Del Maguey VIDA is one of the most commonly used mezcals for cocktails. It can be sipped neat, but it’s typically a cocktail mixer.
About this mezcal
Del Maguey VIDA San Luis Del Rio is an artisanal, organic Mezcal. This Mezcal is sold at an entry-level price point and has broader availability. It launched in 2010, is highly mixable, and has gained much anticipated industry acceptance and high bartender demand. Hand crafted, it is twice distilled, very slowly in small wood-fired, copper stills to flavor specifications that underscore its versatility in cocktails.
This mezcal had a minor label change in 2023 as VIDA “Clásico” to differentiate it from VIDA Puebla.
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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KyraNicole
22 reviewsPerfect for a clean but smoky cocktail
Humanskintruckbaby
1 reviewThis was my first mezcal. As a beginner, it felt like I was exhaling smoke after every sip. Tasted good and fun to drink. Pick this up to feel like a fire-breathing gringo.
Lot: VID-232
Date: 2023/03/09
Mezcalclara
6 reviewsSmokey and consistent for cocktails, but the price is not the strongest pull factor with this one from Del Maguey.
mt_rainyer
43 reviewsAs something to use in mixed drinks this is 3 stars (there are better things at this price point for mixed drinks, but this is so widely available that you can’t go wrong with it in that context). Obviously as a sipper, this would be much less, but that isn’t what it is meant for. Smoky, slight citrus, slight leather and than a smoke bomb. Great to pair with grapefruit in something like a paloma.
geralf75
11 reviewsFruity mezcal but high acidity
Carluminatti
3 reviewsTasted like a new car tire shop smells.
Bunntender
1 reviewActually first mezcal I ever tried and liked, so always gonna have a soft spot for it. Great for mixing, Vida is good enough to take a sip neat, but also not extremely special. So I don’t feel guilty/ as if I was wasting it when I’m in the mood for a cocktail.
Ronco_Sips
8 reviewsYo Everyone,
I’m totally new to Mezcals, this is my first review so please bear with me… it’s a steep learning curve. I became curious about mezcal after reading the novel “Under The Volcano” by Malcolm Lowry. If you have not yet read it, you should it’s a classic. At first I tried a couple mezcal margaritas, enjoyed them and decided I should investigate further.
I went to my local shop and picked up a bottle of Del Maguey Vida.
NOSE: Apple, Smoke, Alcohol, A Smoke seems to come and go, a more floral smell with the second sip.
PALATE: Lemon, Alcohol in the nose, Light Smoke
MOUTHFEEL: Light burn on back of the tongue
FINISH: Long after taste, Agave, smoke comes back, then a Metallic, end not the best.
All in all it’s not that bad, two and a half stars works. I would not say its complex, seems to get a bit better tasting after it sits in the glass for a while (Is that a thing?) It would be better if the notes of alcohol were not present.
I’ve made a video of this tasting at my youtube channel please join me there I would love to get some feedback and recommendations for a mezcal that will knock my socks off.
https://youtu.be/14osV1WQs0o
Cheers, your pal Ronco
Yo Everyone,
I’m totally new to Mezcals, this is my first review so please bear with me… it’s a steep learning curve. I became curious about mezcal after reading the novel “Under The Volcano” by Malcolm Lowry. If you have not yet read it, you should it’s a classic. At first I tried a couple mezcal margaritas, enjoyed them and decided I should investigate further.
I went to my local shop and picked up a bottle of Del Maguey Vida.
NOSE: Apple, Smoke, Alcoho
Azi
39 reviewsFruity smoke, harsher than usual burn. Good for what it is on every level! friend gifted a bottle and i’m a-ok with having it around
Threesunspots
4 reviewsThis was my entry to world of Mezcal. The smokey and complex aftertaste gave this full 5 stars like a rocket to the sky. When now later try another bottle it doesn’t realy leave the ground. Don’t know if thats because of manufacturing variations or me being more experienced? Still likeble and good entry to this spirit. Lot no: VID.197
Greg Mueller
4 reviewsEntry Mezcal, smokey and high acidity.
KoalaCoelho
8 reviewsPretty intense right out of the bottle. Big smoke, and some other flavors I couldn’t quite pin down. As a sipper I thought it was 3 stars, but after a few Tommy’s margaritas (just lime and agave syrup) I raise it to 4 stars.
Ranger_Ryan
43 reviewsLot VID 215 2021/12/16
I sipped this neat a little bit and didn’t mind it, but mostly used it for cocktails. Not a lot of complexity, lots of smoke, short finish and alcohol burn at the end. I would probably buy again to keep around a bottle for cocktails, but there are probably other mezcals at the price point that could offer a little more flavor.
Spiritseducator
6 reviewsLOT No. VID-188
It is a really pleasant product to introduce a smoky type of mezcal to newbies or for a nice cocktail creations. A good mezcal to start the journey.
NOSE: typical aromas, bonfire smokiness, fresh, citrus, typical agave, some green notes
PALATE: smoky, fruity, slightly spicy
MOUTHFEEL: silky with a mild citrus-like astringency
FINISH: medium length with fruity and smoky notes
Dom
29 reviewsI found it to be really lacking in complexity. There’s an overly smokey taste on the palate. This may be better suited for cocktails. IMO there are far better options around this price range
TravisThee
1 reviewTasted like a latex glove and was absolutely disgusting. Poured the bottle down the drain. Don’t drink this.
Justin.Anderson3
14 reviewsLacks character, Not for sipping. I do not mind this mezcal in cocktails. I’ll drink it if there’s nothing else.
Tmwilliams
8 reviewsThis is my go to mezcal for a smoky margarita or mixed drink. I’m surprised the ratings are so low. Vida is one of the smokiest mezcals out there with some fruit notes, is perfect for mixing and is excellent for its class. It’s not a premium sipping mezcal. You can sip it, but there are better and more complex mezcals for sipping. I don’t understand the 1 star reviews, although I’m guessing there’s another reason besides taste. This clearly isn’t the worst mezcal out there and if you think so, you’re not tasting enough. The perfect price point.
This is my go to mezcal for a smoky margarita or mixed drink. I’m surprised the ratings are so low. Vida is one of the smokiest mezcals out there with some fruit notes, is perfect for mixing and is excellent for its class. It’s not a premium sipping mezcal. You can sip it, but there are better and more complex mezcals for sipping. I don’t understand the 1 star reviews, although I’m guessing there’s another reason besides taste. This clearly isn’t the worst mez
Leif
8 reviewsa solid classic. this is not the best or most interesting mezcal, but it is one of the OGs. while it lacks complexity, it’s also largely unoffensive. not the best sipper but good in a cocktail.
Wanderingspider
53 reviewsThought I’d left this review sooner but…
It was one of my first introductions into mezcal but it’s overly sweet, unbalanced. Made for cocktails at best.
I like certain del magueys as a unique sipper. Not this unfortunately…