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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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
73 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
212 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
Beanbag
2 reviewsThis was my first mezcal. Ordered a shot in NYC. I do enjoy Islay Scotch, so this was welcoming. I don’t know much else about it. But I liked it enough. 3/5
donpedro
39 reviewsThis is the go-to introductory bottle for many mezcal first timers (was for me as well), particularly because it works so well in cocktails. Great in cocktails, meh as a neat sipper.
Grace Andrea
1 reviewThis espadin is a great bottle for anyone who is trying to get into the beautiful world of mezcal. It’s great for cocktails and I enjoy sipping on it while cooking. Super approachable! Huele a miel and mamey ice cream. Tastes like copal smoke, té de canela, and bitter citrus oil when you first open an orange or mandarin. Leaves a smooth mouthfeel like you slowly and seductively licked a vanilla blossom. Yeah, I know. Sexy in a Negroni (sub the gin).
lenathefree
2 reviewsI am new to mezcal reviews, so my language will not be technical. Vida overshoots smokey and jumps straight into medicinal. It tastes like the Campho-Phenique my grandma would put on a scrape when I was a kid. When it is mixed in a cocktail, by the time enough is added to actually taste the mezcal, the drink is overrun with the medicinal taste and leaves zero room for other flavors. Lot No. VID-196
Ravi
5 reviewsThis is by no means bad mezcal. It is not going to blow anyone’s mind, but nor is it trying to. I have tried this mezcal many times and it always tastes the same, but I feel that’s the point. Variability from batch-to-batch is part of the charm for dedicated mezcal heads, but not for bartenders mixing cocktails, which is what this is best suited to. The smoke is very pronounced, along with the sweetness of cooked agave and the heat of alcohol on the finish that perhaps makes it seems higher ABV than it is. There is a little earthiness and caramel, but it is not complex, making it work well with other ingredients while the smoke and heat shines through. The problem is that, at this price (currently £45 in the UK), there are much better mezcals to be had, such as Pensador and Burrito Fiestero. Don’t let this put you off other offerings in the Del Maguey range, some are truly outstanding!
This is by no means bad mezcal. It is not going to blow anyone’s mind, but nor is it trying to. I have tried this mezcal many times and it always tastes the same, but I feel that’s the point. Variability from batch-to-batch is part of the charm for dedicated mezcal heads, but not for bartenders mixing cocktails, which is what this is best suited to. The smoke is very pronounced, along with the sweetness of cooked agave and the heat of alcohol on the finish that perhaps makes it seems higher
Cy Bister
26 reviewsEarthy, herbal and slightly artificial on the nose – like an air freshener or hand sanitizer whose scent you just can’t quite nail down. Maybe a touch of new car upholstery in there. But upon tasting there’s some unidentified sweet fruits, vanilla, fresh bell pepper, and some peppery smoke in there. As for the rest of the not-so-flattering reviews here – clearly familiarity breeds contempt. This is downright pleasant, even if it isn’t outstanding.
Gerry Suazo
7 reviewsBest for mixing in cocktails, great mixed with orange cognac. Not great for sipping, Lacks depth.
CasaDeGuero
21 reviewsLovely smoke and clay on the nose. Hot and bitter but some richness on the palate that gives way to a nice lingering richness. Not best sipper but not bad for the price.
Batch: VID-195
tjdittrich
3 reviewsThis mezcal fits perfectly into cocktails, but it is also easily the most bang for your buck as a sipper at around $38 a bottle; I think it holds its weight against any bottle under $50. Very nice smoke with a clean finish. Have one on hand for friends that are new to mezcal.
El_Roberto
23 reviewsBasic flavour with a lot of smoke. Pretty widely available and the go to for a cocktail mixer with some extra smoke. Wouldn’t sip on it’s own though.
Arthurjakob21
5 reviewsOkay for mixing, but no depth or complexity you would expect from Mezcal.
GeorgePBurdell
49 reviewsCan’t add much to what’s already been said. Nice way to add some smoke to a cocktail. Neat it’s pretty one dimensional but still enjoyable.