Great video Zack, just subscribed! I come to Mezcal from the sipping rum world and experience with mezcal as a amateur bartender (mainly 40 percent abv smoky ones for mixing) , looking to learn more in your videos about sipping mezcals, thanks!👍
Hey! Thanks so much for checking this out and stoked that you enjoyed it! I really enjoy rum as well. My fav is a El Dorado 12 or 15 year. Great stuff!!! I hope you keep diving into mezcal - it's fantastic. If you ever have any questions, hit me up. Salud, amigo!!!
I don't mind the vida as I usually use it for margaritas and I love my bottle of Chichicapa! I've seen the De Muerte so I might have to pick that one up as my alcohol budget for the month is about used up. I'll keep my eye out for the San Pablo. Thanks again! Cheers!
Sweet!!! It's awesome you're staying on budget. Too often the alcohol spending can become a runaway, hahaha! If you try the VdM let me know what you think. 😎
Agree!! SPA is my favorite as well. I recently finished my bottle of the 100% papelote early version...need to try that newer version with a tep. addition! :-)
I also enjoy the chichicapa alot! Sipping a tepextate silvestre del maguey rn, not bad either! Big thanks for the content you put out, keep it up! Cheers
Yeah buddy, that Chichicapa is rock solid. I haven't tried the wild tep yet but it's on the list. I heard it's pretty darn awesome. Thanks right back at'cha for watching, brother! I really appreciate that. 😎
Yeah, taste is subjective. Vida has it's fan base that's for sure. Have you tried the Vida de Muertos though? The extra ABV does wonders IMO. Thanks for watching and reaching out, really appreciate that! :)
@@EuropaWill I'd say the Chichicapa is close but it's a tastier smoke profile IMO. It's not made for cocktails so I believe it has better overall notes and complexities. But ... this is all subjective, haha. Just one mezcal lovers humble opinion. Salud!
That's interesting! I find especially with mezcal, tasting notes can differ quite a bit. I love to hear how other peoples' palates perceive flavors. Do you enjoy sipping Chichicapa or not for you? Thanks a bunch for watching, I really appreciate it!
I LOVE Chichicapa. It's my everyday sipping mezcal. There are some better out there but this is very consistent, tasty and readily available. Plus, espadins are great "reset button" mezcales. There are so many rich and amazing flavors with other mezcal agave/maguey that I like to return to the basics. And Chichicapa is an fantastic mid-range espadin (IMO). It's definitely one I'd get into your collection. If you do grab a bottle, hit me up and let me know what you think. Talk to you soon, my friend!!
Hi Zack, good one. To be honest i often am a bit confused by their line up to where i tend to avoid it. I suppose that means I should learn more about it! the first 5 are espadin, is that right? Do you know how their different in process? Are they starting high and watering down to lower proof?
The first 5 were espadin, correct. The only one that is great IMO is the Chichicapa. I like the fact that DM is so accessible but one of the things I don't like is that they are brand forward and not producer forward. So, I get why it's hard not to get behind them like you mentioned. Their process should be the same as most mezcales but they aren't terribly transparent. I think for their mid-range stuff, especially the Chichicapa their production is probably pretty solid. To get the blend, I assume they are blending with portions of the tails to get the final product. But again, not 100% sure there, haha. 😎
It's not bad but I think there are better Del Maguey bottle options for that price. I only had a 2 oz sample of the DM Tobala though - it's decent but overpriced IMO. It's $120-30 a bottle in California so at that price I'd say there are better Tobala bottles overall. Do you have many options where you're at or is it limited?
@@johnfoxcoats2722 ...Out of those you listed I have tried the Wild Jabali and the Tobaziche. I thought the Tobasizche was awesome (4.5 stars out of 5)! Overall it's highly rated in reviews as well. If you're in doubt, do you ever use Mezcal Reviews to get people's thoughts on bottles? You can often get an idea if you would like it based on other's flavor notes and rating of overall quality.
Question: I was out today looking for the Vida, and picked up the only one on the shelf. When I got it home I noticed it said Puebla on the bottom and didn't have the same label as your Video shown here. It's also bottled at a slightly lower 40% abv. Can you comment on how it compares with the two other Vida's you mention here?
I have never tried the Puebla and I think it's newer. It's designed to be a cocktail or mixing mezcal. Have you tried it? It's likely not the best sipping mezcal but I'll let you be the judge, what did you think?
@@ZackKlamn well since I commented, I have acquired both Puebla and the original Vida now called Clasico. To my palate both are very well crafted and highly recommended to the beginner entering the world if mezcal. I personally prefer the Clasico since it is more amped up. ABV, smoke, earthy notes. Puebla comes off more saline, mineral and intense in it's own way but still fantastic in a cocktail where it lends nice complexity. I've done blinds where both won at different times sipping neat. You should compare them both for a video and include the other Vida.
@@EuropaWill ...Hey! Thanks for all this, you really drilled into the details and enjoyed both of these mezcales. Since I haven't even tried the Puebla yet this is a good opportunity to try out and compare to the now Clasico Vida. Keep me posted on any other awesome new ones you may try. There's so much great stuff out there and I enjoy get updates on these. Salud!😎
@@ZackKlamn since you asked for other picks of mine: Bozal Ensamble, Montelobos Espadin Joven, and the most unique of all of these Burrito Fiestero Durango! My first mezcal was El Silencio Espadin but after trying these others I don't think that bottle compares favorably with the rest of this list. It's fine but seems much less interesting all around. Have you tried any of these??
@@EuropaWill ... I've tried them all and that's a great trio right there. All are great value! And I agree, hard pass on the El Silencio Espadin - smoke bomb city! Dude, you're falling down the awesome mezcal rabbit hole, hahaha.
I got a bottle of Vida and was very confused. It has a strong smell of rubber. Think rubber bands, cardboard boxes, and storage rooms. Did I get a bad bottle?
I think your assessment is very accurate. Vida can be pretty rough, IMO. There's way better in the Del Maguey line. And way better bottles than Vida at that price point.
Excellent review. Thanks. There are a few I've yet to try but will put them in my list.
Most appreciated, my friend! 🙏
Great video Zack, just subscribed! I come to Mezcal from the sipping rum world and experience with mezcal as a amateur bartender (mainly 40 percent abv smoky ones for mixing) , looking to learn more in your videos about sipping mezcals, thanks!👍
Hey! Thanks so much for checking this out and stoked that you enjoyed it! I really enjoy rum as well. My fav is a El Dorado 12 or 15 year. Great stuff!!! I hope you keep diving into mezcal - it's fantastic. If you ever have any questions, hit me up. Salud, amigo!!!
I don't mind the vida as I usually use it for margaritas and I love my bottle of Chichicapa! I've seen the De Muerte so I might have to pick that one up as my alcohol budget for the month is about used up. I'll keep my eye out for the San Pablo. Thanks again! Cheers!
Sweet!!! It's awesome you're staying on budget. Too often the alcohol spending can become a runaway, hahaha! If you try the VdM let me know what you think. 😎
Agree!! SPA is my favorite as well. I recently finished my bottle of the 100% papelote early version...need to try that newer version with a tep. addition! :-)
I can hook you up with a newer SPA sample, next time I'm passing through! Have fun in Oaxaca, brother! 😎
I also enjoy the chichicapa alot! Sipping a tepextate silvestre del maguey rn, not bad either! Big thanks for the content you put out, keep it up! Cheers
Yeah buddy, that Chichicapa is rock solid. I haven't tried the wild tep yet but it's on the list. I heard it's pretty darn awesome. Thanks right back at'cha for watching, brother! I really appreciate that. 😎
Vida is the absolute BEST!!! The smoke is heavenly. Not for everyone but I love that stuff
Yeah, taste is subjective. Vida has it's fan base that's for sure. Have you tried the Vida de Muertos though? The extra ABV does wonders IMO. Thanks for watching and reaching out, really appreciate that! :)
Great info Zack I now have the a hat trick to try
Haha, nice Brian! Can't wait to hear your fourth endeavor. 😀
Have the Chichicapa and San Pablo Ameyaltepec. Really like the smokiness of the Chichicapa.
Me too! Love the Chichicapa. Thanks for watching Big Mac!
Is it smokier than the now Vida Clasico?
@@EuropaWill I'd say the Chichicapa is close but it's a tastier smoke profile IMO. It's not made for cocktails so I believe it has better overall notes and complexities. But ... this is all subjective, haha. Just one mezcal lovers humble opinion. Salud!
Surprised by the Chichicapa tasting notes. I think it’s more musty and vegetal than fruity. .Great video none the less! Cheers!
That's interesting! I find especially with mezcal, tasting notes can differ quite a bit. I love to hear how other peoples' palates perceive flavors. Do you enjoy sipping Chichicapa or not for you? Thanks a bunch for watching, I really appreciate it!
Batch variation needs to be a factor here also. Especially with mezcals I'm guessing since everything is one off small batches.
I'm just getting into mezcal. Tried the vago elote, love it. Do you think the del mageuy chichicapa is a must try? 72 euro.
I LOVE Chichicapa. It's my everyday sipping mezcal. There are some better out there but this is very consistent, tasty and readily available. Plus, espadins are great "reset button" mezcales. There are so many rich and amazing flavors with other mezcal agave/maguey that I like to return to the basics. And Chichicapa is an fantastic mid-range espadin (IMO). It's definitely one I'd get into your collection. If you do grab a bottle, hit me up and let me know what you think. Talk to you soon, my friend!!
Hi Zack, good one. To be honest i often am a bit confused by their line up to where i tend to avoid it. I suppose that means I should learn more about it! the first 5 are espadin, is that right? Do you know how their different in process? Are they starting high and watering down to lower proof?
The first 5 were espadin, correct. The only one that is great IMO is the Chichicapa. I like the fact that DM is so accessible but one of the things I don't like is that they are brand forward and not producer forward. So, I get why it's hard not to get behind them like you mentioned. Their process should be the same as most mezcales but they aren't terribly transparent. I think for their mid-range stuff, especially the Chichicapa their production is probably pretty solid. To get the blend, I assume they are blending with portions of the tails to get the final product. But again, not 100% sure there, haha. 😎
@@ZackKlamn thanks. Always appreciated.
@@ilovecarnitas Noooooooo worries. 🤠
What are your thoughts on the tobala? Was considering getting bottle, but can’t try before I drop the coin.
It's not bad but I think there are better Del Maguey bottle options for that price. I only had a 2 oz sample of the DM Tobala though - it's decent but overpriced IMO. It's $120-30 a bottle in California so at that price I'd say there are better Tobala bottles overall. Do you have many options where you're at or is it limited?
I’m in Mississippi so not great, but I can get a wild paplome, wild jabali, tobaziche, or madrecuixe. Enjoyed the chichicapa.
@@johnfoxcoats2722 ...Out of those you listed I have tried the Wild Jabali and the Tobaziche. I thought the Tobasizche was awesome (4.5 stars out of 5)! Overall it's highly rated in reviews as well. If you're in doubt, do you ever use Mezcal Reviews to get people's thoughts on bottles? You can often get an idea if you would like it based on other's flavor notes and rating of overall quality.
Thanks Zack!
Question: I was out today looking for the Vida, and picked up the only one on the shelf. When I got it home I noticed it said Puebla on the bottom and didn't have the same label as your Video shown here. It's also bottled at a slightly lower 40% abv. Can you comment on how it compares with the two other Vida's you mention here?
I have never tried the Puebla and I think it's newer. It's designed to be a cocktail or mixing mezcal. Have you tried it? It's likely not the best sipping mezcal but I'll let you be the judge, what did you think?
@@ZackKlamn well since I commented, I have acquired both Puebla and the original Vida now called Clasico. To my palate both are very well crafted and highly recommended to the beginner entering the world if mezcal. I personally prefer the Clasico since it is more amped up. ABV, smoke, earthy notes. Puebla comes off more saline, mineral and intense in it's own way but still fantastic in a cocktail where it lends nice complexity. I've done blinds where both won at different times sipping neat. You should compare them both for a video and include the other Vida.
@@EuropaWill ...Hey! Thanks for all this, you really drilled into the details and enjoyed both of these mezcales. Since I haven't even tried the Puebla yet this is a good opportunity to try out and compare to the now Clasico Vida. Keep me posted on any other awesome new ones you may try. There's so much great stuff out there and I enjoy get updates on these. Salud!😎
@@ZackKlamn since you asked for other picks of mine: Bozal Ensamble, Montelobos Espadin Joven, and the most unique of all of these Burrito Fiestero Durango! My first mezcal was El Silencio Espadin but after trying these others I don't think that bottle compares favorably with the rest of this list. It's fine but seems much less interesting all around. Have you tried any of these??
@@EuropaWill ... I've tried them all and that's a great trio right there. All are great value! And I agree, hard pass on the El Silencio Espadin - smoke bomb city! Dude, you're falling down the awesome mezcal rabbit hole, hahaha.
I got a bottle of Vida and was very confused. It has a strong smell of rubber. Think rubber bands, cardboard boxes, and storage rooms. Did I get a bad bottle?
I think your assessment is very accurate. Vida can be pretty rough, IMO. There's way better in the Del Maguey line. And way better bottles than Vida at that price point.
You are doing just fine. Enjoy it in a margarita and you'll be loving the complexity.
What?