Del Maguey Crema vs Del Maguey Vida: Mezcal Comparison

Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:10 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.

Discover the differences between Del Maguey Crema vs Del Maguey Vida in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Mezcal is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Del Maguey Crema vs Del Maguey Vida: Head-to-Head

Del Maguey Crema: A sweeter mezcal mix with agave and vanilla notes, blended with agave syrup. Ideal for those preferring a lighter, sweeter drink. Great in cocktails or as a dessert drink.

Del Maguey Vida: A bold, smoky mezcal with a flavor profile of smoke, mineral, and black pepper. Best for smoky cocktail enthusiasts, may be strong for neat sipping.

Verdict: Del Maguey Crema offers a unique, sweet twist on mezcal, perfect for sweet cocktail lovers. Del Maguey Vida is tailored for those who enjoy a smoky kick in their drinks. Both provide distinctive mezcal experiences catering to different palates, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Del Maguey Mezcal Best Bottles

Del Maguey Crema: A Sweeter Side of Mezcal

Nose: Agave, vanilla
Palate: Pineapple, orange juice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails

Del Maguey Crema isn’t your typical mezcal. Instead, it falls under the “Crema de Mezcal” category, similar to liqueurs like Cointreau. This means it’s a lighter, sweeter version of mezcal, achieved by blending it with ingredients like pure agave syrup.

Del Maguey’s version specifically uses 80% mezcal and 20% agave syrup, resulting in a thick, sweet profile. This makes it suitable for those who find traditional mezcal too strong or smoky.

While commonly enjoyed as a dessert drink, Del Maguey suggests using it in cocktails like Margaritas.

Here are some key facts about Del Maguey Crema:

Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico by the Cruz family.
Made with 80% mezcal and 20% pure agave syrup.
Offers a sweet and thick profile, making it a good option for those who find traditional mezcal too strong.

Looking for a smoky sipping experience? Explore Del Maguey’s other mezcal offerings, like Vida or San Luis del Rio Azul (a personal favorite!).

Del Maguey Vida: A Smoky Mezcal for Cocktail Enthusiasts

Nose: Smoke, agave, tobacco, old leather
Palate: Smoke, mineral, black pepper
Alcohol content: 84 proof (42% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Del Maguey Chichicapa

Del Maguey Vida is a mezcal known for its bold, smoky flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of its taste:

Aroma: Strong smoke dominates, followed by hints of agave, tobacco, and aged leather.
Taste: Starts with a slight bitterness, then transitions to smoky and mineral flavors with subtle black pepper notes.
Finish: Relatively short, leaving a lingering smoky and bitter taste.

While the smokiness can be captivating, the bitterness might be strong for sipping neat.

However, Del Maguey Vida shines in cocktails. Its smoke adds a unique twist to classics like margaritas and Negronis, creating a more complex flavor experience compared to tequila.

Overall, Del Maguey Vida is a good choice for crafting smoky cocktails but might not be ideal for sipping due to its bitterness.

Here are some additional facts about Del Maguey Vida: