Del Maguey Vida de Muertos is a special 45% ABV edition of Vida inspired by the batches of mezcal that are distilled in autumn and shared for the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.
About this mezcal
Del Maguey Vida de Muertos is a special 45% ABV edition of Vida inspired by the batches of mezcal that are distilled in autumn by the family of Paciano Cruz Nolasco and shared for the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. It is produced using 100% Maguey Espadin (Agave angustifolia haw) that has grown for 7-8 years. Besides the ABV, another difference from Vida is that Each batch of Vida de Muertos is a limited center cut of the distillate that’s hand-selected by Paciano Cruz Nolasco. Vida de Muertos has aromas of tropical fruit with hints of spice. On the palate, there is a creamy texture with floral notes, green herbs, and poblano peppers.
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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DiggsBakes
3 reviewsThis is my staple bottle. It is smoky throughout. It smells like roasted citrus/fruit, with some sweetness. Super smooth, sweet taste and slightly herbal. Great mouthfeel. Fairly long, smoky finish with a decent kick. Sip this one.
Ranger_Ryan
45 reviewsVDM-213
Best for when out at night and it’s the only option at the bar. I’ve found a handful of better options at the price point. Rubbery bandaids, smoke, a bit more going on than Vida.
PNWill
11 reviewsLot VDM-212
There’s a strong scent of band-aids that is extremely strong on first pour. This faded slightly into the background over time, but surprisingly stays front and center in cocktails. Sipped neat there are cherry syrup and mint flavors, which adds to whole medical vibe. Just a hint of campfire smoke towards the end. I thought this would be a solid cocktail option but I think it will stay in the rotation as a weekday sipper.
calbeargrad
1 reviewDecent stuff, not too smoky like the regular vida and a bit more punch. Great for making cocktails.
Tmwilliams
8 reviewsVida de Muertos is a step up from Vida in price, ABV content and complexity. They both have great smoke, but tasted side by side Vida de Muertos has a longer lasting flavor that is noticeably more complex. You can sip this one and there are hints of orange with medicinal and Band-Aid tastes, but it also has a higher ABV and actually holds complexity in your mixed drink. A higher price point, but if you’re looking for a nice smoky mezcal you can sip and mix, this might be it. Lot VDM-211
Vida de Muertos is a step up from Vida in price, ABV content and complexity. They both have great smoke, but tasted side by side Vida de Muertos has a longer lasting flavor that is noticeably more complex. You can sip this one and there are hints of orange with medicinal and Band-Aid tastes, but it also has a higher ABV and actually holds complexity in your mixed drink. A higher price point, but if you’re looking for a nice smoky mezcal you can sip and mix, this might be it. Lot VDM-211
GeorgePBurdell
49 reviewsNice upgrade from the normal Vida. Some candied orange peel that keeps this from being just a smoke bomb. So many mezcal cocktails seem built to balance Vida’s smoke and they’re not balanced with ‘cleaner’ pours. The de Muertos smoke is still a bit harsh to me neat, but I think it will mix very well…
El-Dawg
209 reviewsLOTE: VDM-211
Lots of smoke throughout, but agree with others that this is a step up from the normal Vida. The extra % of ABV really does help. I also get some orange peel smell & taste, with a slightly sour finish. I would use this in both a cocktail for extra humph and complexity, and sip in a pinch.
Review #124
SoloAgave
86 reviewsCooked orange peels to start with a some pleasant sweetness without all the smokey/chemical/acetone you get from Vida (not a bad thing to have as these components work well for mixed drinks). Great notes abound already from reviewers for this new release but at this price point with a higher ABV – consider me contented. Sipping it gets a passing grade and for cocktails its probably much more complex and will provide more depth than the current well/cheaper level mezcals out there.
Jonny
705 reviewsLot VDM-211. Aromas of burnt tires, medical equipment, anise, and cough medicine. Palate has lots of smoke, charred oranges, burnt pineapple, and vanilla bean. While regular VIDA is engineered for cocktails, this is a significantly better sipper.
LittleArm
32 reviewsSome smoke and citrus on the nose.
Smoke forward with a little heat but in a good way. Sweet and fruity and easy to drink.
Tyler
641 reviewsLike Vida but no sour or overly smoked finish. Apple skin notes like a dry hard cider. Smoke level is nice. Might grab this for cocktails. VDM-211
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsLOT: VDM-211
Nose – Fresh orange citrus. Some mango. Low-to-medium smoke.
Palate – Excellent coating and mouth feel. Rock sugar candy sweetness. Pretty smoke forward but I enjoy it. Salty like a sharp, cojita cheese. Slow build of heat in the midsection to the finish but it not too hot. The slightest bit soapy in the finish but shades of a sambuca aftertaste – so good overall.
The extra ABV 45% for Vida de Muertos (vs 42% for regular VIDA) goes a hell of a long way in terms of being a sippable product. Vida de Muertos is much, much better!
LOT: VDM-211
Nose – Fresh orange citrus. Some mango. Low-to-medium smoke.
Palate – Excellent coating and mouth feel. Rock sugar candy sweetness. Pretty smoke forward but I enjoy it. Salty like a sharp, cojita cheese. Slow build of heat in the midsection to the finish but it not too hot. The slightest bit soapy in the finish but shades of a sambuca aftertaste – so good overall.
The extra ABV 45% for Vida de Muertos (vs 42% for regular VIDA) goes a hell of a long way in terms o