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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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
150 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
522 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.
jah6069
3 reviewsThis mezcal may get a bad rap simply because it is the most widely available mezcal, but it put mezcal on the back bar. For the price, this is a solid product and great in cocktails. Maybe not for sipping, but has the backbone to come through in citrus cocktails.
meserole
72 reviewsLook, I get that the hate for this is a bit of elitism for this being seemingly the single most well-distributed mezcal in the states, and often one’s only choice at a typical bar. That said, how many folks here were introduced to mezcal through this hardy little veteran?
Anyway, I think it deserves some credit. Not really for sipping, unless you want to take it with a lime, tequila style, but for bartenders it really imbues that characteristic scotch-like smokiness in cocktails that patrons are sometimes looking for.
Look, I get that the hate for this is a bit of elitism for this being seemingly the single most well-distributed mezcal in the states, and often one’s only choice at a typical bar. That said, how many folks here were introduced to mezcal through this hardy little veteran?
Anyway, I think it deserves some credit. Not really for sipping, unless you want to take it with a lime, tequila style, but for bartenders it really imbues that characteristic scotch-like smokiness in cocktails that patr
SoloAgave
86 reviewsThe hate has gone a bit too far on the most commonly found mezcal in the world. For cocktails it carries its weight perfectly but I would never suggest sipping it neat. Mineral, menthol, and smoke dominate here and for the right cocktail it works perfectly. The cost is reasonable and although there are far superior budget options this one is so easily accessible it gets extra points. Not what Ron Cooper had in mind when he brought mezcal to the US but its still a standard….
edgy4sure
39 reviewsnot a fan. would like to try some of the others but the price point is a bone of contention. I go to MX a lot but elect to buy other mezcals to bring home
HighWine
76 reviewsBottle Lot VID-193
This is the base mezcal for my version of a Oaxaca old fashioned cocktail in which it performs beautifully. This review is of a neat pour to evaluate this product on its merits without mixing.
Nose is magic marker, cactus, and faint strawberry.
Flavor is mint, tobacco, vinyl, and pepper.
Light palate but a better mouthfeel than I’ve found from alternatives at this price point.
Overall this is a satisfactory sipper and a great mixer. It’s a value pick to have as a versatile bottle in any home or commercial bar.
Bottle Lot VID-193
This is the base mezcal for my version of a Oaxaca old fashioned cocktail in which it performs beautifully. This review is of a neat pour to evaluate this product on its merits without mixing.
Nose is magic marker, cactus, and faint strawberry.
Flavor is mint, tobacco, vinyl, and pepper.
Light palate but a better mouthfeel than I’ve found from alternatives at this price point.
Overall this is a satisfactory sipper and a great mixer. It’s a value pick to have as a ve
jklitzke
6 reviewsAccording to my star rating system, 1 star = couldn’t finish the bottle, and I poured mine out. It’s available seemingly everywhere and many cocktails recipes call for it specifically, but don’t let that popularity fool you. It’s far too metallic and sour for my taste, without any other redeeming qualities.
El-Dawg
190 reviewsOnly a matter of time before I got to this one. Overall pretty light, slightly smokey, and not a whole lot of complexities to speak of. Light ethanol. Not bad for a sipper, but a lot better for a good mix drink. The smell (slightly fruity) seems to be better than the actual taste. This one has done a lot for Del Maguey, but has to be the weakest link in their reputable chain of mezcals.
gratefullawyer
3 reviewsThis has been my go to Mezcal. It is very available in Ohio. I enjoy sipping it. It has been part of my steps into the world of Mezcal