Mezcal Vago Elote

My bottle is Lot A-20-EL-16. Nose: Sweet, fruity aromas are present over an herbal, vegetal foundation. There's a soft, slightly salty minerality. No smoke detected. Palate: The initial taste is gentle and gradual, with mild fruit, nut, and cereal notes that evolve into a salty character. Significant brine and white pepper are balanced by a cereal/fruity oiliness. The texture is arguably the most appealing aspect of the palate. Finish: Medium length. As the salt and pepper sensation recedes, it transitions to a pleasant vegetal sweetness in the aftertaste. Contrary to many other reviews, I do not perceive any distinct corn flavor or aroma. However, corn influences the mouthfeel, which is silky and slightly oily-thick, and contributes sweetness to the palate, partially counterbalancing the saltiness. It resembles a vegan pechuga, using corn for balance and body instead of overt aroma or flavor. This is a well-made and clean mezcal that, while lacking the flavor complexity of some others, offers a very pleasing texture. It balances pepper and cool salt with subtle sweet fruit and cereal undertones. There is no smoke, possibly due to a precise distillation cut, minimal tempering, or a non-traditional roasting method (perhaps not using an earth oven?). Like most mezcals, it becomes sweeter and gains a touch of mintiness when diluted. The alcohol by volume is relatively high for a mezcal; the distiller notes suggest 50.2%, but this is a batch product with slight variations, and my bottle indicates 51%. Score: 84/100 (3.75 stars).

A refined Agave Spirit from Aquilino Garcia Lopez for the Vago Distillery NOM-O188X in Oaxaca, Mexico, bringing together two of Oaxaca’s finest contributions to humanity in one bottle: corn and Mezcal. He infused roasted corn into a batch of once-distilled Espadín Mezcal, then distilled it a second time to create a truly unique and flavorful Mezcal. Even better, he cultivates this corn himself alongside his agave plants! It presents a toasty opening with notes of corn and nut, followed by a light body that adds flavors of roasted corn, nuts, vegetal notes, fruit, and a whisper of agave. This leads to a short and sweet conclusion with further hints of agave and lime. August / December 2018 / December 2020

To be candid, my initial sips were unremarkable. It was good, certainly. However, it resembled other mezcals. I enjoy mezcals, so this isn't a criticism, but nothing truly stood out. Yet, after stepping away for about 15 minutes, the mezcal had warmed and opened up, revealing many more notes. Something grassy, something dark, even something sweet and light beneath the smoke. This is very pleasant, although I'm sure I haven't fully grasped its nuances yet. It's all good, we have time, this mezcal and I.

It's intriguing, but there's potential for improvement. I typically prefer mezcals with a solid base of smoky earthiness, complemented by sweetness or minerality. What I also appreciate about mezcals is their direct link to the producer's skill and the agave variety. Other elements tend to dilute the natural taste of the wild agaves. This one includes roasted corn, which masks the smoky character without adding much else, aside from a slight sweetness. For a superior experience, consider Del Maguey Chichicapa; it may cost a bit more, but the quality is on another level.

The aroma offers orange zest, damp stone, a subtle hint of chocolate-peppermint candy, and agave. The texture is warm and slightly slick. On the palate, notes of vanilla, prickly pear, toasted pumpkin seeds, campfire smoke, and charcoal emerge, with fainter traces of lemon zest, burnt sugar, and damp stone. The finish is extended and intense, with the campfire smoke and charcoal flavors persisting, alongside subtler notes of vanilla, citrus, burnt sugar, and damp stone. It is highly enjoyable, offering a wealth of complexity to explore and appreciate with careful tasting.

Initially intended for a specific cocktail, I've found myself using it in several and occasionally sipping it neat. Without prior knowledge of the corn, it remains quite pleasing. It's enjoyable on its own and mixes well in cocktails, even considering its price. The nose has minimal smoke, primarily agave, damp wood, and some sharpness. The taste and texture are excellent, smooth and vegetal with considerable sweetness. The finish is lengthy but subtle, with unobtrusive medicinal notes on the very long conclusion.