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.
Review this bottle
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Tacos-tequila-mortgages
7 reviewsLot CHI-212, very good for Espadín. I usually start people off with this one when trying mezcal for the first time. Sometimes a little too pricey.
gam0r
1 reviewLots of citrus and smoke, i liked it a lot
agave_papi
3 reviewsTerrific mezcal to be enjoyed neat
RO_THE_MEZCAL_MAVEN
5 reviewsSolid Espadin. Definitely the smokiest of the bunch. Notes of Citrus, herbal with a mint finish.
Jose M. Aguayo
11 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
43 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
59 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
40 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
9 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
134 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
24 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.