Montelobos vs Del Maguey Vida: Mezcal Comparison

Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:11 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 Montelobos Mezcal 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

Montelobos vs Del Maguey Vida: Head-to-Head

Montelobos Mezcal: Offers a smooth experience with green herbs, agave, and burnt wood on the nose. Citrus and smoke on the palate. Great for both sipping and cocktails.

Del Maguey Vida: Known for its smoky intrigue, with smoke, agave, and hints of tobacco. Ideal for creating smoky cocktails, may be intense for neat sipping.

Verdict: Montelobos Mezcal and Del Maguey Vida each bring a unique character to the table. Montelobos is versatile, excelling in both neat and mixed forms. Del Maguey Vida enhances cocktails with its distinctive smoky flavor. Both are excellent choices for exploring the depth of mezcal, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Sipping Mezcals

Montelobos Mezcal: Smooth Smoky for Sipping

Nose: Green herbs, agave, burnt wood
Palate: Citrus, smoke, agave, red peppers, smoke
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: 400 Conejos

Beyond the Edgy Label: Don’t let the appearance fool you, Montelobos offers a surprisingly smooth and sweet experience.

Aromatic & Flavorful: Enjoy a slightly viscous texture on the palate, with a pleasant balance of smoke, sweetness, and a vegetal touch in the finish.

Sipping or Mixing? Montelobos is versatile and can be enjoyed neat for its full flavor profile or on the rocks for a chilled experience.

Cocktails with a Twist: This mezcal’s unique profile elevates classic cocktails like Negronis, offering an intriguing alternative to the traditional gin version.

Facts:

Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico with 100% organic Espadín agave.
Made with respect for traditional methods, sustainability, and community.
Currently owned by the Campari Group.

Del Maguey Vida: A Smokily Intriguing Mezcal for Cocktail Adventures

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 Crema

Aromatic Profile: Del Maguey Vida opens with a smoky first impression, followed by hints of agave, tobacco, and aged leather.

Palate: The initial sip reveals a slightly bitter taste with smoky and mineral notes, along with a touch of black pepper.

Finish: The short finish lingers with a touch of bitterness and smoke.

Sipping or Mixing?

While Del Maguey Vida’s bold smoky character might be too intense for sipping neat, it truly comes alive in cocktails. Its unique smokiness elevates classics like Negronis and smoky margaritas, adding a complex layer of flavor beyond what tequila typically offers.

In a Nutshell:

Del Maguey Vida is an entry-level mezcal well-suited for crafting smoky cocktails.
Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico, using 100% organic espadin agave.
Free of worms, scorpions, or other insects.
Produced by Marcos and Paciano Cruz using traditional methods with wood-fired copper stills.