The Del Maguey Chichicapa is a classic release that may very well be one of the most well-known mezcals on the international market.
About this mezcal
The Del Maguey Chichicapa has a relatively light nose, yet it is deep and sweet on the tongue with lots of citrus and a complex character. It has a long finish with developing smokiness and a hint of chocolate and mint at the end. The town of Chichicapa is dry and tropical, depending on the time of year, with banana trees, guava, and mangoes.
Del Maguey Mezcal
Del Maguey (pronounced ma–gay), Single Village Mezcal was founded in 1995 by internationally renowned artist and Mezcal visionary, Ron Cooper. Ron introduced the world to previously unavailable 100% certified organic, artisanal Mezcal produced the original handcrafted way. Through deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican Indian producers in the remote villages of Oaxaca, Mexico, Del Maguey harnesses ancient, original organic processes. Combining these methods with varying micro-climates and terroir gives each creation its own unique, rich, sweet and smoky character. Every product in their collection is made by individual family palenqueros (producers) in old-style villages. They are the first producer to credit each product after the village where our liquid is made. When you see their beautiful green bottles you know it’s Del Maguey. Most of Del Maguey’s mezcals are distilled to proof, so the ABV will vary slightly between batches.
In June of 2017, international spirits company, Pernod Ricard, purchased majority stake in the company. Del Maguey is now part of their portfolio that includes Jameson Whiskey, Absolute Vodka, and Havana Club Rum.
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Jose M. Aguayo
9 reviewsmaguey cocido; Dulce; pineapple; Bacon
mt_rainyer
43 reviewsI haven’t tasted this in a few years, but have notes from two batches below (don’t have batch numbers unfortunately). Folks mention that this is a great intro bottle of Mezcal – I think there are better bottles out there as an intro for better prices, but do recognize availability makes this accessible.
2014 – On the smokier bbq side, with just a touch of sweetness and citrus at the tail end. Overall smoke is the primary note. Viscous and sticky in the glass.
2021 – First time trying in many years, this batch is significantly sweeter, lighter, and thinner. Tastier flavor profile as a whole.
I haven’t tasted this in a few years, but have notes from two batches below (don’t have batch numbers unfortunately). Folks mention that this is a great intro bottle of Mezcal – I think there are better bottles out there as an intro for better prices, but do recognize availability makes this accessible.
2014 – On the smokier bbq side, with just a touch of sweetness and citrus at the tail end. Overall smoke is the primary note. Viscous and sticky in the glass.
2021 –
Ranger_Ryan
36 reviewsLot CHI-215, 2022/05/17
Really awesome mezcal, the hype is real. Complex flavor, oily mouth feel, agave, pineapple. More fruit forward in aroma than smokey. A mainstay.
Forpowder
44 reviewsLot CHI-197 48% Aroma’s out of the bottle are mutued butterscotch and light Alcohol and smoke. Taste Follows The aroma with butterscott Prickly green flavors. No real fruit flavor dry and mineral. To me the smokest of the lineup. Probably one of my least favorite Del Maguey Mezcals. This one is hot.
bluImbibe
30 reviewsLOT CHI-221
Light yet complex. Good introductory mezcal for folks who want to try a different, refreshing espadin expression. The first bottle of Chichicapa I’ve tried about a year ago left me blown away with the distinct butterscotch aroma and floral, fruit forward taste it left on my palate (think honeydew). This one is still light and refreshing, producing a very citric, lime aroma with a thin layer of smoke that dissolves into floral and slightly fruity.
Whenever I get someone in my bar who wants an introduction to complex mezcales, this one is always on the flight.
LOT CHI-221
Light yet complex. Good introductory mezcal for folks who want to try a different, refreshing espadin expression. The first bottle of Chichicapa I’ve tried about a year ago left me blown away with the distinct butterscotch aroma and floral, fruit forward taste it left on my palate (think honeydew). This one is still light and refreshing, producing a very citric, lime aroma with a thin layer of smoke that dissolves into floral and slightly fruity.
Whenever I get someone in my ba
flanger88
3 reviewsThis is not nearly as offensive as I thought it would be from reading the reviews. the “super smokey” attribute manifested more as a kind of polite petroly and well-rounded, smooth nectary sweetness. For lack of a better description, if you were ever at a gas station and enjoyed the smell of the fuel – this will probably satisfy you. I’m still exploring this one as it surely turns out to be a good purchase (CHI-192)
MezPal20
8 reviewsHints of sweet licorice on the nose with a very clean fresh vegetal note like snow peas underneath a layer of fine cold pine smoke. Smoked, slightly underripe pineapple and chilis waft in and out too. In time, queso fresco appears as well. The palate is sweet and smooth with quickly vanishing butterscotch notes, a pinch of cayenne pepper and lots of woodsmoke, a touch of licorice, and mineral. The body is soft and velvety, but not quite full bodied. It leaves a nice mist behind in the glass. On the finish it becomes much drier, with a lingering fruit sugar sweetness, perhaps yellow apple or pear, but much more vegetal and mineral like parsnips baked on hot slate over a rubber tire fire. A very enjoyable Mezcal to sip.
Hints of sweet licorice on the nose with a very clean fresh vegetal note like snow peas underneath a layer of fine cold pine smoke. Smoked, slightly underripe pineapple and chilis waft in and out too. In time, queso fresco appears as well. The palate is sweet and smooth with quickly vanishing butterscotch notes, a pinch of cayenne pepper and lots of woodsmoke, a touch of licorice, and mineral. The body is soft and velvety, but not quite full bodied. It leaves a nice mist behind in the glass. On
yoni
5 reviewsforgot the batch number but it doesnt matter this is the gateway drug for Mezal . Aromas of fruit and cheese, flavor bomb of cheese tropical fruit sweetness. apple, well rounded smoke. Full and meaty. Ticks all the boxes. a must try.
mhermalyn
2 reviewsNot as much smoke as I normally look for, but it’s such an enjoyable sipping drink. One of my favorites.
JDB
116 reviewsLot: CHI-205, 48% abv A bit of leather on the nose, sweet briefly up front, some fruit notes like pear and plum with a hint of bubblegum, and then lingering smoke in the finish. I also get a touch of anise and mint. The heat does last for a while. While this is the last of this bottle, it does still hold up well. I agree with others that there are better Espadins for the price (Vago and Cuish come to mind), and lots of competition from new brands and mezcaleras getting more distribution.
Lot: CHI-205, 48% abv A bit of leather on the nose, sweet briefly up front, some fruit notes like pear and plum with a hint of bubblegum, and then lingering smoke in the finish. I also get a touch of anise and mint. The heat does last for a while. While this is the last of this bottle, it does still hold up well. I agree with others that there are better Espadins for the price (Vago and Cuish come to mind), and lots of competition from new brands and mezcaleras getting more distribution.
Manning
20 reviewsThis was my first bottle of mezcal, and it’s an excellent way to start. It’s got a nice citrus taste with a hint of basil and mint and a slight peppery kick at the end. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet – more like a kiss of honey on the finish. I also get a bit of tropical fruit, but mostly lime and grapefruit. Very good oily mouthfeel and only a hint of smoke – slightly charred pineapple with bacon. Goes down way too easy, and I keep going back for more. Overall 8/10.
This was my first bottle of mezcal, and it’s an excellent way to start. It’s got a nice citrus taste with a hint of basil and mint and a slight peppery kick at the end. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet – more like a kiss of honey on the finish. I also get a bit of tropical fruit, but mostly lime and grapefruit. Very good oily mouthfeel and only a hint of smoke – slightly charred pineapple with bacon. Goes down way too easy, and I keep going back for more. Overall
Americana Kyle
60 reviewsI can’t remember how many times I’ve had Chichicapa. It’s a good pour for a good price that is usually easy to locate. Also a very good expression for individuals looking to get into the world of agave distillates.
Adrian_inthe_Rock
1 reviewTried this in a restaurant. My first mezcal ever. I’m a bourbon enthusiast but we were at a high-Mexican place at the beach and on a whim I bought the table a round of this because the server said “the guys in the kitchen say this is the best.” I made 5 good friends that night lol. I don’t know the notes for mezcal but this stuff is FIRE. Sweet and pungent and BIG on the tongue but smooth and oily. I immediately wanted more. Ordered a couple bottles online and now I haven’t drank bourbon in months
Tried this in a restaurant. My first mezcal ever. I’m a bourbon enthusiast but we were at a high-Mexican place at the beach and on a whim I bought the table a round of this because the server said “the guys in the kitchen say this is the best.” I made 5 good friends that night lol. I don’t know the notes for mezcal but this stuff is FIRE. Sweet and pungent and BIG on the tongue but smooth and oily. I immediately wanted more. Ordered a couple bottles online and now I haven’t dra
SoloAgave
86 reviewsEasy to find, priced reasonably, and a great product all around. Subtle and balanced – plenty of more in depth reviews but just an approachable standard that every mezcal lover should try along the way.
Tuco_Salamanca
2 reviewsIf you are choosing one Mezcal to start your collection, this is a great place to start. Very smooth Mezcal with a balanced taste…..
tdhdk
6 reviewsLot CHI-192. Really great and definitely a step up from the other Mezcal that I have tasted. Smoky, Lemon and citrus notes, pepper and a whiff of engine oil. Really great. Creamy mouthfeel and quiet long smoky and oily aftertaste. I like it a lot. The best I have had yet.
Mezcaliente
14 reviewsCHI – 203. Dry and spicy with decent smoke and some citrus. Came out slightly above middle of the pack in a blind taste test (just ahead of Vida, which is less than half the price!). Very solid, but was expecting a bit more for the price.
TheMezcalSpectrum
4 reviewsJuicy!! Big fan of this one – fruit flavors on prominent and on point. I like it… a lot.
aarild
144 reviewsA bit of grass on the nose, oily mouthfeel, baked pear, complex fruitiness and toffee. Medium to long aftertaste, subdued smoke. This is really a great espadin.
For some strange reason it cost more than USD100 in my country so I won’t keep it as a staple. But when I still award it four stars that is on quality alone.
themezcalpadawan
6 reviewsLot chi-192/48% ALC
A delightful surprise as I had almost begun to assume that the best expressions of maguey espadin are in the Nuestro Elsoledad range. A delightful citrus note on the palette, with slight floral and peppery notes in the lingering finish, very comparable to San Luis Del Rio espadin expressions (a touch more vibrant than Del Maguey Vida in my opinion). The nose does not give up much beyond an oily component behind the smoke. I felt like I was getting a hint of overcooked olive oil somewhere.An excellent and relatively inexpensive bottle that should be considered in the list of “gateway” Mezcal for those new to this spirit.
Let it in ya,get it up ya!
The Mezcal Padawan
Lot chi-192/48% ALC
A delightful surprise as I had almost begun to assume that the best expressions of maguey espadin are in the Nuestro Elsoledad range. A delightful citrus note on the palette, with slight floral and peppery notes in the lingering finish, very comparable to San Luis Del Rio espadin expressions (a touch more vibrant than Del Maguey Vida in my opinion). The nose does not give up much beyond an oily component behind the smoke. I felt like I was getting a hint of overcooked olive o
TzotollineRaramuri
75 reviewsCHI-1958
?- clear
?- drying/warning impact.
Aromas of suede, faux leather, sawdust, animal sweat, pepper, cooked aloe vera, lemon, caraway, nutmeg.
Adequate, slightly complex production.
Average length and ordinary to fine character.
?-warming slight astringency, sufficiently to generous/smooth to rough alcohol; medium body.
Primarily sour taste with light bitterness; buttery smoothness.
Flavors of lemon and lime zest, white pepper, nutmeg, spice, apricot, guava, quince.
Concentrated flavor intensity, complex, bold and harmonious balance.
Straightforwardly pleasant and very long finish.
Very good to excellent impression.
Learn more about organoleptic evaluation at the International Wine & Spirits Guild’s seminar in Fine Spirits,
or more on Agave Spirits certifications through the Agave Spirits Institute.
CHI-1958
?- clear
?- drying/warning impact.
Aromas of suede, faux leather, sawdust, animal sweat, pepper, cooked aloe vera, lemon, caraway, nutmeg.
Adequate, slightly complex production.
Average length and ordinary to fine character.
?-warming slight astringency, sufficiently to generous/smooth to rough alcohol; medium body.
Primarily sour taste with light bitterness; buttery smoothness.
Flavors of lemon and lime zest, white pepper, nutmeg, spice, apricot, guava, quince.
Concentrated flavor inte
namespayne
9 reviewsDelicate ball of smoke and fire. Nose: fresh rubber, solvents, pepper, champagne. Taste: Kerosene fuel and sugar. Briny, rock salt minerality is borderline offensive. Pungent. that briny coal tar taste you find in peated whiskies. Viscous, full-bodied mouth feel bursts into a fiery, tingly numbness. Dry. Honestly the agave is quite buried. The alcohol is not. The smoke and rubber dominate with the sweetness and pepper not far behind. Overdone with smoke. Coal tar finish. Unbalanced. $62USD/750mL. Lot: CHI-201
Delicate ball of smoke and fire. Nose: fresh rubber, solvents, pepper, champagne. Taste: Kerosene fuel and sugar. Briny, rock salt minerality is borderline offensive. Pungent. that briny coal tar taste you find in peated whiskies. Viscous, full-bodied mouth feel bursts into a fiery, tingly numbness. Dry. Honestly the agave is quite buried. The alcohol is not. The smoke and rubber dominate with the sweetness and pepper not far behind. Overdone with smoke. Coal tar finish. Unbalanced.
spasta
22 reviewsStrong, Smokey, solid performer. Another good introductory bottle with the right amount of punch but not too much complexity in my opinion. Enjoy.
MMalia
1 reviewJuicy.
edgy4sure
39 reviewsWell, I was pumped to try this with so many good reviews, and while it did not disappoint, it didn’t thrill me either. Seems a bit understated and mild, if you will. It was not bad in any way but I’m not sure I’d buy again at this price point. Seemed a great starter mezcal.
Zack Klamn
512 reviewsLot: CHI-192
Nose: Pleasant, smooth smoke. Citrusy fruit with slight ethanol – but good.
Palate: Same as the nose at first – pleasant, very smooth smoky taste. Love the fruity sweetness. Some chocolate espresso bean notes in there. Nice mint and cigar finish.
meserole
72 reviewsOthers have described this one well, so I won’t get too creative, but co-sign the notes of roasted pineapple, honey, mild smoke, and brioche. Fairly full bodied. Pleasant.
I bought this because I thought at $68, it might be worth sipping but not wasted in a cocktail, and I basically still agree with that notion, but for the price think there are some better offerings to be had with Derrumbes or Mezcal Vago.
HighWine
76 reviewsLot CHI-206
Having trouble picking up distinct aromas in this one. Cooked agave is too generic but it’s what I get. Roasty but not smoky on the nose. Sweet and boozy in the glass. Taste is caramel, booze, parsley, and mint. Medium-full body leaning toward full. Finish is hot, sweet, and leafy herbs. I find this simple but tasty.
Lasirenaahumada
9 reviewsFor the price, this is a tropical vacation in the mouth. Exotic fruits. Easy to sip by the beach. Not that smokie, but very refreshing.
Meady
53 reviewsLot 191
Can see this long being a staple in the collection. Best Espadin I’ve tried so far. Easy sipper. Complex with lots of flavours. Smells delicious (definite hint of BBQ in there and what smells better than that!?)
Light sweetness, citrus, earthiness, nice smoke and more flavours it’ll take some time to get to grips with. Should have picked this one up sooner.
Any recommendations for other Espadins which can compete I would welcome 🙂
t8ke
144 reviewsHoney, cereal, faint ash, sweet waffle cone. Light blueberry note. Faint frosting note. Sweet, lightly fruity, mildly ashy. Nice complexity.
Delightful and different. Lots of complexity here. Big fan. It’s commonly recommended for a reason.
dutchy
3 reviewsEarthy, complex and citrusy…Possibly too complex for me. Packaging is not my best.
Derekac7
19 reviewsAwesome! Citrus, bbq, smokey, hint of vanilla. A lot of heat for 46%, but the lack of smoothness is made up by its complexity.
El-Dawg
183 reviewsGreat espadin! Strong nose (some BBQ in there) with sweet & complex finish. Notes of citrus & light berries throughout as well as something else I’m not able to place yet. All around solid sipping mezcal, and worth the ~$80 price tag. One of my first descriptions of sipping this one still rings true each time: “It punches you, then gives you a kiss”.
Lot: CHI-183
BuffPhysics
11 reviewsNose: Complex wood smoke, citrus peels, and something hard to pin down that I associate with agave spirits in general. I suppose some sort of roasted agave? Hard to say.
Taste: Barbecued mint cream cheese frosting. Which sounds wild but is very pleasant in practice. Toothpaste and charred wood. Sweet and sour.
Finish: Smoked thin mints. Weird, but again pleasant.
Notes: A lot of these tasting notes don’t really sound like they would play nicely together, but somehow it works. This is remarkably complex spirit that’s a little different each time I come back to it, impressive stuff. Wish I had been into Mezcal back before Del Maguey got bought out by Pernod, but this is still excellent.
Nose: Complex wood smoke, citrus peels, and something hard to pin down that I associate with agave spirits in general. I suppose some sort of roasted agave? Hard to say.
Taste: Barbecued mint cream cheese frosting. Which sounds wild but is very pleasant in practice. Toothpaste and charred wood. Sweet and sour.
Finish: Smoked thin mints. Weird, but again pleasant.
Notes: A lot of these tasting notes don’t really sound like they would play nicely together, but somehow it works. This is remarkabl
CasaDeGuero
21 reviewsA bit thicker texture. Some rich mocha/coffee or chocolate notes in the after taste which is really nice. Tastes complex. Great.
Batch: CHI-199
El_Cura
31 reviewsChichicapa has to be the most reviewed mezcal on this site, and for a good reason. Del Maguey distributes it pretty much everywhere. Previous review from JJ was spot on. Indeed the Espadin benchmark.
JJHenderson
10 reviewsTHE benchmark of Oaxacan espadins. Never disappoints
DavidB
6 reviewsEarthy, fresh, grassy, clean…. I really enjoyed this mezcal
Stingray Evans
2 reviewsExcellent Mezcal. Silky smooth with a touch of smoke and spice. I always keep a bottle of this at the house. It’s scary how quickly you can drink a bottle of this and make some great music videos jamming to Queens Of The Stone Age during this COVID-19 pandemic!
vandicla
4 reviewsI am not a Del Maguey fan but this one really got me.
It starts on a citric, sichuan note and ends with chocolate, Jamaican Rum notes. Slightly sweet for my taste but still very rich.
Mansson
71 reviewsLot CHI-142. Nothing in particular stands out in this espadín which may make you think it’s dull, but in reality this is a very well-balanced and pleasant drink. It’s more sweet than fruity with notes of almond paste and sugarcane and a creamy mouthfeel. Some paprika-like bitterness adds complexity. An earlier reviewer mentioned bacon and I agree with that. But it’s the fatty, rich taste of bacon rather than smoke. All in all, a great mezcal for the beginner – and the rest of us.
Lot CHI-142. Nothing in particular stands out in this espadín which may make you think it’s dull, but in reality this is a very well-balanced and pleasant drink. It’s more sweet than fruity with notes of almond paste and sugarcane and a creamy mouthfeel. Some paprika-like bitterness adds complexity. An earlier reviewer mentioned bacon and I agree with that. But it’s the fatty, rich taste of bacon rather than smoke. All in all, a great mezcal for the beginner – and the rest of us.
GeorgePBurdell
48 reviewsLot CHI-199
The nose is a bit shy with gentle smoke and earth. On the tongue it’s deep and sweet. Mouth coating, minty finish. Everything is well integrated and delicious
kevjo
3 reviewsAs a smokey whisky lover, my friends often ask me what whisky I’m loving at the moment. I tell them Chichicapa – and it’s not a whisky. It’s a mezcal. Chichicapa is an incredibly complex drink, like a lagavulin 17 or benriach septendecim, it’s smokey and medicinal and changes beautiful with touches of water and ice. It’s a clean and smooth drink but with undefinitive complexity ranging from pepper to smoke to subtle light citrus. If you can find it, buy it.
SpencerS
13 reviewsA great introductory bottle to more premium mezcals. The nose is a great balance of burnt rubber and sweet citrus and isn’t as overwhelming bright as some other espadins. The pallet is sweeter than expected with a smooth, creamy finish. This has become to staple bottle of Del Maguey and for good reason.
El_Roberto
23 reviewsBit of chocolate mint and lime. You get the Del Maguey smoke, and thin and peppery finish.
nick82
1 reviewcomplex, a bit harsh heat, but can definitely appreciate the quality. .. i think it’ll grow on me. Hey! this is my first ever review – i’ll get better at this. Lot: CHI-195
BartFargo
21 reviewsLot CHI-177, 46%
Nose: A formal garden in the summer – green hedges, juniper trees, gravel, chalky earth, and burning brush in the distance. There’s also fruity pineapple and meringue, plus a bit of cocktail onion and sour pickle.
Palate: Smoke is more potent, and it’s sweeter than the nose, with cooked agave, sugarcane syrup, lychee, apricot, citrus peel and roasted green bell peppers. Mouthfeel is creamy and full.
Finish: Grapefruit, cooked agave, rosewater, sparkling minerality and a late resurgence of ash and smoke. Medium-short length.
DM Chichicapa was my first experience with mezcal and this batch is still very appealing to me, particularly how the earthy, vegetal nose unfolds into a sweet, smoky and full-bodied palate. Doesn’t really pack any wow factors, but it’s benchmark espadin.
Lot CHI-177, 46%
Nose: A formal garden in the summer – green hedges, juniper trees, gravel, chalky earth, and burning brush in the distance. There’s also fruity pineapple and meringue, plus a bit of cocktail onion and sour pickle.
Palate: Smoke is more potent, and it’s sweeter than the nose, with cooked agave, sugarcane syrup, lychee, apricot, citrus peel and roasted green bell peppers. Mouthfeel is creamy and full.
Finish: Grapefruit, cooked agave, rosewater, sparkling minerality an
Spirit_Chaser
20 reviewsSubtle smoke on the nose along with earthy, dusty, and vegetal notes…nothing too big. The taste changes all that though. Fruity (lemon/lime), earthy, vegetal, minty (spearmint), and some smoke all in one balanced package. Peppery/piney finish with subtle notes of burnt rubber. A bit thin on the mouthfeel but it’s a classic for a reason.
Yggy45
7 reviewsLot CHI-175.
Understated nose, a small amount of smoke, some eucalyptus and cedar wood, maybe a little vanilla.
Oak barrels, mint, eucalyptus, cotton candy and bitter herbs on the palate, in that order, with a long slightly smokey finish. Great sipping!
Rakhal
398 reviewsLot 181. Smooth and creamy. I’ve heard that this one was smokey but to me there was only a light smoke. Vegetal notes, asparagus, granite rock, mildly spicy.
Icypu
9 reviewsLong finish, smooth and wet mouth feel. Late secondary taste of smoke, and end pepper note of alcohol. Perfect to sip neat, great choice.
darrenaustin
9 reviewsBest to taste this one in a cognac glass. Gentle aromas of agave and (strangely) a familiar plasticy smell from my childhood. Nicely sweet flavor and long finish. Fun expression to explore slowly over an evening.
Nic Hnastchenko
108 reviewsClean and green, eucalyptus, mint, citrus… and bubblegum
Gastrafetes
5 reviewsI just went through a bottle and loved every single sip. Neat: campfire smoke, fresh cut grass, roasted peppers, lime. Add a few drops of water and new vegetal flavors will open up to the palate! This is a hell of a mezcal.
Food pairing suggestion: sip this while eating grapefruit. It will go down like water. The acidity of the grapefruit will overpower the acidity of the mezcal, leaving only the sweet and herbal notes. It will be like sipping a juice. Dangerous
pallzley
16 reviewschi-176
cantaloupe, banana, clovers, campfire, rubber. in this order. smell and palate mimicking. reminds me of the similar palate as their tobala. aftertaste is short-medium: agave sweetness and butter. pleasant and balanced. nice experience. as someone who has had his share of mezcals, i want more finish. nothing bad about this mezcal, maybe a tad bold for teetotalers (but what isn’t bold for mezcal newcomers?)
GreenspointTexas
385 reviewsThe first mezcal I ever had. Solid for an espadin expression. Always good to have a bottle on hand
Tomixology
17 reviewsEasily my current favourite example of the range of Espadin, much more complex and lighter then others previously tasted.
A delicate nose of fresh flowers and tones alluring to sweeter notes such as honey. It is lightly smoked and short lived in the mouth. Leading to a slightly chalky mouth finish with those sweeter flavours coming through, fresh, a little minty with a touch of chocolate. Enjoyed in comparison test of Espadin with others by DM.
NickSanford
23 reviewsAfter sipping this one on the rocks I tasted a lot more flavors. It was like going through a garden of earthy tastes that transferred into a tunnel of mintiness. You get all types of hints of green peppers and piney flavors at certain moments. Some people prefer neat, but I get more out of this one on ice. Really interesting Mezcal. So much like into this one.
Mateospirit
8 reviewsMan this one is a complex beast. I get a super old funk like I can actually taste the old stone that crushed the agave. It’s almost like a deep dark well. There are things growing in it, a little musty, a earthiness, time. It is very animalic, leather, wood, spice, smoke, clay, rubber on a hot day. All of this in the best way possible. Not for the faint of heart. Lov this juice~
TheAgaveFairy
168 reviewsCHI-164, copyright extends to 2016.
Very complex, intense smoke. Reminds me of better peated whiskies (good versions of younger Springbanks [10yr]) – oodles of complexity hiding under the complex waves of smoke and the agave sweetness that reminds me of lowlands blue weber agave. Complex citrus, nice floral notes, fruit driven, spice tingling throughout, punchy herbs, touches of savory notes. Shows the power and potential of a well made espadin. I’m glad this one is available.
CHI-164, copyright extends to 2016.
Very complex, intense smoke. Reminds me of better peated whiskies (good versions of younger Springbanks [10yr]) – oodles of complexity hiding under the complex waves of smoke and the agave sweetness that reminds me of lowlands blue weber agave. Complex citrus, nice floral notes, fruit driven, spice tingling throughout, punchy herbs, touches of savory notes. Shows the power and potential of a well made espadin. I’m glad this one is available.
Mymic87
13 reviewsNose: Amazingly fruity, it’s like a smoked cantaloupe, lime juice, cooked apple, pineapple, pears, wood smoke, pine needles, rock salt, marzipan, with water, Tarte tatin, salted pastry, mashed apricot,
Taste: Initially dry and vegital then gets a little sweeter, Smoke, roast agave, BBQ asparagus, garden peas, candied lemon and lime peel, Yuzu, salted caramel.
Comments: Amazing stuff, it’s many peoples favorite mezcal for good reason, super high quality stuff.
bumble
2 reviewsMy main mezcal! An easy sipper with great flavor. Citrus & some smoke. Only problem is how quick the bottles seem to empty on me ? lot chi-178
MitchVortex
1 reviewThis Mezcal is balls to the wall. It’s powerful with a luxurious sweetness at its foundation. For me it is best enjoyed neat. The fruity vanilla body coats your whole mouth and the finish is smooth. The alcohol does some subtle pummeling to your tongue, but it is most pleasurable. I highly recommend torching up a killer cigar and pouring a double of this. Crank up your favorite music and sit back and enjoy. Your senses will become aroused. Enjoy it with your lady friend. And if she doesn’t like it she should not be your lady friend.
This Mezcal is balls to the wall. It’s powerful with a luxurious sweetness at its foundation. For me it is best enjoyed neat. The fruity vanilla body coats your whole mouth and the finish is smooth. The alcohol does some subtle pummeling to your tongue, but it is most pleasurable. I highly recommend torching up a killer cigar and pouring a double of this. Crank up your favorite music and sit back and enjoy. Your senses will become aroused. Enjoy it with your lady friend. And if she doesn&#
Wanderingspider
53 reviewsVery good. Notes of olive.
Chris
40 reviewsCHI-121 Really solid in all respects. Great nose, flavors on the palate, finish. If any knock, a little too fruity. The Del Maguey Albarradas, in my case ALB-122, is a bit drier and Jolgorio espadin 04 2009 is a bit drier still.
JRB
13 reviewsDel Maguey Joven Mezcal – Chichicapa / 92 proof
Tahona milled, copper still. Moderate smoke, with agave and prominent fruit / citrus. It’s kind of amazing how the makers of Chichicapa can take the humble Espadin agave and make such a unique mezcal out of it. After my first taste I was honestly thinking “what the heck is this?” But pretty soon I was hooked. I think this is a great mezcal for newbies and for those who want something off the beaten path. (Lot CHI-173)
Del Maguey Joven Mezcal – Chichicapa / 92 proof
Tahona milled, copper still. Moderate smoke, with agave and prominent fruit / citrus. It’s kind of amazing how the makers of Chichicapa can take the humble Espadin agave and make such a unique mezcal out of it. After my first taste I was honestly thinking “what the heck is this?” But pretty soon I was hooked. I think this is a great mezcal for newbies and for those who want something off the beaten path. (Lot CHI-173)
Jonny
634 reviewsLot CHI-114. For me, this is another Del Maguey that tastes identical to the painting on the label of the bottle. I’ve noticed this with a few of them so it must be somewhat intentional. The aromas of this mezcal are not strong. There’s actually nothing overpowering on the nose just some light hints of fresh flowers. The palate, however, is pungent and packed with flavor. I get some notes similar to Texas bbq. That includes notes of mesquite, Worcester sauce, mustard seeds, and sesame seeds. It’s really phenomenal and has a deep smokey nature that coats the mouth.
Lot CHI-114. For me, this is another Del Maguey that tastes identical to the painting on the label of the bottle. I’ve noticed this with a few of them so it must be somewhat intentional. The aromas of this mezcal are not strong. There’s actually nothing overpowering on the nose just some light hints of fresh flowers. The palate, however, is pungent and packed with flavor. I get some notes similar to Texas bbq. That includes notes of mesquite, Worcester sauce, mustard seeds, and sesam
c_woodger
4 reviewsI had the pleasure of visiting this palenque 2 years ago and was able to meet Don Faustino and tell him how much I love his Mezcal. One of the finest expressions of Espadin as far as I’m concerned. Lots citrus and tropical fruit with herbal notes and subtle smoke as the back bone of this Mezcal. Que Rico!
PhilBrunski
25 reviewsIts all been said already. This is one of the best, with notes of juicy fruit, mint, and smoked meat. It gives you a little bit of everything while tasting balanced from start to finish. Give this to people who have never had mezcal before and watch their reactions!
LittleArm
32 reviewsSweet and oh so citrussy! Very little heat in the beginning, smokiness builds slowly and pleasantly without overwhelming. Well worth a try
SeattleMezcalLover
9 reviewsIf you have the means buy this mezcal. A work of art that will continue to teach your palate new things with every sip.
razorbackmike
142 reviewsall del magueys are great except the vida (its ok for mixing).all other reviewers mention the complexity of this fine mezcal.i totally agree.i have enjoyed this mezcal the last 10 years on a regular basis.i sometimes get new and different nuances with new bottles.the main basics i get everytime is mixtures of mint,cinnamon and chocolate.not always in that order and there is pepper kick swirling in the mix from start to finish.lovely!try the albarradas.its very good too.its very spicy and dry.
all del magueys are great except the vida (its ok for mixing).all other reviewers mention the complexity of this fine mezcal.i totally agree.i have enjoyed this mezcal the last 10 years on a regular basis.i sometimes get new and different nuances with new bottles.the main basics i get everytime is mixtures of mint,cinnamon and chocolate.not always in that order and there is pepper kick swirling in the mix from start to finish.lovely!try the albarradas.its very good too.its very spicy and dry.
rsidrys
50 reviewsThe first Mezcal I ever tried, and it got me hooked! Very smoky, but a clean and pleasant smoke with a hint of bacon. You can taste the agave earthiness, and tropical fruits on the mouth and finish along with citrus and mint. Highly recommend this to newbies as its easy to find in most markets.
Tyler
612 reviewsThe Del Maguey Chichicapa is one of my go-to mezcals. It’s gamey on the nose and has an oily mouthfeel (almost like a pechuga!). It has some bright citrus notes that open up a rich honey-vanilla sweetness and smooth finish.
I especially recommend this to mezcal newbies – it really shows you how unique mezcal from espadin agave can be depending on the mezcalero and palenque that involved crafting the spirit. Mezcalheads should add this one to their collection. While I’ve tasted this mezcal many times in multiple venues, this review was written while enjoying a 2015 Batch #4 bottle.
The Del Maguey Chichicapa is one of my go-to mezcals. It’s gamey on the nose and has an oily mouthfeel (almost like a pechuga!). It has some bright citrus notes that open up a rich honey-vanilla sweetness and smooth finish.
I especially recommend this to mezcal newbies – it really shows you how unique mezcal from espadin agave can be depending on the mezcalero and palenque that involved crafting the spirit. Mezcalheads should add this one to their collection. While I’ve tasted
Sandy
11 reviewsMore fruity than other mezcals with a very complex finish
3chainz
19 reviewsComplex and fruity with an exceptional finish….dangerously easy to sip this one all night