Del Maguey Pechuga Mezcal

I likely have a fondness for this bottle as it was my initial significant mezcal acquisition. I've sampled numerous cocktail mezcals (any mezcal with a lower alcohol by volume under $50) and found them enjoyable, but lacking in depth and intricacy. This was also my first pechuga, and it was astonishing at the time. While it doesn't quite match up now after trying many other high-quality mezcals, it remains very good. Like most pechugas, it undergoes triple distillation with a chicken breast suspended in the still during the final stage. My specific bottle was distilled in 2012 and has an alcohol by volume of 49% (quality sipping mezcal is not altered or diluted, so the alcohol by volume varies with each batch). I purchased it in 2015 and have intermittently consumed it since then. Unlike nearly all other spirits, most mezcals actually improve after being opened. Some of the harshness diminishes, which was certainly true for this one (there are actually several excellent mezcals aged in glass before release). Currently, I have about 25% of the bottle remaining. On the nose, I detect clay and an aroma reminiscent of stepping outside on a damp, dewy morning. The palate is where this spirit truly excels, offering notes of spice (likely clove), subtle smoke, leather, and citrus. The finish is exceptionally smooth, with a pleasant warmth as it goes down. It genuinely lingers for a good ten minutes after the last sip. It is undeniably a quality mezcal that improves with time. I'd be interested to learn if its characteristics have changed since the company was acquired by Pernod Ricard. Regardless, it's a very good mezcal.

My bottle: From Lot no. PEC 121 Nose: A strong, deep, rich, and forcefully aromatic nose that is beautifully complete. Vanilla, brine, faint licorice, banana, papaya, fresh basil, fresh rosemary and lime zest. There is an umami quality and it has a density and richness of texture that is reminiscent of lightly peated maritime-style single malts. Palate: A slightly acid and zesty arrival that is also akin to the ginger spiciness of some single malts. This is balanced by an oily softness that becomes dry in the development. Warm smoked paprika, brine, resinous herbs, minerals, dark honey, black pepper, and that same umami quality from the nose. A faint oily smoke and many other subtle flavors appear throughout tasting. Finish: Medium long, trailing off with just the faintest bitter tang and some cold ashes. This mezcal contains so much and is balanced like fine clockwork. Few other spirits I've tasted approach this level of sophistication whist retaining such vigorous authority (in this particular aspect it reminds me of Ardbeg Corryvrecken, back in its heyday). I would recommend this unhesitatingly to a single-malt enthusiast. I can't say I smell or taste chicken or even meat in any form in this, but there is obviously some sort of contribution noticeable as the pervading umami sensation. The chicken is supposedly to balance the fruit and stop it becoming too dominant - it does precisely this, masterfully. A dash of water opens the nose beautifully and unveils a host of extra warm and hot spices on the palate. "Very Good": 87/100 (4.25 stars)

The final mezcal in a Del Maguey tasting, intended as the highlight. Nose: It's clean and vegetal, with scents of pine, eucalyptus, nail polish, and cashew nuts. There's an incredibly strong pet store aroma. Chicken fat is also detectable, though that might be influenced by suggestion. Taste: Menthol, aniseed, some saltiness, and bitter fruit. This is unlike any spirit I've encountered before, making it quite interesting and a worthwhile experience. However, the aniseed flavor is reminiscent of sambuca, which is unappealing due to my strong aversion to that liqueur.

Strangely, my previous review of another Del Maguey shared the exact same opinions as expressed here by another user. You should read their earlier review; it's well-written. The power of this one is so great that even with its flavor profile subdued, you can tell it's a spirit to be taken seriously. I'd love to experience it at its peak; a newly opened bottle would be fantastic, but even so, it has very solid foundations. Many thanks to the previous reviewer!

This is one of the most interesting liquors I have had. This flavor profile is insane. If you are looking for a traditional smoky Mezcal, this isn't it. This is a whole other animal that might change your mind about what a mezcal can be. I can see how this could be very polarizing and not for everyone, but I am a huge fan!

A $39 shot at Diablo's in Little Rock, AR. It was likely the worst shot I sampled from almost a dozen drinks at this establishment over the past few months. I heard the maguey was steamed with chicken, which supposedly imparted a flavor, but all I perceived was a harsh gasoline aroma with a similarly harsh, sharp, and disagreeable finish!