That's awesome! The easiest to get are probably the La Luna Chino and the Vago Elote (depending on where you live). If you get to try any of these, let me know what you think. Thanks for watching. 😎
Enjoying your posts, thanks for making them. Picking favorites is brutal...like picking a favorite child. I fully agree with your call on the Vago Elote. Good stuff, unique in flavor profile, and at that price point, its a steal in comparison to other options.
Man, you're so right! I could've done a top 10 video and it still would've been hard to narrow down. That's why many of these had that story or personal connection to it. That elote is rock frickin' solid - taste and value, I always have a bottle on hand. Thanks for watching, brother!! 😎
@@ZackKlamn : Absolutely agree with you on the personal connection making the mezcal even better. If you have that memory the mezcal tastes even richer. For that reason, my 2022 favorites so far are a Felix Angeles tobala pechuga and a Lalo Angeles tripon. Every sip reminds me of the visit to S.C.M. Enjoy!
Thanks, those high proof tequilas are pretty awesome. In the future I was going to get a couple more bottles and do a high proof feature. I think it'd be a fun one to make. I appreciate the feedback, great suggestion! 😎
Surprised I am in the first 100 subscribers; I found your video very helpful, as I am currently here in Oaxaca. I'm likely going to go for the Hijos Vago Elote. Bute I'm also tempted to pick-up the Rey Campero Tepextate, if I come across it. Looking forward to more videos.
Hey Mark, thanks so much for subscribing. Almost at triple digits, yay! ;) There's so many awesome palenques to see around Oaxaca. I was there the week before last. The Rey Campero Tepeztate is really nice too. If you start visiting palenques you can buy direct from them and sample all the ones you like while you're there. :)
@@ZackKlamn Very happy to subscribe. I'm sure I'll come back and find your subscription count in the 100k plus, soon enough. That's a very good suggestion. I did a Mezcal tasting room last night, but it seems Oaxaca is busy at this time, so it's hard to find slots/reservations. I'll see if we can slip in a palenque visit, before we head back to Canada. Sadly, we had to split our trip among 3 cities, to visit family and such. I wish we could have more time to experience the full Oaxaca experience. I am now tempted to add Michoacán to the next trip, based on your Mezcal experience there. Salud, and all the best wishes for the growth I'm sure your channel will experience, as Mezcal popularity continues to grow.
Love your channel Zack! Hope you keep up the content. Just went through about half a bottle of the Vago Elote through the work week and I couldn't agree with you more. The sweetness of the agave really shines. I get a little egg nog flavor with some burnt creamed corn on the finish. Good stuff.
@@nickmartinez1008 I get about 90% of my mezcal in LA if I'm passing through or order online. I'm up in Buellton (Central Coast Cali). There are so many options for you. Look online and check out what these stores may have: Mission Wine & Spirits, K&L Wines, Hi-time Wine, Ramirez Liquor, Madre Restaurants. Between these you'll have an insane amount to choose from. 🥳
Hey Zack, really enjoyed this as usual (all your videos are great, so informative and your passion for Mezcal is infectious) and chance for a best of 2022/23 anytime soon?
Excellent! Funny enough I signed up for mix tape Monday and picked up a la Luna ( cupreata+ tequilana) tonight. Then I found your video. Will have to get the elote. I’m a tequila person I love the terralta and the criollo
I hope you really enjoy the Agave Mix Tape. The people behind it are so awesome. I've been down in Oaxaca this past week and they shared many contacts with me, all families that have done expressions for the subscriptions, and I got to see them first hand. Let me know how you like that La Luna ensamble. Oh yeah, that Terralta 55% tequila is awesome! I actually like it slightly better than the Criollo.
@@ZackKlamn thanks 😆 I’m relatively new to Mezcal, but the culture behind is is like no other. When I left Oaxaca I realized I hadn’t discovered even close to what Oaxaca has to offer, I had to go back. The food and people are amazing
Hey there Bill! Thanks for watching and the awesome feedback. I'm glad I have incredibly passionate folk checking these out. It keeps the fire stoked! 🔥
No worries Orlando, thanks for checking it out. With Bacanora it uses agave angustifolia haw, the haw component being the sub-species of the angustifolia species. Traditional espadin is agave angustifolia (no sub-species), espadin being the maguey (or common name for it). The maguey (common name) for Bacanora is Pacifica which again refers to the agave angustifolia haw plant. 🤓
@@ZackKlamn thank you so much, I'm from Sonora and I feel this is something I should know, i had no solid argument to say Bacanora is actually different from Mezcal Espadin (aside of something like the all tequila is mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila phrase). To rephrase Agave Pacifica is another name for Agave Angustifolia Haw, which is not the same as plain Agave Angustifolia which is Espadin, did i get that right? Cheers
@@orlybriceno No problem, it's not intuitive by any means. Mezcal is any distilled spirit made from an agave plant. So, by that definition then technically bacanora is a type of mezcal (as is tequila as per the phase). I don't like to describe them as that though as I think it takes away from the individual agave spirits and makes them sound less special for a lack of a better term. Sonora folk should be proud of their bacanora spirit without people trying to say it is mezcal (same with tequila). I know you we're trying to do this, I guess I'm just clarifying my own position, haha. But yes! You have the agave/maguey portion of it dialed in. Pacifica is the maguey/common name for Agave angustifolia haw and espadin is the maguey/common name for agave angustifolia. Anything else, let me know. Salud, amigo!!!
Great review! Where online did u see the original Mezcal Vago Elote that turned out to be the one made by the sons? I'm seeing one and dont want to make the same mistake.
Hey Lawrence! Most of the Vago Elote now online will be Hijos de Aquilino, it should specify that on the bottle. If the website doesn't have a picture, message them first and confirm that's what you're getting. Sometimes their pics aren't aligned with their inventory. A good resource to see what maybe in your state is the "Wine Searcher" site. What state are you in BTW? Thanks for checking out the video, amigo! Talk to you soon!!!
Vago will always say who is making that specific bottle. It's getting harder to find Aquilino bottles. Hijos de Aquilino bottle that are produced recently have a different style label as well (it depends on when they were bottled). If you have any more questions on a bottle you may like, let me know. I am glad to help you out. 😎
Do you have a list on Curiada? I’m trying to get into Mezcal, and you clearly know your stuff. Being in an ABC state myself where they only stock big brand names when it comes to agave spirits, Curiada seems to be my only choice.
Hey!!! Sorry for the late reply but I checked out the Curiada site. If I was going to recommend anything on there it would be the Vago Elote. I think it's easily the best value mezcal on the site for sipping. It blows away any of the mezcal in that price range that are listed IMO. The next one that is a good starter is the Bozal Ensamble. It's a bit cheaper than the Vago Elote but I still think the Elote is a better buy for the extra $10. I was looking for a higher end / top shelf option for you and I'd have to go with the Vago Cuixe (anything Vago does is awesome, in fact). Finally, if you are trying to try an entry level mezcal to sip that could double as a mixer for cocktails, I would go with the Amaras Espadin for that. I hope this helps, hit me up with any questions!!!
@@ZackKlamn Hey Zack. Thanks for going through all that trouble. I’ll definitely go with your sipper recommendations. I only wish they would partner with your channel so you could get some compensation for my purchases. Cheers!
@@MisterCaution No worries at all, my friend! I'd rather go through the trouble and have you avoid bad mezcal, haha. Let me know how they turn out - whether you like them or not - keen to find out. Salud,!
@@ZackKlamn Hi Zack. I went with Vago Elote and thought it was a solid recommendation by you, so thanks again! I also really like the directness and honesty on their labeling, which seems to go into far more detail than say Del Maguey-distributed bottlings. If anything, though, I thought it was a relatively friendly sipper, which I am guessing you perhaps prioritized in your recommendation to me as a newbie. So, just curious, if you wanted to really challenge someone like me with flavor (like for Scotch, I might suggest Ardbeg 10 has a more challenging flavor profile than, say, Glenmorangie 10), what would be your “go to” Mezcal (or type of Mezcal)?
@@MisterCaution Hey!!! So glad you dug the Vago Elote. It's one of the best value mezcales out there. I checked the Curiada site for your next one and nothing there is really blowing my hair back. Most of the stuff is just OK at best and I want to get something fabulous into your hands. What state are you in (I'll see what big sites may deliver there)? Do you have any other local sites that you can order mezcal from? Lemme know. 😎
I really like it! One of the best value mezcales out there, in my opinion. I just did a best mezcal under $30 video with these bang-for-your-buck picks. Thanks for checking this one out! 😎
@@RedPillVegan If you are thinking about a trip to Oaxaca or Michoacan and need some mezcal info, flick me an email. Or if you have questions on a bottle to buy in your area (I am spoiled in California, best selection outside of Mexico) I'd be happy to help. hello@zackklamn.com
Noticed your bottle of Vago Elote with Hijos Garcia's name on the bottle but heard you prefer his son's Temo and Mateo's bottling. Just went to my liquor store who carries most of Vago's lineup and still couldn't find the Elote with his son's name on the bottle. What gives knowing it's been 8 months since you review?
Yeah, I think they should promote them and not just by the legacy of their father. Their mezcal is definitely good enough. So... we're you able to find anything by them yet?
Bought the Elote with Eijos which was fantastic but still searching for one made by his sons. I’ve befriended several retail store owners who are trying to locate one for me.
@@ZackKlamn I’m from MA. I’m able to order from some online sites and use my friend living in RI as my ‘mule’ for those sites that don’t. Do you know of any sites that have this particular Vago in stock? 🙏
It's either that or bust out my Blue Jays hat. Which is either a beacon of love from Canadians or hatred from Texas Rangers fan. The RVCA is a relative Switzerland. :)
It is a distilled alcohol spirit made from any kind of agave plant. Tequila is similar although it is only made from a single species of agave (agave tequilana or azul a.k.a. blue weber). Does this help? Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help!
Hi Zack I just subscribed in your show it is very interesting, I am in to Mezcales and I love Mezcales from Durango, cenizo agave 47% alcohol proof are delicious, one brand I just bought its Lagrimas de Delores check it out
Hi Juan... thanks for subscribing, I really appreciate it. I love Durango mezcales! Lagrimas is a great brand. I've tried a few of their bottles and they were all very tasty. You have impeccable taste. 👌😎😉
@@ZackKlamn Saludos ✌ Quick question, to go to that Mezcalera La Luna, did you have to schedule an appointment or is it just open all the time for the public? My hometown is Morelia, which is not even that far from there. Cheers!
Send me an email: hello@zackklamn.com ... I'll get you the contact info of the person who arranges visits. But it should be easy and it's not too far from Morelia.
Great video Zack! Great reviews 👌🏼
I ran across a Lote 3 of this Chino in my local liquor store today and picked it up.
Great reviews I can’t wait to try these! Thank you for sharing
That's awesome! The easiest to get are probably the La Luna Chino and the Vago Elote (depending on where you live). If you get to try any of these, let me know what you think. Thanks for watching. 😎
Nice
Enjoying your posts, thanks for making them. Picking favorites is brutal...like picking a favorite child. I fully agree with your call on the Vago Elote. Good stuff, unique in flavor profile, and at that price point, its a steal in comparison to other options.
Man, you're so right! I could've done a top 10 video and it still would've been hard to narrow down. That's why many of these had that story or personal connection to it. That elote is rock frickin' solid - taste and value, I always have a bottle on hand. Thanks for watching, brother!! 😎
@@ZackKlamn : Absolutely agree with you on the personal connection making the mezcal even better. If you have that memory the mezcal tastes even richer.
For that reason, my 2022 favorites so far are a Felix Angeles tobala pechuga and a Lalo Angeles tripon. Every sip reminds me of the visit to S.C.M. Enjoy!
@@traveltime6975 Gracias, amigo!!!
I wish you would do a 2023 version and updated 2024.
Just returned from Guanajuato and San Miquel de Allende. Fui allá para hablar español, pero me alegre con Yuu Baal - Jabalí mezcal :)
That's a great Jabali! I have one myself. Awesome choice!!! 😎
Waaaaa zack coming in hot! looking forward to more vids especially with those high proof tequila features Calle, forta, Ter! Nice!
Thanks, those high proof tequilas are pretty awesome. In the future I was going to get a couple more bottles and do a high proof feature. I think it'd be a fun one to make. I appreciate the feedback, great suggestion! 😎
Surprised I am in the first 100 subscribers; I found your video very helpful, as I am currently here in Oaxaca. I'm likely going to go for the Hijos Vago Elote. Bute I'm also tempted to pick-up the Rey Campero Tepextate, if I come across it.
Looking forward to more videos.
Hey Mark, thanks so much for subscribing. Almost at triple digits, yay! ;) There's so many awesome palenques to see around Oaxaca. I was there the week before last. The Rey Campero Tepeztate is really nice too. If you start visiting palenques you can buy direct from them and sample all the ones you like while you're there. :)
@@ZackKlamn Very happy to subscribe. I'm sure I'll come back and find your subscription count in the 100k plus, soon enough.
That's a very good suggestion. I did a Mezcal tasting room last night, but it seems Oaxaca is busy at this time, so it's hard to find slots/reservations. I'll see if we can slip in a palenque visit, before we head back to Canada.
Sadly, we had to split our trip among 3 cities, to visit family and such. I wish we could have more time to experience the full Oaxaca experience. I am now tempted to add Michoacán to the next trip, based on your Mezcal experience there.
Salud, and all the best wishes for the growth I'm sure your channel will experience, as Mezcal popularity continues to grow.
Love your channel Zack! Hope you keep up the content. Just went through about half a bottle of the Vago Elote through the work week and I couldn't agree with you more. The sweetness of the agave really shines. I get a little egg nog flavor with some burnt creamed corn on the finish. Good stuff.
Thanks so much!! Yeah, love the elote. You try any other good ones lately?
@@ZackKlamn I just finished a bottle of the Del Maguey Chichicapa. Good stuff!!
@@nickmartinez1008 Yeeeeeeeeah! I really dig that stuff. Great work. 😎
Yo, Zack! I'm out here in SoCal, in Riverside. Do you know of some good spots to go Mezcal shopping anywhere near my area?
@@nickmartinez1008 I get about 90% of my mezcal in LA if I'm passing through or order online. I'm up in Buellton (Central Coast Cali). There are so many options for you. Look online and check out what these stores may have: Mission Wine & Spirits, K&L Wines, Hi-time Wine, Ramirez Liquor, Madre Restaurants. Between these you'll have an insane amount to choose from. 🥳
Nice work, Zack. Enjoyed this.
Thanks a bunch, man! I really appreciate you tuning in. 😎
Hey Zack, really enjoyed this as usual (all your videos are great, so informative and your passion for Mezcal is infectious) and chance for a best of 2022/23 anytime soon?
Excellent! Funny enough I signed up for mix tape Monday and picked up a la Luna ( cupreata+ tequilana) tonight. Then I found your video. Will have to get the elote. I’m a tequila person I love the terralta and the criollo
I hope you really enjoy the Agave Mix Tape. The people behind it are so awesome. I've been down in Oaxaca this past week and they shared many contacts with me, all families that have done expressions for the subscriptions, and I got to see them first hand. Let me know how you like that La Luna ensamble. Oh yeah, that Terralta 55% tequila is awesome! I actually like it slightly better than the Criollo.
Next time I’m in Oaxaca, I need a good Mezcal guide, I’ll have to hit you up. Would like a long, in depth tour
I'd love to help you out! Your passion on mezcal is fantastic!!!
@@ZackKlamn thanks 😆 I’m relatively new to Mezcal, but the culture behind is is like no other.
When I left Oaxaca I realized I hadn’t discovered even close to what Oaxaca has to offer, I had to go back. The food and people are amazing
@@b0ssbeerreviews83 Yeah, buddy!!! So glad you're stoked and wanting to keep learning more about it.
La Luna is incredible been a fan for a while now I'm a fan of your channel..love your passion. Have your passion
Hey there Bill! Thanks for watching and the awesome feedback. I'm glad I have incredibly passionate folk checking these out. It keeps the fire stoked! 🔥
Awesome video, thank you so much. I want to ask you is there a difference between Espadin and Angustifolia Haw used to make Bacanora
No worries Orlando, thanks for checking it out. With Bacanora it uses agave angustifolia haw, the haw component being the sub-species of the angustifolia species. Traditional espadin is agave angustifolia (no sub-species), espadin being the maguey (or common name for it). The maguey (common name) for Bacanora is Pacifica which again refers to the agave angustifolia haw plant. 🤓
@@ZackKlamn thank you so much, I'm from Sonora and I feel this is something I should know, i had no solid argument to say Bacanora is actually different from Mezcal Espadin (aside of something like the all tequila is mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila phrase). To rephrase Agave Pacifica is another name for Agave Angustifolia Haw, which is not the same as plain Agave Angustifolia which is Espadin, did i get that right? Cheers
@@orlybriceno No problem, it's not intuitive by any means. Mezcal is any distilled spirit made from an agave plant. So, by that definition then technically bacanora is a type of mezcal (as is tequila as per the phase). I don't like to describe them as that though as I think it takes away from the individual agave spirits and makes them sound less special for a lack of a better term. Sonora folk should be proud of their bacanora spirit without people trying to say it is mezcal (same with tequila). I know you we're trying to do this, I guess I'm just clarifying my own position, haha. But yes! You have the agave/maguey portion of it dialed in. Pacifica is the maguey/common name for Agave angustifolia haw and espadin is the maguey/common name for agave angustifolia. Anything else, let me know. Salud, amigo!!!
@@ZackKlamn salud!
Great review! Where online did u see the original Mezcal Vago Elote that turned out to be the one made by the sons? I'm seeing one and dont want to make the same mistake.
Hey Lawrence! Most of the Vago Elote now online will be Hijos de Aquilino, it should specify that on the bottle. If the website doesn't have a picture, message them first and confirm that's what you're getting. Sometimes their pics aren't aligned with their inventory. A good resource to see what maybe in your state is the "Wine Searcher" site. What state are you in BTW? Thanks for checking out the video, amigo! Talk to you soon!!!
What the best way to know I’m getting a bottle from aquilino batch rather than the sons?
Vago will always say who is making that specific bottle. It's getting harder to find Aquilino bottles. Hijos de Aquilino bottle that are produced recently have a different style label as well (it depends on when they were bottled). If you have any more questions on a bottle you may like, let me know. I am glad to help you out. 😎
Hella of a vid wish I could find these in VA
I know, California is pretty spoiled. What are some of the better brands you have in VA?
@@davidzamorski4977 ... It's crazy how it varies state to state. So inconsistent. Thanks for watching, brother! 😎
Do you have a list on Curiada? I’m trying to get into Mezcal, and you clearly know your stuff. Being in an ABC state myself where they only stock big brand names when it comes to agave spirits, Curiada seems to be my only choice.
Hey!!! Sorry for the late reply but I checked out the Curiada site. If I was going to recommend anything on there it would be the Vago Elote. I think it's easily the best value mezcal on the site for sipping. It blows away any of the mezcal in that price range that are listed IMO. The next one that is a good starter is the Bozal Ensamble. It's a bit cheaper than the Vago Elote but I still think the Elote is a better buy for the extra $10. I was looking for a higher end / top shelf option for you and I'd have to go with the Vago Cuixe (anything Vago does is awesome, in fact). Finally, if you are trying to try an entry level mezcal to sip that could double as a mixer for cocktails, I would go with the Amaras Espadin for that. I hope this helps, hit me up with any questions!!!
@@ZackKlamn Hey Zack. Thanks for going through all that trouble. I’ll definitely go with your sipper recommendations. I only wish they would partner with your channel so you could get some compensation for my purchases. Cheers!
@@MisterCaution No worries at all, my friend! I'd rather go through the trouble and have you avoid bad mezcal, haha. Let me know how they turn out - whether you like them or not - keen to find out. Salud,!
@@ZackKlamn Hi Zack. I went with Vago Elote and thought it was a solid recommendation by you, so thanks again! I also really like the directness and honesty on their labeling, which seems to go into far more detail than say Del Maguey-distributed bottlings. If anything, though, I thought it was a relatively friendly sipper, which I am guessing you perhaps prioritized in your recommendation to me as a newbie. So, just curious, if you wanted to really challenge someone like me with flavor (like for Scotch, I might suggest Ardbeg 10 has a more challenging flavor profile than, say, Glenmorangie 10), what would be your “go to” Mezcal (or type of Mezcal)?
@@MisterCaution Hey!!! So glad you dug the Vago Elote. It's one of the best value mezcales out there. I checked the Curiada site for your next one and nothing there is really blowing my hair back. Most of the stuff is just OK at best and I want to get something fabulous into your hands. What state are you in (I'll see what big sites may deliver there)? Do you have any other local sites that you can order mezcal from? Lemme know. 😎
What do you think of banhez?
The espadin & barril “ensemble” joven
It’s about the best i could get locally
I really like it! One of the best value mezcales out there, in my opinion. I just did a best mezcal under $30 video with these bang-for-your-buck picks. Thanks for checking this one out! 😎
@@ZackKlamn man i need to get down to mexico. That is cool you have been down and seen different spots
@@RedPillVegan If you are thinking about a trip to Oaxaca or Michoacan and need some mezcal info, flick me an email. Or if you have questions on a bottle to buy in your area (I am spoiled in California, best selection outside of Mexico) I'd be happy to help. hello@zackklamn.com
Is there a link to the subscription please?
Hi Dana! The link to the Maguey Melate subscription is:
www.magueymelate.com/subscriptions/
Is the La Luna Chino Silvestre different than yours?
That should be the same one. You try it out? 🤩
@@ZackKlamn I have not. I was looking for yours but could only find the ones that say silvestre
@@klg223kim6 ... That's the same one (with the white label). If you end up trying it, let me know what you think! Are you into other mezcales?
@@ZackKlamn just starting to explore!
@@klg223kim6 So awesome... keep digging! 😎
Wow! Robert De Niro is doing Mezcal reviews.
I got my eye on you, Focker! 😄
Noticed your bottle of Vago Elote with Hijos Garcia's name on the bottle but heard you prefer his son's Temo and Mateo's bottling. Just went to my liquor store who carries most of Vago's lineup and still couldn't find the Elote with his son's name on the bottle. What gives knowing it's been 8 months since you review?
Yeah, I think they should promote them and not just by the legacy of their father. Their mezcal is definitely good enough. So... we're you able to find anything by them yet?
Bought the Elote with Eijos which was fantastic but still searching for one made by his sons. I’ve befriended several retail store owners who are trying to locate one for me.
@@thecocktaildistiller Sweet!!! What state are you in? Are you able to order online there?
@@ZackKlamn I’m from MA. I’m able to order from some online sites and use my friend living in RI as my ‘mule’ for those sites that don’t. Do you know of any sites that have this particular Vago in stock? 🙏
Rvca hat
Cmon man
It's either that or bust out my Blue Jays hat. Which is either a beacon of love from Canadians or hatred from Texas Rangers fan. The RVCA is a relative Switzerland. :)
Lol.. so what IS mezcale exactly?
It is a distilled alcohol spirit made from any kind of agave plant. Tequila is similar although it is only made from a single species of agave (agave tequilana or azul a.k.a. blue weber). Does this help? Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help!
Got a la luna incoming, but not that bottle
The La Luna cupreata, their black label flagship, is great as well. Awesome choice. Let me know how you like it!!!
@@ZackKlamn yep that is the one
Hi Zack I just subscribed in your show it is very interesting, I am in to Mezcales and I love Mezcales from Durango, cenizo agave 47% alcohol proof are delicious, one brand I just bought its Lagrimas de Delores check it out
Hi Juan... thanks for subscribing, I really appreciate it. I love Durango mezcales! Lagrimas is a great brand. I've tried a few of their bottles and they were all very tasty. You have impeccable taste. 👌😎😉
The proper term for a mezcalero is "Palenquero."
I've heard that term as well. Thanks for the advice, amigo. 😎
@@ZackKlamn
Saludos ✌
Quick question, to go to that Mezcalera La Luna, did you have to schedule an appointment or is it just open all the time for the public?
My hometown is Morelia, which is not even that far from there.
Cheers!
@@bazan0448
Send me an email: hello@zackklamn.com ... I'll get you the contact info of the person who arranges visits. But it should be easy and it's not too far from Morelia.
@@ZackKlamn
Thank you so much!