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.
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Ranger_Ryan
45 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…
tdhdk
6 reviewsLot No. VID-194A
Really enjoyed this. Smoky, sweet and a little medicinal. Haven’t tried mixing it only sip.
Agedagave
1 reviewVID-194 4/7/21
Light taste of smoke and minerality, short finish. Great for cocktails base and price. Nice intro to Mezcal
aarild
152 reviewsStrong smoke, leather and some grass on the nose. A bit agave and ethyl vanilla, then a strong, smoky aftertaste — a bit metallic and thin but not unpleasant. The experience is not so different from drinking a cheap Islay whisky. Decent enough but not a great experience.
For cocktail use, La Vida is not my first choice, apart from perhaps in an Alcachofa (50/50 Cynar and mezcal). Too much smoke and leather, and not enough of the fruity agave flavours I normally want to come through.
Strong smoke, leather and some grass on the nose. A bit agave and ethyl vanilla, then a strong, smoky aftertaste — a bit metallic and thin but not unpleasant. The experience is not so different from drinking a cheap Islay whisky. Decent enough but not a great experience.
For cocktail use, La Vida is not my first choice, apart from perhaps in an Alcachofa (50/50 Cynar and mezcal). Too much smoke and leather, and not enough of the fruity agave flavours I normally want to come through.
mezcaleena
4 reviewsOne of my first bottles, great for the price point and great entry to Mezcal. Very approachable and easy to sip and good for cocktails
oldperson
2 reviews¡I like it (but for reasons that make me sound like a psychopath)! Band aids and blood on the nose. Tastes like it was stored in a dryer. Besides the linty laundry taste there is some strong, ephemeral pharmaceutical thing going on. Any smoky taste has been fully fumigated by Febreze. It would be a 3.5 stars if I could do that. Still very worth it for the price point and don’t understand all the hate.
Mezcaliente
14 reviewsA bit harsh upfront with smoke and pepper. A little of citrus to back it up after. Not ideal lingering aftertaste. Ok entry to mezcal especially at $30. Can sip, but probably better for cocktails.
CallMeYan
2 reviewsGood spicy fun. Smoke, wet clay, and overripe lime make this a winner for cocktails or shots. Perhaps lacking depth as a sipper.
Given the price, this is the standard in bars for a reason.
ra6489
1 reviewI think the flavor in here that I don’t like is called “petroleum funk” — reminiscent of rubber, hair product, and shoe polish. I can barely taste the smoke over that burnt rubber-y flavor–and if I can taste any smoke, it’s not part of the problem. To me, even a small amount of this brand of mezcal ruins drinks.
Samhain
9 reviewsNose is sweet, diesely. Really dry taste, little sweet, pretty Smokey rubber mellows quite a bit through the bottle. I really don’t sip this one, the only one I mix. Buy it often for cocktails, fresh citrus, honey syrup and chopped Serrano, this thing really shines.
TzotollineRaramuri
75 reviewsVid-197
?- Clear.
?- drying impact; rubber, plastic, faux leather, green pasture, hay, facial cream cosmetic, fresh aloe vera.
Adequate/semi complex production, average length and ordinary character.
?-astringent/ coating effect; smooth sufficient alcohol; medium body.
Primarily sweet/sour taste, buttery smoothness.
Flavors of green grass, aloe vera, rubber, chemical, light smoke, pepper, citrus, cream.
Medium flavor intensity, slightly complex, correct balance.
Straightforward very long finish.
Very good overall 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.
Vid-197
?- Clear.
?- drying impact; rubber, plastic, faux leather, green pasture, hay, facial cream cosmetic, fresh aloe vera.
Adequate/semi complex production, average length and ordinary character.
?-astringent/ coating effect; smooth sufficient alcohol; medium body.
Primarily sweet/sour taste, buttery smoothness.
Flavors of green grass, aloe vera, rubber, chemical, light smoke, pepper, citrus, cream.
Medium flavor intensity, slightly complex, correct balance.
Straightforward very long finish.
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsLOT NO. VID-201
Nose: Fuel-rich smoke. Pine. Citrus sweetness carried by felt pen vapor.
Palate: Heavy smoke. Mouth feel is decent with a hint of sweetness in the midst. Aftertaste is metallic and not the good burn.
There are much, much better options at this price point.
PapaLarge
1 reviewLot # VID-201
I’ll be the first to confess that I’m new to mezcal, but I know its sister tequila pretty well. I signed up just so I can warn people how awful this bottle is.
Reeks of Band-aids, tastes like a burnt Band-aid. I struggle to think of a worse tasting base spirit. Even 1/4 oz. will infuse your cocktail with this awful taste.
If you know of a decent mezcal to mix drinks with, please message me, because this is definitely not good in any way.