Del Maguey Vida Clásico is produced in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico, by Paciano Cruz Nolasco. Made from espadin agave, it is naturally fermented and twice distilled in wood-fired copper stills.
This is really fruity, and almost rum-like at times, with a grilled pineapple aroma evident. One of the smokier expressions from Del Maguey, the palate keeps both smoke and fruit in the conversation, the mezcal becoming minty and herbal as it develops.
On the palate the smoke is initially veiled by roasted fruit (think grilled grapefruit brushed with brown sugar and orange juice), cinnamon spice and hint of salinity underpinned by a welcome oiliness. The smoke and tobacco return for an after-dinner cigar on the finish.
Flavors of barnyard funk/brett/cdp (chateau rayas), wet leather, red berries, leather, rose petal, Mediterranean herb garden, spring meadow, and permanent marker with a round, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body.
