bars for mixing. It has a good smokey, medicinal, vanilla and sweet flavor to it. It’s not as complex as other top shelf mezcals, but it’s pretty good. This would make an excellent entry level Mezcal for those who want to differentiate from tequila. I tried this in a bar margarita and thought it was really good and expected it to be more expensive. Overall I’m impressed and I plan on keeping a bottle around for mixing. Lot: UW-3411

Vida de Muertos is a step up from Vida in price, ABV content and complexity. They both have great smoke, but tasted side by side Vida de Muertos has a longer lasting flavor that is noticeably more complex. You can sip this one and there are hints of orange with medicinal and Band-Aid tastes, but it also has a higher ABV and actually holds complexity in your mixed drink. A higher price point, but if you’re looking for a nice smoky mezcal you can sip and mix, this might be it. Lot VDM-211

Spicy and sweet to the nose, but it doesn’t last as long as I hoped. It has some complex aromas and a nice taste, although light on the lips. Herbal, sweet and fruity flavors form a nice combination. This is a complex mezcal with a subtle, but present smoke taste. Overall a really nice mezcal.

A very complex mezcal and dry to the nose, although the scent is strong and lasts long. It’s richer and smoother than the Minero, which isn’t a surprise since it’s made from a third distillation of the Del Maguey Minero mezcal. Flavors of black licorice/anise and cloves with hints of fruit and a nice smokiness. Scotch-like and a band-aidy. This left my tongue tingling. Many different flavors and notes in this one and yes, I do taste chicken. An excellent, complex and premium mezcal!

This bottle of Mezcal Sacrificio joven was recommended to me by “Total Wine” and it disappoints. I just realized Total Wine buys from them directly which makes sense since they’re pushing this brand. This mezcal lacks complexity and is very thin in the mouth. I understand it’s a joven, but I was hoping it would have a richer taste. It just wasn’t there. This mezcal has a very light smoky aroma and taste, but there are much better options out there.

Note: This mezcal is sweet because it’s already mixed with agave syrup. You should know this before buying or trying. This is an entry level mezcal to sip or mix and has a nice subtle blend of smoke. You really only need to pour it in a glass with fresh lime juice and your drink is ready or you can use it to make other drinks. This isn’t the bottle to buy for mezcal purists, but it’s a nice touch for those who don’t like mezcal and or want to make the transition. 

Montelobos Joven is an artisanal mezcal with a little sweetness and is citrusy in taste and scent which is nice with some light pepper notes. There’s a smokiness to this mezcal that’s subtle enough to taste and it works well allowing you to taste the citrus and rounds out this mezcal. Overall a nice mezcal to sip or mix. 

This is my go to mezcal for a smoky margarita or mixed drink. I’m surprised the ratings are so low. Vida is one of the smokiest mezcals out there with some fruit notes, is perfect for mixing and is excellent for its class. It’s not a premium sipping mezcal. You can sip it, but there are better and more complex mezcals for sipping. I don’t understand the 1 star reviews, although I’m guessing there’s another reason besides taste. This clearly isn’t the worst mezcal out there and if you think so, you’re not tasting enough. The perfect price point.