Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal

It doesn't have a foul, salty, medicinal flavor. It's dry and invigorating with smoke and a touch of sweetness. The finest Del Maguey I've encountered. Woody with a touch of peat. Similar to a dry Islay scotch. It could be quite good if it had more substance. Smoky and distinctly minty in a very agave fashion. It's full of chocolate and tobacco notes. Some apple, roses, and hints of lime are present too. The impressive aspect is how all of this harmonizes assertively while maintaining a rich presence despite the general lack of sweetness and cream. The finish is pleasant, and there are no off-putting flavors. It's certainly a bold spirit, but for admirers of Blanco tequila and Islay scotch, it's worth considering. The harmony of peat and smoke is well-executed, providing just the right amount of bacon essence without infringing on Lagavulin 16's character. Some flavors are present, but their identity is elusive. A bit of spice is noticeable but not overpowering. It's difficult to imagine consuming a large quantity at once, but its depth and variety are remarkable, and its flavors meld well. I'd keep it on my shelf for sipping, but it doesn't astound me. It's dry, yet possesses just enough sweetness to avoid being overly so. Somewhat of a novelty, but also rather good. It would be preferable if the finish had less tobacco/iodine/menthol. Compared to nearly any tequila, this is extremely minty and bitter. That highlights the distinctiveness of mezcal for anyone who thinks they are similar to tequila. It's fruity with citrus notes and prominent banana. The smoke and iodine are pervasive. This is akin to the Islay equivalent of tequila. Various flavors are present, but they are challenging to reconcile and are exceptionally potent. In a way, its peculiarity brings to mind a blend of Del Bac El Dorado with iodine and Don Julio terroir. The aroma presents some sharp menthol and sour herbal notes, but it also offers pleasant sweet toffee undertones. It's smoother than Laphroaig 10, despite its moderate spice. The taste of maple and brown sugar from the bourbon barrels is prominent. It still carries notes of bitter herbs and menthol, but the bourbon provides a nice counterpoint with enjoyable chocolate flavors. This is as close as mezcal gets to being palatable. It's intriguing and tasty, but not something I'd want to drink regularly. It's slightly superior to Laphroaig 10, but still not delightful. The astringency is peculiar, and the flavors of astringency, menthol, bitterness, and sweetness are conceptually balanced, but they possess a unique, modern assertiveness. The caramel is key to its success. It's quite strong. I'd prefer less spice and menthol, but these elements aren't overwhelming. It's fortunate that the caramel is on the finish and the cherry flavor is mild rather than tart and intense. Truly, the bourbon character makes this enjoyable. The mezcal flavor is more of an interesting nuance. It smells like butterscotch and cinnamon with ample leather and wood. The palate is rich and minty with cinnamon and butterscotch notes. Plenty of vanilla is present. It clearly shows the bourbon influence, which is a positive attribute. There's some banana present, and surprisingly, it's a pleasant flavor. There's a strong smoky character lending a charred element to the wood. It's so charred that there's even some iodine. The banana gives way to mango and other tropical fruits. Berries also emerge, with strawberry and blueberry upfront, followed by a raspberry tartness in the middle. There's a lot happening here, making it a very unusual spirit. Chocolate is definitely detectable in the background, enhancing the richness and creaminess. It walks a fine line, but it delivers smoke (which shifts slightly to tobacco), umami, candy, and fruit. The flavors are in a delicate equilibrium, and while there isn't profound, overarching complexity, it's a rather good drink that would be enjoyable to sip on various occasions. I could do without the mintiness, however.

Review Score: 17/23 This spirit has been in the bottle for around 9 months, with the bottle itself open for about 18 months, so I anticipate changes. Let's find out. Nose: It's more robust than Los Vecinos Espadin, exhibiting a subtle bourbon-like American Oak character. I detect notes of dark brown sugar alongside the typical mezcal smokiness, herbal qualities, and tartness. There's a hint of Limousin oak where lemon and mild wood notes meet. While not the most intricate nose, it's pleasing. It even has a pastry-like quality, reminiscent of a buttery lemon curd danish. Quite unusual. Palate: This is also richer than Los Vecinos Espadin, possessing significant richness for a mezcal. A prominent, full citrus flavor is present, balanced by enough sweetness to prevent excessive tartness. Following that is a delightful 50% dark chocolate note that amplifies the richness and unifies the experience. Beyond these primary flavors, complexity emerges with herbal notes that lend the citrus a fruity gin-like character (similar to Roku, perhaps), while also introducing a touch of meatiness. Mint/menthol is also detectable. Smoke and gasoline are evident, but after extended opening, the gasoline is less overpowering. This has become a truly indulgent drink, evoking thoughts of mezcal mixed with rye (like Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition combined with George Dickel's young MGP – somewhat like Whistlepig PiggyBack, but richer and with intriguing new layers, less dusty) and subtle Ardbeg influences (for the chocolate and tar, plus that faint cherry note from Corryvreckan). It's a very good palate. At times, I question its complexity, but then I discover new flavors or different perspectives on existing ones. A superb palate. Finish: Smoke, gasoline, citrus, a refreshing yet crisp mint, and chocolate. It's good, retaining the indulgent richness of the palate for a considerable duration, despite a less pronounced overall presence. The wood notes persist, offering a mild French oak foundation. This is an excellent mezcal, remarkably well-balanced with impressive richness. While mezcal isn't typically considered approachable, this comes close for whiskey enthusiasts. Its intensity might make it unsuitable for fans of other spirits. For tequila aficionados, Casamigos Mezcal might be a more fitting choice. At $60, it's a great value. At $80, it's questionable. At $100, it's a definite pass. Ultimately, I'd prefer Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Uigeadail. Both have higher ABV, and pre-tariff, Corryvreckan was around $65, making it a less likely shelf staple. Los Vecinos Espadin is also around $25 and is a very solid mezcal, making it an easy staple for when mezcal is desired (which is rare, though I do appreciate it). Score-wise, it's at least a 16. I lean towards a 17, possibly an 18. A 19 seems out of reach. I'd choose this over Los Vecinos, but not by much, maybe 2 points. I've settled on a 17. It could be a very high 16, but I doubt it's an 18. It's either a high 16 or a low 17. A 17 it is.

A cold, snowy day like today brings to mind my last sunny trip to Mexico. It's also a day where my employer encourages creativity, so I've enrolled in a painting class. What better way to connect these two themes than by pouring from the green, peach, orange, and red labeled bottle of Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal (lot CHI-194). Del Maguey was established in the 90s by Ron Cooper, himself a visual artist. My first sniff reveals a hint of rubber, gasoline, smoke, and a tangy acidity akin to lime. After it rests, "charred grapefruit" best describes its pronounced burn and subtle citrus sweetness. Returning for a final inhale, I detect additional herbaceousness and refreshing mint. A juicy, savory, and sweet agave sip is met by a stylishly delayed peppery burst. I feel the spice in my nasal passages, and it sends a shiver through my body. The pepper imparts a bitterness and a brief metallic taste that transitions into a very long, slightly drying, indistinct smoky finish. I also taste woodiness, tobacco, and minerality on my tongue. Closing my eyes at this moment, I feel a comforting arm around me, held securely. As peculiar as it sounds for a tasting, I appreciate its finish the most. That said, Del Maguey Chichicapa is a distinctive, full-bodied mezcal with significant character. I suggest allowing this pour to breathe and savoring it. I suspect that if you appreciate smoke-forward Islay scotch, this might appeal to your preference for something unconventional. For me, it certainly succeeded in lifting my winter blues. 7.75/10

Sampled neat in a glencairn after letting it sit. This bottle is new as I start my journey into mezcals. I've had minimal exposure to this spirit and regret not trying it sooner. The blend of plant-like and tarry notes captivated me. I suspect this could become a costly pursuit... This is the fourth mezcal I've sampled and it stands out as the finest by far. The scents wafting from the glass are intricate and pleasing. I detect fresh grapefruit, spearmint, prickly pear, mown lawn, synthetic rubber (like a cheap poncho), alcohol and oily woodsmoke. It's an overwhelming sensory experience and feels like an adventure, and I'm relishing it. Texture is thick and smooth. The taste is full, featuring sweet syrup, burnt wood, agave, citrus, tart grapefruit, green capsicum, cracked pepper and a hint of heat. The finish gently recedes, leaving a sweet residue on the lips and a mild warmth in the throat. I find this spirit quite smooth for a beverage that often divides opinions. I can readily understand how mezcal might elicit strong reactions. The resemblance to Islay whiskies is undeniable. I appreciate the category and am particularly fond of this particular bottling. It manages to be invigorating, crisp, mellow and demanding all at once. My scoring system ranges from 1 (utterly terrible) to 5 (a flawless example), with most spirits falling between 2 and 3. Scores of 4 and higher denote the elite tier of my experiences and are definite candidates for repurchase. This Del Maguey Chichicapa bottling ranks among the best.

Nose: Agave, tropical fruits and flowers, vanilla, a meatiness, anise, and fresh herbs. It's complex but subtle, requiring patience. Palate: Sweet, earthy, with a touch of smoke and cooked vegetables. Later, notes of cinnamon, mild chili heat, something akin to soft charred wood (though clearly not aged), caramel, and a mineral quality that approaches metallic but is actually enjoyable and intriguing. Finish: Cooked jalapeno, cooked agave, vanilla, salted caramel, mint, and herbal tea. This is my second mezcal review, so my knowledge is limited. A friend on Discord strongly recommended this, accurately describing it as a nice, elevated mezcal suitable for daily drinking (though a bit expensive for that). I trust their judgment on its cocktail performance, imagining it works well. This seems a bit more potent, leaning towards chili pepper, than other mezcals or tequilas I've sampled. I appreciate that, and it's not due to alcohol burn, which was barely noticeable. Overall, it's a delicious spirit. Worth purchasing periodically. _______

Rating: 17/23 Nose: Vegetal, herbal, slightly minty, and somewhat smoky. It's milder and more watery than I recall, with a faint bitter rubber scent and a subtle vinegary note, like Dijon mustard. The aroma is strong, and I like it. Palate: Intense smoke with rubber and a lemony, woody character reminiscent of Limousin oak. There's a hint of fresh water, but the flavor is still full. The Limousin oak becomes vegetal and then sharply herbal and spicy as the tannic side of the oak interacts with the smoke. It has minimal sweetness. While the complexity could be improved, the overall balance and flavor are very pleasing. Finish: Very smoky with tar and a candied lemon note intertwined with muddled Limousin oak. It's a perfectly acceptable finish that supports the strength of the nose and palate. A vegetal, herbal quality emerges on the long finish, bringing some sweetness. - Conclusion - This is a superb mezcal. I wish it had more complexity, but it's still highly enjoyable. I'd rank it above Los Vecinos Espadin, though not by a significant margin. I'm settling on a score of 17, though I could see it shifting slightly.