Del Maguey Vida Single Village Mezcal Puebla Tasting Notes

Details

Location: Axocopan, Puebla
Agave: Espadin / A. angustifolia haw.
Batch: LOT VDP-224
Vintage: 11/1/22
ABV: 40%
Tasting keywords: Herbal, toasty.
NOM: NOM-O41X
NOM 70 Classification: Mezcal Artesanal
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Nose

Floral and pine.

Taste

Medium viscosity, rich roasted agave and highlights of lightly toasted bread and thyme.

Production Details

Agave: Cultivated, caponed espadín sourced from Oaxaca and Puebla.
Roast: Roasted underground
Distillation: Twice distilled in copper stills.

Background Notes

This is the latest in the Del Maguey Vida line. Originally Vida was Del Maguey’s workhorse cocktail mezcal at about 40% ABV and priced very attractively to bars. Last I checked it was selling for $36 retail. Given that price, it is probably also one of the first mezcals drinkers try straight because so many bartenders sell it by the shot as well. Over the past two years the Vida brand has expanded first with the higher proof Vida de Muertos label released in 2021. Like the original Vida, that was an Espadín but with a 45% ABV which seemed like an attempt to piggyback on the widespread reputation of the original Vida with an equally attractive price point of $50 retail.

Several years ago Del Maguey released a single village mezcal from San Pablo Ameyaltepec, Puebla made by Aurelio Tobon. That was one of the first significant mezcals from Puebla but it was a harbinger of things to come, many other brands have since set up operations there. The state boasts large agave plantations and may have added luster because it’s closer to Mexico’s commercial heart.

Del Maguey’s latest Vida follows in the original’s footsteps because it’s another 40% ABV mezcal clearly targeted at the cocktail market with a sales sheet that introduces this expression with “The newest expression from Del Maguey, Puebla makes a great base for any cocktail and invites a wide global audience to start their path into the Del Maguey portfolio.” Like the original Vida, the Puebla is being sold for $36 retail – clearly priced for that cocktail market and to introduce drinkers to this category.