Ancient33w
Del Maguey VIDA Mezcal
Mezcal Joven — Oaxaca, Mexico
Reviewed
April 15, 2021 (edited November 21, 2023)
I bought this hoping that the first mezcal I tasted was just an odd man out but I do not like the taste of mezcal. The first mezcal I tried was Marca Negra and I did not like it as it tasted like the agave was fermented in burning Goodyear tires it was that smoky and bad. On the advice of a friend, I bought Del Maguey Vida as he said that is a good intro to mezcal so I found a bottle on sale for around $22 and picked it up. In the glass, it is very clear and coats the glass nicely. On the nose, there is a distinct smokiness and earthiness very similar to the Marca Negra but far more subdued and that is a good thing for me. The body is still burning tires but much smaller ones and maybe out in a field and not in a building where the smoke can concentrate. It does have earthy notes like a freshly plowed field it lets you know it is there. The finish is just more smoke and sadness. I really do not like mezcal sam I am. If this is your cup of tea then have at it but none of the flavors worked for me.
22.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Ancient33w lol. Hate but respect. I love it.
Thanks cascode I can't say that right now it is a love-hate but more like a hate but respect.
Thanks jonwilkinson I will look the the mezcals you recommended.
Thanks bigwhitemike for the cocktail recommendation I will try it.
Thanks ctbeck I will check out your recommendations as space at my bar allows. The gasoline note is spot on for the first mezcal I tried.
Nice - thanks for the honest review. I have something of a love-hate relationship with mezcal. When I crack open a new bottle it captivates me and I come back for repeated tastes ... for a while. Then I cork it, put the bottle away and can happily forget it entirely. It's one of those spirits I respect and can enjoy, but ther is no craving, no impetus to seek it out at all. Horses for courses.
Second the recommendations from @ctbeck11 and @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington. One other recommendation for a good mezcal light on smoke and heavy on agave flavors would be anything from El Jolgorio's Nuestra Soledad line. Great mezcals that are reasonably priced.
All good to take a waiver and try something new! I personally really like mezcal, but it is polarizing. And although you didn’t really care for this one at least it didn’t really break the bank. $22 is a great deal. Not sure your take on cocktails or ginger beer, but mezcal mules are awesome. 4 oz ginger, 2 oz mezcal, squeeze 1/3 of a lime. If that suits your palate a bit better might be a good way to work through the bottle.
I had a similar experience with Vida. There’s too many gasoline notes to be a great sipper. Before you give up on mezcal, I recommend trying some better examples of the category. Anything by El Jolgorio or Real Minero is solid. In the Del Maguey family, I’ve enjoyed the Arroqueño, Tobalá, Wild Tepextate, and Chichicapa bottlings as well.