Del Maguey Pechuga Mezcal

I probably have a soft spot for this one since it's my first big mezcal purchase. I've had a bunch of cocktail mezcals (any low abv mezcal under $50) and I enjoyed them but they lacked depth and complexity. This was also my first pechuga and it blew me away back then and while it doesnt hold up as much now that I've tried many other high quality mezcals, it's still very good. As with nearly all pechugas it is triple distilled with a chicken breast hanging in the still during the third distillation. My bottle is actually distilled in 2012 and has an abv of 49% (quality sipping mezcal isnt altered or watered down so the abv changes with each batch). I bought it in 2015 and have randomly drank it off and on since then. Unlike nearly every other spirit most mezcals actually get better after they are opened. Some of the harshness gets toned down and that was the case with this one for sure (there are actually quite a few very good mezcals that are aged in glass before they are released). At the moment I have about 25% of the bottle left. On the nose I get clay and what smells like what you get when you walk outside on a damp, dewy morning. The palate is where this one shines, with some spice (thinking clove), light smoke, leather and citrus. The finish is incredibly smooth, with a nice burn on the way down. It really just lingers for a good ten minutes after the last sip. Its definitely a quality mezcal and one that gets better with age. I would be curious to know if this has changed since the company was sold to Pernod Ricard. Either way, 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 flavours 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)

Final mezcal in a Del Maguey tasting, and what should have been the pinnacle. Nose: clean and green, pine, eucalyptus, nail polish, cashew nuts, incredibly strong smell of pet shop. Also chicken fat but that could be the power of suggestion. Taste: menthol, aniseed, some salt, bitter fruit. This is unlike anything I’ve ever had, so in that sense it is very interesting and I’m glad to get the experience of trying it. But the aniseed taste reminds me of sambuca which is off-putting due to my strong dislike for that spirit.

Funnily enough my last review on another Del Maguey echoed @cascode sentiments exactly on this one. Read his earlier review its a good one. Such is the force of this one that even with its flavour profile muted you can tell its a dram to be reckoned with. I'd love to taste it in its prime, a fresh bottle would be awesome, still it's got very good bones. Thanks cascode!

This is one of the most interesting liquors that i have had. This flavor profile is insane. If you are looking for a traditional smoky Mezcal, this isnt 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!

$39 per shot @ Diablo's in Little Rock, AR. However it was probably the worst shot I tried out of nearly a dozen at this place over the last months. I was told the maguey was steamed with chicken and this gave it some sort of flavor, but all I got was a rough gasoline nose with equally rough sharp unpleasant burn!