Top-Rated Del Maguey Mezcals: A Guide for Mezcal Enthusiasts

Last Updated on: 19th January 2024, 03:21 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Del Maguey Mezcal

Discover the finest Del Maguey Mezcals, handpicked by experts. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of Del Maguey and find the perfect bottle to tantalize your taste buds

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

Top recommendation: San Luis del Rio Azul for its unique blend of agave sweetness and mezcal smokiness has been selected by expert Neil Coleman as the best choice.
San Luis del Rio Azul stands out for combining Tequila and Mezcal characteristics.
Del Maguey offers a wide range of Mezcals suitable for different preferences.
San Luis del Rio Azul is ideal for both Mezcal and Tequila enthusiasts.

Del Maguey Reviews

I have reviewed every release to help you choose your perfect match:

Vida

Del Maguey’s Vida, a top-seller, is an artisanal, organic Mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, launched in 2010 as an affordable cocktail ingredient.

Its aroma blends sweetness with vanilla, pineapple, and citrus, but its strong alcohol and smoky taste can be overwhelming, ending in a long, peppery, and slightly bitter finish.

While great for cocktails, Vida isn’t ideal for neat sipping, especially for mezcal beginners or connoisseurs seeking depth.

For sipping, consider options like Banhez.

Vida’s smoky notes can uniquely enhance Tequila cocktails, but it’s less suited for neat or on-the-rocks consumption.

Vida de Muertos

Vida de Muertos is a special edition of Vida mezcal that pays homage to the renowned Mexican festival of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

It features a stunning label and offers a distinct character compared to the regular Vida expression.

One notable difference is that each batch of Vida de Muertos consists of a limited center cut of the distillate, meticulously chosen by the master distiller.

This hand-selected process ensures a unique product for mezcal enthusiasts to enjoy.

Chichicapa

Chichicapa is a renowned Mezcal crafted from agave espadin, and it has gained a reputation as one of the standout releases from this brand.

It has a captivating smoky profile that does not overwhelm, accompanied by a range of complex flavors with prominent notes of citrus and mint.

While Chichicapa’s complexity might be too much for those new to Mezcal, it is highly regarded among true enthusiasts.

This is a personal favorite that I have been drinking through the years and never gets old.

Pechuga

Pechuga Mezcal is an exciting and unique variety of mezcal that captivates with its distinctive production process.

Triple distilled in a clay pot still, Del Maguey Pechuga is crafted by adding a blend of apples, plums, plantain bananas, pineapples, almonds, uncooked white rice, and a whole chicken breast suspended by strings in the still for 24 hours.

The result is a remarkable spirit that offers a delicious combination of fruity flavors with subtle hints of chicken broth.

Bottled at 98 proof, Del Maguey Pechuga is one of this category’s finest examples.

Its intriguing and complex profile makes it a delightful choice for those seeking a Mezcal experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

San Luis del Rio

Del Maguey San Luis del Río is crafted using agave espadin, similar to Chichicapa, but it falls short in comparison.

With rich notes of lime, vanilla, fresh fruit, and a distinct touch of smoke, this mezcal offers an enjoyable and approachable drinking experience.

However, considering its price, better options are available within the same price range.

While it is easy to drink and delivers satisfying flavors, discerning mezcal enthusiasts may find more value and complexity in other offerings.

It remains a decent choice, but exploring alternatives could provide a more rewarding Mezcal experience.

Crema de Mezcal

Crema de Mezcal is the sweeter iteration of San Luis del Río, achieved by infusing agave honey in the distillation process.

Crafted through natural fermentation and double distillation in copper stills, it presents an aroma of roasted agave, vanilla, pear, almond, and a hint of coffee.

On the palate, flavors of pineapple and sweet orange take center stage.

However, it should be noted that this Mezcal leans towards the sweeter side, which may not be to everyone’s taste preference.

While some individuals may appreciate its sweetness, personal preference plays a role, and for those seeking a more balanced flavor profile, alternative options might be more suitable.

Del Maguey Tobala

Tobala Mezcal is crafted using the agave potatorum, a small and highly prized plant known for producing exceptional Mezcals.

The lengthy growth period of up to 15 years in the wild contributes to the higher cost of this type of mezcal.

The nose of Del Maguey Tobala exhibits floral and fruity notes, inviting the senses with its aromatic qualities.

Mango flavors, cinnamon, and a touch of salinity intertwine on the palate, culminating in a long and creamy finish.

Renowned for its quality, Del Maguey Tobala stands out among its competitors, establishing itself as one of the finest offerings within this highly competitive category.

Minero

Del Maguey Minero is crafted in the town of Santa Catarina de Minas, renowned for its exceptional production of Mezcal.

The traditional distillation process in clay pot stills, unique to this region, imparts a distinct character to the spirit, resulting in a mezcal with earthy nuances and a refined profile.

The nose of Del Maguey Minero reveals aromas of granite and fig, captivating the senses with its rich and aromatic presence.

On the palate, flavors of citrus, honey, and green herbs intertwine, creating a harmonious and delightful experience.

This release comes highly recommended.

Arroqueño

Del Maguey Arroqueño is crafted in Santa Catarina de Minas, a town near the City of Oaxaca, known as a must-visit destination for mezcal enthusiasts.

This Mezcal is made using ancestral methods, where every step of the production process is carried out by hand, without machinery.

Delivering a creamy texture, Del Maguey Arroqueño offers pronounced flavors of melon, fresh green beans, and vibrant citrus notes.

These distinctive tasting notes contribute to the unique character of this Mezcal.

Santo Domingo Albarradas

Del Maguey Santo Domingo Albarradas is crafted by Espiridion Morales, one of the oldest active distillers with a wealth of experience in agave distillation since the 1950s.

This Mezcal presents a light nose with subtle citrus hints, allowing for a delicate aromatic experience.

On the palate, it showcases prominent flavors of tropical fruit, roasted pear, and a pleasant touch of salinity.

The finish is clean and dry, providing a satisfying conclusion to the tasting experience.

San Luis del Rio Azul

San Luis del Rio Azul is a mezcal from Del Maguey and my favorite.

This release uses blue agave, the same variety used in Tequila production.

However, it is crafted using traditional Mezcal methods, including cooking agave in underground pits using wood and coal as fuel sources, rather than steaming in the Tequila process.

This combination of traditional methods lends San Luis del Rio Azul a distinct flavor profile that marries the best of both worlds.

You’ll find the familiar notes of traditional Tequila flavors along with the characteristic flavors of Mezcal.

This Mezcal is truly exceptional, showcasing a rich character with pronounced flavors of freshly ground pepper, cloves, and a touch of ripe tangerine.

It offers an excellent and unique tasting experience.