Del Maguey VIDA Mezcal

Tasted like a pleated scotch, but cleaner and brighter, and crisper. Citrusy and smoky.

Scents of cinnamon; none of the taste, definitive smoky flavor, one sip at a time for a peak experience. More for the experienced drinker

Just started mezcal sipping. A great smooth smokey start, definitely have again

First uncorking 🍾 Let sit for about 5 minutes. 👀: Clear as day, nothing to distinguish it from a vodka; 👃: Holy smokes, immediate smoky hits reminiscent of an Islay, will definitely offput some people, familiar tequila hits at the back end, citrus and similar fruit scents also; 👅: Immediate campfire smoke, a barbeque in your cup, the smoke hits and keeps on hitting; 🏁: And the smoke, about that smoke... Wow. Then the mezcal hits. Not much after that. Very dry. For this price, it's much better and cheaper than Chichicapa.

Very little smoke.

Sweet then smoke.

Nose - Charred meat, grilled pineapple, citrus scented cleaner, smoked agave, desert vegetal fragrance, and medium ethanol. Palate - Light and fruity up front, charred pineapple toppings on pizza, aloe, brine, hickory ash, eucalyptus, and light apricot. Finish is medium-short with ash, light pineapple, light eucalyptus, and light ethanol. First mezcal I've ever had, gifted by my brother many years ago. This style of mezcal is a good entry point in terms of price and mixing capability. If you like Islay, you would definitely enjoy sipping this neat. I've had much better mezcal in the years since, but they're either really hard to find in NC or much more expensive.