I can't believe this,Ralfy reviewing the spirit of my land! I'm from Puerto Escondido,Oaxaca but i've been residing in San Jose,California since I was 9 and I'm truly honored that you've enjoyed the spirit of my land...keep the Mezcal reviews coming!
Ralfy, the other major difference between tequila and mezcal is the agaves themselves that are used in the production of each...tequila is produced ONLY with one species of agave...the blue weber agave. Mezcal is produced with other species of agave such as agave espadin, tobala, etc.
The first time I tasted a great mezcal my reaction was the same. It was reminiscent in many ways of an Islay malt, but with a complexity that was something more like Springbank on steroids. It's also one of the best imaginable drinks to accompany a cuban Hoyo de Monterrey.
Just here to say I just bought another bottle (2004 bottling, 750 ml, 49.3% ABV, $80 US) and came back to this review again...this is still one of the most amazing spirits I've ever tasted. Merry Christmas to me!
Cheers Ralfy! I’ve watched many of your videos but this is one of my favorites. Your “resinous” remark really hits home with me as every Del Maguey offering I’ve had, has a deeply resinous quality despite the level of smoke or ashiness of the individual spirit. Very good stuff. Mezcal offers such robust flavors and huge aromas like nothing I’ve ever had. Love the channel and superb honesty! I’ll be watching!
I have just opened a bottle. A very interesting malternative indeed! They have some very interesting video's on their youtube channel about the production process and history. But you mentioned that ofcourse.
Del Maguey Chichicapa is a top quality drink without any doubt whatsoever. It is artisan too and should not be dirt cheap. The families that make quality mezcal deserve to be paid well for their efforts. I recently got a Del Maguey Pechuga for a good price at auction and that is stunning.
Ralfy, I just bought and opened a bottle of Pierde Almas Tobaziche. A certain giant online retailer is selling it at a good discount. It's very good stuff. The also have 'Ancient Marriner' navy rum (it's Caroni 16 at 54%) which is worth picking up too.
The taste is light, almost like a "feeling of sprite". From a loyal Islay drinker...The smoke is very different from our Islay peated Scotch YET, very enjoyable. This Mezcal has the smoke an Islay drinker will appreciate. Ralfy uses the word "event" when describing what Islay drinkers will experience, and that is spot on. This is a product that must be experienced by Islay drinkers. Why? Because although it does not have the unique Islay peat that lasts through the dram, it does have an intense, yet mature, Islay-like smoke on the palate. At the risk of sounding mistaken as to the Islay flavor connection, the long finish on this Mezcal will explode with memories of Islay. Try it and you will see.
Just ordered my first mezcal - the Vida that is half the price of that bottle. Together with some Clairin Communal Ansyien ( Haiti Rum from Velier) hope that widens my horizon in February after my break.
Ralfy, I just wanted to thank you for posting this review. It has been many years since I have tried mezcal, but based on your review I decided to buy a bottle of the Del Maguey Chichicapa and tried a dram of it last night. Wow...it's really fantastic stuff!! I was so impressed that I ordered a second bottle to stash away. I also ordered bottles of the Del Maguey Tobala and Santo Domingo Albarradas to try. Were it not for your review I never would have known about this wonderful spirit.
I realize that this is a 10 year old video, but I had to revisit it, I don't know if you'll even see it. When I discovered Del Maguey products, the company was still pretty small. Back then (2008 or 2009), you could call the company and direct order a bottle from them straight to your door, in the US of course. At the time, you could actually communicate directly with Ron Cooper himself. It was very cool. Unfortunately for us, the company got bigger, and got an official distributor. The personal touch was lost, but the product was still good. In 2017, we the consumers were further victimized by the success of the company when it was sold to Pernod. I'm drinking from a bottle that I bought in 2021. It's good, but maybe not quite as good as it used to be. I'm a nut for mezcal, and will say without caveat that it is the best possible un-aged spirit available.
That mexican (oaxacan) popular proverb Ralfy said, it´s, originally, this one: "Para todo mal, mezcal, para todo bien, también" (for all bad, mezcal, for all good as well), is just that Ralfy forgot the alliteration on his translation. By the way, Ralfy: i suggest you to try El Tinieblo mezcal, the "joven" (young) kind. Thank you for your great channel, i just discovered it minutes ago, and it´s great. Greetings from México!
Hi Ralfy, another Mezcal alert you might appreciate. I picked up a bottle of the Del Maguey Arroqueno a little while back.My advice is to buy a bottle without hesitation. It's absolutely superb, especially after a little oxidation. It's a limited release but it's available right now. This is as good, and a little more interesting, than any whisky at its price point. Cheers. WT
Ralfy ..cheers. Longs story short I have been catching up on your vlogs including this one Mezcal and what can I say...you are always informed, entertaining and diligent with doing your research. Just top notch stuff really. Anyways I wanted to expand my palette and tied the same exact Mezcal at a restaurant over the weekend. To
Excellent nosing & tasting notes, Ralfy! I also adore this particular offering from Del Maguey. I'm a career bartender and have had the pleasure of working at a couple of places that stock the full DM line, and this one, seconded by the the Pechuga (I have a weak spot for salinity and savory notes) remain my standby's. I always recommend it to mezcal skeptics and have subsequently turned many into devotees. Though I do have to forewarn them to prepare their palates for "food-like" flavors. It actually became the post-shift drink of choice for our Executive Chef (who had a gluten allergy and used to drink VSOP cognac & blanco tequila exclusively) and a couple of our servers who didn't think they liked agave-based spirits at all.
I would love to try the Pechuga and the Pata Negra but they both cost £100 more a bottle than the Chichicapa in the U.K. It's great product but I don't want Mezcal to be a luxury drink for those with deep pockets. Unfortunately the Chichicapa is becoming difficult to find now. Cheers.
Hi John, I picked up a bottle of the Pechuga on a whisky auction site for £90 a little while back. I'm in total agreement with you, it's absolutely fantastic.
I have to say, Ralfy - watching this a second time, this is the most excited that I've seen you get about something in a very long time. At least since first sticking your nose into a glass of Daftmill. Maybe even since the Victoria Spirits whisky way back in review #110. And I love seeing that. Don't listen to the guys begging you to review the latest Ardallan (or Macbeg) Whatever! Follow your heart! Review what you're interested in!
Was at a tasting with some friends a while back where we tried 5 (very) different Del Maguey mezcals, then got myself a bottle of their Vida, lovely stuff. Was looking for some info and came across this, don't remember seeing it when it came out. I liked the Chichicapa most out of what we tasted, reminded me of an older Islay.
I think I mentioned this in a previous review, but let me make a suggestion: two parts southeast Islay malt (like Laphroaig Cask Strength), one part smoky mezcal (like this), a few drops of water, and let it marry in a covered Glencairn glass for a few minutes. Then stick your nose in for the next hour. Trust me.
Hi Ralfy, after having just returned from a trip to Mexico and having attended a Mezcal tasting in the Oaxaca province I can confirm that the "proverb" cited is actually quite a popular "cheers" associated with Mezcal..... good stuff!
I think I would love this as retsina is a favourite when I go to Greece. It's a shame about the price. Tequila and retsina are the drinks that have a lingering taste memory that take you back to places. You should do an Ouzo series and boost the Greek economy :)
Hello Ralfy, You've got me quite interested in enjoying whiskys. I bought myself a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black, and I like it very much. I would like to buy my first single malt scotch whisky. Do you have any recommendations for a great first single malt? Thanks, and thank you for the great videos
Thanks for the review. One of my favorite del magueys. I do prefer San Luis over chichi, but you cannot go wrong with either. I actually disagree with the smoke evaluation. I get way more smoke from the San Luis.
Is this 100% agave, or do they use other sugars like corn or cane? Is it aged like a reposado, or añejo? I have tried mezcal before and just thought of it as cut rate tequila. I generally like to drink my tequila with a lime or lemon as an after taste, would that be a suitable exercise with mezcal?
I just like to point out Ralfy that your right about the difference between mezcal and tequila. But what really differentiates them is that by law, only the juice/nectar from the Blue Agave (Agave Tequilana) can be used to make tequila. Mezcal on the other hand; while some do use the blue agave, many distilleries do use different species of the agave family (such as Agave Americana) to make mezcal. So the taste varies more with mescal while tequila is more consistant. Keep up the good work.
Tried Del Maguay Chichicapa in an Italian bistro (go figure) last year. Terrific spirit. Ralfy is spot-on with his review. Smokiness on the nose & palate. Peppery, spicy. Smooth and exotic. As to the worm,... I agree 100% with R. First, the carcass of whatever the hell it was (worm, scorpion, snake, orangutan, etc,...) DISPLACES THE HOOCH IN THE BOTTLE!!! Horror of horrors! Y' buy 750 ml of mezcal,.... 674 ml is the embalmed cadaver of a defunct reptile, mollusk or whatever! The cost! What ya gonna do, wring out the carrion for the last shot?! Second, as Ralfy points out, it is a gimmick. A gimmick that overshadows a more interesting history. The way I heard it, the worm was NOT originally in every bottle. It was in one or two bottles of a run. THESE bottles were the LUCKY bottles. The myth went that if these small larvae made it past the chopping, grinding, cooking, fermenting & distilling and ended up in YOUR bottle,... macho grande! Tough guy! You bought the lucky bottle! Now they drop a critter into every bottle, so no one is particularly lucky,.... especially the worm.
Awesome reviews! I have a question-- Funny enough i came to the whisky world from being a mezcal drinker. Most of my friends who are whiskey fans recommended I try scotch...weirdly enough the vegetal smoke i love in mezcal struck me as medicinal and almost band-aid like in scotch, wasn't too into it. I gravitated towards bourbon and love it but I want to make sure I haven't missed anything about scotch. Can you recommend me something with these considerations?
I don't know about that. I ate/tasted the worm once. I'd say it contributed a slightly earthy flavor to the Mezcal. Putting anything with a taste in a liquor is going to permeate the spirit slightly, depending its' intensity. The worms flavor was fairly unique, I definitely got some of that flavor in the liquor itself
Ralfy is bot very easy to please...its Rare that he gives more than 90.....if its mezcal or scotch....all the single malts I buy are ralfy recommended. Most respect for ralfy. Cheers!
Hey, Ralfy. All the hipsters keep on saying that the tobala variety of mezcal is the most interesting / delicious. I know it's the rarest, but does that make it the best? I was wondering if you would suggest paying the extra $$ for a bottle of Del Maguey's or if the Chichicapa is the better value. Thank you, sir, and good luck in Utah 2016!
Tobala cannot be farmed (unlike espadin). It has to be picked wild, and not only are tobala's small, but also take over 15 years to mature. I loved it, but try a few of the others before you decide to put down that kind of cash on a tobala. To my taste the Marca Negra Tobala is better than the Del Maguey Tobala.
Ralfy, thanks for your reply! Here's a news flash for me, though perhaps not for yourself: An agave alternative called Sotol. (Produced from the dasylirion or desert spoon plant?) Never tried it, but my local liquor store is now stocking one. Not sure what your thoughts might be regarding the production methods and overall state of this beverage. Best, -Michael
Ralfy, there was not any advertising on this review when I watched it. You might want to make sure you add it in if you have anything to do with it. Thanks for the education.
I just had this and just remembered you had it in one of your reviews! The design of the bottle has changed alot. Sad, since the old bottle was so nice and made it special! Still, I agree with what Ralfy says and it's a very good bottle of mezcal. Still,it's not the best mezcal I've had especially at the price
Hi Ralfy, as a fellow Manx resident, would you be able to review Patron Tequila at some point. BTW Mezcal is one of my favorite drinks. Unfortunately, I cannot afford Maguay mezcal as it is c. £50 a bottle. Monte Alban is the one I can afford, although as you say, am not too hot about the worm they put inside.
11 лет назад
Ha probado el gusano de maguey Sr, Ralfy? no solo en la botella, sino como platillo exótico?
According to the Pernod Ricard training I received, "the worm" originates from the confused history of mezcal and tequila. The agave pina from which mezcal and tequila are made can be infested with worms, thus ruining the pina for making a quality product. cut-rate producers used the infected pinas anyway, and the worm came to be a point of pride for these low-quality producers and it was eventually put into the bottle or glass as a marketing gimmick.
Ralfy I dont think you have given 93 to anything before. Viva mexico! Its Jimador like the tequila name brand. One more thing about tequila.... To be called tequila it has to be produced in the state of Jalisco(like champagne in France). Its "peenyyhaa" which means pineapple in spanish. Thanks for all this reviews. Try chips ahoy cookies with a sip of highland park!
The state liquor stores here are limited as far as quality Mexican spirits. No Sotol, the only Mezcal is Monte Alban, and Tequilas vary from store to store. I've read mostly good things about Don Julio Anejo. Do you know anything about this Tequila and have anything to add?
I can't believe this,Ralfy reviewing the spirit of my land! I'm from Puerto Escondido,Oaxaca but i've been residing in San Jose,California since I was 9 and I'm truly honored that you've enjoyed the spirit of my land...keep the Mezcal reviews coming!
You’re an American now boy (if still alive) you better hold no allegiance to that shithole mexico
Ralfy, can you review more mezcals at some point?
Ralfy, the other major difference between tequila and mezcal is the agaves themselves that are used in the production of each...tequila is produced ONLY with one species of agave...the blue weber agave. Mezcal is produced with other species of agave such as agave espadin, tobala, etc.
The first time I tasted a great mezcal my reaction was the same. It was reminiscent in many ways of an Islay malt, but with a complexity that was something more like Springbank on steroids. It's also one of the best imaginable drinks to accompany a cuban Hoyo de Monterrey.
Just enjoying a Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, extremely smokey and very crisp - have to say this is a great dram, very refreshing and will be stocking up!..
Just here to say I just bought another bottle (2004 bottling, 750 ml, 49.3% ABV, $80 US) and came back to this review again...this is still one of the most amazing spirits I've ever tasted. Merry Christmas to me!
Cheers Ralfy! I’ve watched many of your videos but this is one of my favorites. Your “resinous” remark really hits home with me as every Del Maguey offering I’ve had, has a deeply resinous quality despite the level of smoke or ashiness of the individual spirit. Very good stuff. Mezcal offers such robust flavors and huge aromas like nothing I’ve ever had. Love the channel and superb honesty! I’ll be watching!
I have just opened a bottle. A very interesting malternative indeed!
They have some very interesting video's on their youtube channel about the production process and history. But you mentioned that ofcourse.
Why am I getting a light beer ad on this video? Lol! That’s the entirely opposite drink that should be advertising to me. Haha!
Del Maguey Chichicapa is a top quality drink without any doubt whatsoever. It is artisan too and should not be dirt cheap. The families that make quality mezcal deserve to be paid well for their efforts. I recently got a Del Maguey Pechuga for a good price at auction and that is stunning.
. . . all part of the quality journey !
Ralfy, I just bought and opened a bottle of Pierde Almas Tobaziche. A certain giant online retailer is selling it at a good discount. It's very good stuff. The also have 'Ancient Marriner' navy rum (it's Caroni 16 at 54%) which is worth picking up too.
One of the best and powerful noses of anything out there. Just a wonderful spirit. Del Maguey really kills it with their lineup.
The taste is light, almost like a "feeling of sprite". From a loyal Islay drinker...The smoke is very different from our Islay peated Scotch YET, very enjoyable. This Mezcal has the smoke an Islay drinker will appreciate. Ralfy uses the word "event" when describing what Islay drinkers will experience, and that is spot on. This is a product that must be experienced by Islay drinkers. Why? Because although it does not have the unique Islay peat that lasts through the dram, it does have an intense, yet mature, Islay-like smoke on the palate. At the risk of sounding mistaken as to the Islay flavor connection, the long finish on this Mezcal will explode with memories of Islay. Try it and you will see.
Just ordered my first mezcal - the Vida that is half the price of that bottle. Together with some Clairin Communal Ansyien ( Haiti Rum from Velier) hope that widens my horizon in February after my break.
Very on the money with this mezcal review! Excellent stuff.
Mate love this! Love your style! And indeed: DOWN WITH SPIRITS WITH DEAD THINGS IN THE BOTTLE!
Ralfy, I just wanted to thank you for posting this review. It has been many years since I have tried mezcal, but based on your review I decided to buy a bottle of the Del Maguey Chichicapa and tried a dram of it last night. Wow...it's really fantastic stuff!! I was so impressed that I ordered a second bottle to stash away. I also ordered bottles of the Del Maguey Tobala and Santo Domingo Albarradas to try. Were it not for your review I never would have known about this wonderful spirit.
If you ever come across the 50% stool made by Desert Door in Texas I recommend it. Very interesting spirit.
Thank you for this review!
youve gotta explain the impressive nose you have for these scents...it bows me away! always a pleasure watching these
I like chichicapa a lot, amazing review!
I have a matching basket. It's my favorite Del Maguey as well. Next is the "Pechuga"with the whole chicken in the bottle and a bit more expensive. 🐔.
I realize that this is a 10 year old video, but I had to revisit it, I don't know if you'll even see it. When I discovered Del Maguey products, the company was still pretty small. Back then (2008 or 2009), you could call the company and direct order a bottle from them straight to your door, in the US of course. At the time, you could actually communicate directly with Ron Cooper himself. It was very cool. Unfortunately for us, the company got bigger, and got an official distributor. The personal touch was lost, but the product was still good. In 2017, we the consumers were further victimized by the success of the company when it was sold to Pernod. I'm drinking from a bottle that I bought in 2021. It's good, but maybe not quite as good as it used to be. I'm a nut for mezcal, and will say without caveat that it is the best possible un-aged spirit available.
That mexican (oaxacan) popular proverb Ralfy said, it´s, originally, this one: "Para todo mal, mezcal, para todo bien, también" (for all bad, mezcal, for all good as well), is just that Ralfy forgot the alliteration on his translation.
By the way, Ralfy: i suggest you to try El Tinieblo mezcal, the "joven" (young) kind. Thank you for your great channel, i just discovered it minutes ago, and it´s great.
Greetings from México!
incredible review
I literally went out and bought this bottle because if Ralfy says 93, fucking buy it. Btw, it's delicious
I'm looking at this to try. Sounds interesting.
Hi Ralfy, another Mezcal alert you might appreciate. I picked up a bottle of the Del Maguey Arroqueno a little while back.My advice is to buy a bottle without hesitation. It's absolutely superb, especially after a little oxidation. It's a limited release but it's available right now. This is as good, and a little more interesting, than any whisky at its price point. Cheers. WT
Ralphy's taste and aroma vocabulary is always so deep. He's got the nose of a bear
He makes it seem like being a professional alcoholic is a respectable profession.
Ralfy ..cheers. Longs story short I have been catching up on your vlogs including this one Mezcal and what can I say...you are always informed, entertaining and diligent with doing your research. Just top notch stuff really. Anyways I wanted to expand my palette and tied the same exact Mezcal at a restaurant over the weekend. To
Awesome pure spirit.
Excellent nosing & tasting notes, Ralfy! I also adore this particular offering from Del Maguey. I'm a career bartender and have had the pleasure of working at a couple of places that stock the full DM line, and this one, seconded by the the Pechuga (I have a weak spot for salinity and savory notes) remain my standby's. I always recommend it to mezcal skeptics and have subsequently turned many into devotees. Though I do have to forewarn them to prepare their palates for "food-like" flavors. It actually became the post-shift drink of choice for our Executive Chef (who had a gluten allergy and used to drink VSOP cognac & blanco tequila exclusively) and a couple of our servers who didn't think they liked agave-based spirits at all.
I would love to try the Pechuga and the Pata Negra but they both cost £100 more a bottle than the Chichicapa in the U.K. It's great product but I don't want Mezcal to be a luxury drink for those with deep pockets. Unfortunately the Chichicapa is becoming difficult to find now. Cheers.
I bought the Pechuga as a Christmas present for myself at $150...amazing stuff!
Hi John, I picked up a bottle of the Pechuga on a whisky auction site for £90 a little while back. I'm in total agreement with you, it's absolutely fantastic.
I have to say, Ralfy - watching this a second time, this is the most excited that I've seen you get about something in a very long time. At least since first sticking your nose into a glass of Daftmill. Maybe even since the Victoria Spirits whisky way back in review #110. And I love seeing that.
Don't listen to the guys begging you to review the latest Ardallan (or Macbeg) Whatever! Follow your heart! Review what you're interested in!
loved this one ralfy, would you recommend any other value for money mezcals?
It was originally put into the bottle to show that the spirt had high alcohol content, enough so that it would preserve the "worm" and not break down
Was at a tasting with some friends a while back where we tried 5 (very) different Del Maguey mezcals, then got myself a bottle of their Vida, lovely stuff. Was looking for some info and came across this, don't remember seeing it when it came out. I liked the Chichicapa most out of what we tasted, reminded me of an older Islay.
Very good review.
Would love to see more of these Ralfy
Please more mezcal! I have a Mexican coworker that can get it straight from Oaxaca for about $10!
In Oaxaca insects are for snacking on along with one's mezcal and beer, they end up in one's mezcal only by mistake or after a few too many.
I've tried all the Del Magueys now. If you like the Chichicapa, I also recommend the Del Maguey Minero. It's right up there with the Chichicapa.
the smokey taste in a mezcal is quite addicting
I love Mezcal. I saw that brand at my local liquor store btw
I think I mentioned this in a previous review, but let me make a suggestion: two parts southeast Islay malt (like Laphroaig Cask Strength), one part smoky mezcal (like this), a few drops of water, and let it marry in a covered Glencairn glass for a few minutes. Then stick your nose in for the next hour. Trust me.
Hi Ralphy,
There seem to be two versions: 46% and 47,5%. The 46% is 'widely' available. Is is as good/comparable with the 47,5 of your review?
Hi Ralfy, after having just returned from a trip to Mexico and having attended a Mezcal tasting in the Oaxaca province I can confirm that the "proverb" cited is actually quite a popular "cheers" associated with Mezcal..... good stuff!
. . . good stuff !
Canada has the best Whiskys
Thank you sir! I'll get to sampling.
I think I would love this as retsina is a favourite when I go to Greece. It's a shame about the price. Tequila and retsina are the drinks that have a lingering taste memory that take you back to places. You should do an Ouzo series and boost the Greek economy :)
Hello Ralfy,
You've got me quite interested in enjoying whiskys. I bought myself a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black, and I like it very much. I would like to buy my first single malt scotch whisky. Do you have any recommendations for a great first single malt?
Thanks, and thank you for the great videos
I tried Origen Raiz recently. That was a very complex Mezcal.
Ralfy, I was surprised this was bottled in 2002. Has this been sitting in your collection or was this a recent acquisition?
My experience of Mexican spirits is Patron Silver (blanco). I havnt been interested in any Mexican spirits until now. You have got me interested.
Chichicapa is amazing...it's like drinking smoked ham.
Thanks for the review. One of my favorite del magueys. I do prefer San Luis over chichi, but you cannot go wrong with either. I actually disagree with the smoke evaluation. I get way more smoke from the San Luis.
Hey Ralfy . can you plz explain the "worm" in the Mezcal.
one question, where does the slightly brown-greenish colour come from? Is it from casks, artificial aromatisements, or from a low proof destilation?
natural from distillate.
***** thank you, just got my bottle today, what a stunning spirit!
Is this 100% agave, or do they use other sugars like corn or cane? Is it aged like a reposado, or añejo? I have tried mezcal before and just thought of it as cut rate tequila. I generally like to drink my tequila with a lime or lemon as an after taste, would that be a suitable exercise with mezcal?
I just like to point out Ralfy that your right about the difference between mezcal and tequila. But what really differentiates them is that by law, only the juice/nectar from the Blue Agave (Agave Tequilana) can be used to make tequila. Mezcal on the other hand; while some do use the blue agave, many distilleries do use different species of the agave family (such as Agave Americana) to make mezcal. So the taste varies more with mescal while tequila is more consistant. Keep up the good work.
Greetings Ralfy,
Blasted adverts are back, at least in N. America.
Tried Del Maguay Chichicapa in an Italian bistro (go figure) last year. Terrific spirit. Ralfy is spot-on with his review. Smokiness on the nose & palate. Peppery, spicy. Smooth and exotic. As to the worm,... I agree 100% with R. First, the carcass of whatever the hell it was (worm, scorpion, snake, orangutan, etc,...) DISPLACES THE HOOCH IN THE BOTTLE!!! Horror of horrors! Y' buy 750 ml of mezcal,.... 674 ml is the embalmed cadaver of a defunct reptile, mollusk or whatever! The cost! What ya gonna do, wring out the carrion for the last shot?! Second, as Ralfy points out, it is a gimmick. A gimmick that overshadows a more interesting history. The way I heard it, the worm was NOT originally in every bottle. It was in one or two bottles of a run. THESE bottles were the LUCKY bottles. The myth went that if these small larvae made it past the chopping, grinding, cooking, fermenting & distilling and ended up in YOUR bottle,... macho grande! Tough guy! You bought the lucky bottle! Now they drop a critter into every bottle, so no one is particularly lucky,.... especially the worm.
Guess I'm 10 years late, but I think you were trying to think of the word Jimadores (Hee-Mah-Door-Ehs) cheers
Awesome reviews! I have a question-- Funny enough i came to the whisky world from being a mezcal drinker. Most of my friends who are whiskey fans recommended I try scotch...weirdly enough the vegetal smoke i love in mezcal struck me as medicinal and almost band-aid like in scotch, wasn't too into it. I gravitated towards bourbon and love it but I want to make sure I haven't missed anything about scotch. Can you recommend me something with these considerations?
Bunnahabhain 12. Thought I’d answer your 9 year old question. Cheers!
the spirit is elemental and ethereal, take a sip, ponder, and then another, close your eyes, contact the generations...
Thanks for the laugh.
I don't know about that. I ate/tasted the worm once. I'd say it contributed a slightly earthy flavor to the Mezcal. Putting anything with a taste in a liquor is going to permeate the spirit slightly, depending its' intensity. The worms flavor was fairly unique, I definitely got some of that flavor in the liquor itself
Love your reviews :) Nice to have an independent voice here. Have you ever considerd reviewing vodka ?
Isn't the Maguey agave a different species than the blue agave usually used in tequila?
Oh well, I guess those critters in the bottle didn't feel any pain when they died. (niuk niuk)
engine oil?
Best mezcal is from Oaxaca Mexico... Hands down!!
Ralfy is bot very easy to please...its Rare that he gives more than 90.....if its mezcal or scotch....all the single malts I buy are ralfy recommended. Most respect for ralfy. Cheers!
Palanqueros, palanqueros, hope you don't forget again, thanks ralphy,
i think i buy this one, i would like trying.
Hey, Ralfy. All the hipsters keep on saying that the tobala variety of mezcal is the most interesting / delicious. I know it's the rarest, but does that make it the best? I was wondering if you would suggest paying the extra $$ for a bottle of Del Maguey's or if the Chichicapa is the better value. Thank you, sir, and good luck in Utah 2016!
. . . ignore fashion, it's not about 'named' agave, it's about yeast and kilning and stilling !
Tobala cannot be farmed (unlike espadin). It has to be picked wild, and not only are tobala's small, but also take over 15 years to mature. I loved it, but try a few of the others before you decide to put down that kind of cash on a tobala. To my taste the Marca Negra Tobala is better than the Del Maguey Tobala.
Ralfy, thanks for your reply! Here's a news flash for me, though perhaps not for yourself: An agave alternative called Sotol. (Produced from the dasylirion or desert spoon plant?) Never tried it, but my local liquor store is now stocking one. Not sure what your thoughts might be regarding the production methods and overall state of this beverage. Best, -Michael
Ralfy, there was not any advertising on this review when I watched it. You might want to make sure you add it in if you have anything to do with it. Thanks for the education.
I just noticed the Cyberman behind him. Is that new?
I just had this and just remembered you had it in one of your reviews! The design of the bottle has changed alot. Sad, since the old bottle was so nice and made it special! Still, I agree with what Ralfy says and it's a very good bottle of mezcal. Still,it's not the best mezcal I've had especially at the price
Hi Ralfy, as a fellow Manx resident, would you be able to review Patron Tequila at some point. BTW Mezcal is one of my favorite drinks. Unfortunately, I cannot afford Maguay mezcal as it is c. £50 a bottle. Monte Alban is the one I can afford, although as you say, am not too hot about the worm they put inside.
Ha probado el gusano de maguey Sr, Ralfy? no solo en la botella, sino como platillo exótico?
According to the Pernod Ricard training I received, "the worm" originates from the confused history of mezcal and tequila. The agave pina from which mezcal and tequila are made can be infested with worms, thus ruining the pina for making a quality product. cut-rate producers used the infected pinas anyway, and the worm came to be a point of pride for these low-quality producers and it was eventually put into the bottle or glass as a marketing gimmick.
Mezcal Mark haha, Cheers!
Watching
Nice engine oil?
I am from Oaxaca ! You should try MEZCAL TOBALA FROM oaxaca in my opinion is the best.i think this brand you you tried also produces Tobala
The best mezcal from oaxaca and it is the state that produces more and differents types of mezcal
Any more flavours mentioned in there Ralfy and you will have salty sweat, off the right testy of a camel from Araby!
And last but not least keep doing what your doing and I will keep
Ralfy I dont think you have given 93 to anything before. Viva mexico!
Its Jimador like the tequila name brand. One more thing about tequila.... To be called tequila it has to be produced in the state of Jalisco(like champagne in France).
Its "peenyyhaa" which means pineapple in spanish.
Thanks for all this reviews.
Try chips ahoy cookies with a sip of highland park!
A really really good Mezcal
. . . agreed !
The straw fedora makes you look younger, Ralfy.
>engine oil
>but nice engine oil
wut?
The state liquor stores here are limited as far as quality Mexican spirits. No Sotol, the only Mezcal is Monte Alban, and Tequilas vary from store to store. I've read mostly good things about Don Julio Anejo. Do you know anything about this Tequila and have anything to add?
they're called jimadors
el porfidio tequila is something you must try
Is that a peacock I hear in the background?
at first I thought the bottle is empty
The word is ''Jimador''
Scorpion is actually damn good mezcal as well...even though there is a dead scorpion in the bottle...if you see it, try it.
+Raym Blackshire I've tried several of the Del Maguey line...Chichicapa is my favorite
is mezcal expensive
Joe Alexander can be. You can get a decent bottle for sound 35. Try nustra soledad, montelobos, or sombra
It is a bottle in a basket!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! ......sorry I'm drunk.
Is he reading what he is smelling?
Jimadors
Disregard that last message, I think I've got a handle on it now.