Del Maguey Vida 'Clasico' Mezcal

Introduced in 2010, Vida is an artisanal single-village organic mezcal made from espadín agaves. These agaves are harvested from the village of San Luis del Rio in Oaxaca. Roasting of the agaves lasts for 3-8 days followed by an 8-10 day wild fermentation. The mezcal is twice distilled in wood-fired copper stills. Bottled at 84 proof.

The nose opens with the expected smoke, follows with roasted agave, tobacco, and well-worn (and recently ridden) saddle leather, and finishes with a hit of white pepper. 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.