Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal

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T December 20, 2006
 
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96 (3)
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Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal

Mezcal Review

Brand
Del Maguey
NOM
Product Web Site
Certified Organic
Yes
Tasting Awards
2008 Agave Spirits Challenge
Bronze Medal & Most Artistic Brand
2008 Agave Spirits Challenge Bronze Medal

Mezcal Del Maguey Chichicapa

ChichicapaTM has a relatively light nose, yet is deep and sweet on the tongue with a very complex character. It has a long finish, with a distinct smokiness and hint of mint at the end.

Chichicapa is 2 hours south of Oaxaca, and 2 hours to the west on a dirt road. The pueblo elevation is about 7,000 feet. Chichicapa is separated from the valley of Oaxaca by a mountain range. The valley is broad, about thirty miles deep and ten miles wide. The climate is desert and tropical, with banana trees, guava, mangoes and other exotic fruits. Faustino Garcia Vasquez is the maker of Chichicapa. He is a humble and talented craftsmen with great respect for the ancient processes.



User reviews

3 reviews
Overall rating
 
96
Aroma-Nose
 
96(3)
Initial Taste
 
97(3)
Body
 
97(3)
Finish
 
97(3)
Enjoyability
 
96(3)
Price
 
90(3)
Presentation
 
96(3)
Overall rating
 
96
Aroma-Nose
 
94
Initial Taste
 
95
Body
 
96
Finish
 
99
Enjoyability
 
96
Price
 
90
Presentation
 
99
I was heartened to see a few like minded individuals on this page. I tried my first real Mezcal(Del Maguey Santo Domingo) this year, and was struck by the complexity that I never knew existed in anything other than single-malt scotch. I just tried the Chichicapa tonight, and was absolutely blown away. What struck me most was the incredibly complex, satisfying finish. The potency of it is something to behold as well. Being almost 50% abv, what I thought was my aperitif lasted me through my full meal. I may try my next with a splash of water. What I'm not sure of is if I'll ever go back to my Laproaig. Certainly I will be starting my search for a bottle of my tomorrow.
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Overall rating
 
99
Aroma-Nose
 
100
Initial Taste
 
100
Body
 
100
Finish
 
99
Enjoyability
 
99
Price
 
91
Presentation
 
95
I'm a new member to this post - in fact signed up just a few hours ago. I'm delighted to have read at least one review of my favorite drink. I've been drinking Chichicapa mezcal for the past dozen or so years after having moved to Texas for graduate school. I am now back in Brooklyn and have not met anyone who has understood the pleasure of drinking Chichicapa. Succinctly stated it is by far the best alcoholic beverage on the planet, albeit I respect of course that it is not for everyone. I've turned some people on to it yet they were unable to appreciate its smoky seductive nature and power. The member "tukeelabeep" has hit it right on the head in all accounts. In fact I agree with this member's comments completely (with the exception that I gave 100's in my ratings). I would add that drinking Chichicapa is like giving your insides a wonderful slow glow -- the smoky taste first embraces one's tongue with a subtle warmth and slowly dances down one's throat warming everything in its path and finally landing gently in one's chest region where I like to believe it ultimately warms the soul. I guess I could say (I'm going out on a limb here folks) Chichicapa seemingly wraps its taste around the heart in a unique blanket of smoky warmth. I know I sound rather dramatic and poetic in my description but it's all good - all true. Drink it and feel the power. It's a beautiful experience. If you're living in a cold zone and you're without a fireplace, like me, then drink Chichicapa. You'll understand. But please sip it. I'm not a rep by the way (though I would like to meet Faustino Garcia Vasquez and visit Chichicapa one of these days); I'm just an exuberant guy who appreciates good things. And Chichicapa fits the bill. Big time.
EP
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 3 0
Overall rating
 
94
Aroma-Nose
 
95
Initial Taste
 
95
Body
 
95
Finish
 
93
Enjoyability
 
92
Price
 
90
Presentation
 
95
Understand these things... I don't ever award 100, I like bold flavors, and if I was ever stranded on a desert island, I would hope that it was with a case of Del Maguey Single Village CHICHICAPA Mezcal. Since the first time I had the pleasure of tasting this heavenly elixir, I have not been able to get enough. This is not just my favorite mezcal or agave product, it is my favorite liquor! The aroma is one that brings me back to the comfort of being near a roaring camp or beach fire; calming from the warmth with distinct smoke that stays with you. The initial taste is a full mouth experience. Initially with a buttery taste across the front 2/3 of the tongue, ending with a full display of sweet, but dry, agave notes and smoke (once again) that make you realize you are definitely not drinking a tequila. The finish leaves your whole mouth tingling from the experience. Your tongue, throat, and roof of your mouth seem revived as if they had been sleeping through every tasting prior to this one. Smoky flavors remain in your mouth, similar to those experienced after having smoked a very good cigar (not lasting as long) but clearly reminding you of the events that brought you here. The presentation is to be noted. While the bottle, itself, is no more notable than an $8 table wine, the label and bottle seal are very special. Del Maguey prides itself on some beautiful painting style labels and has the only wax sealed bottle top that I have observed in the bottling industry. Each bottle also comes in a elegant, woven, two piece bottle cover that is a product of the village from which it originated. Each package is simple, understated, and, subsequently beautiful. Because it is a work of art, Del Maguey also happens to sell prints of its labels at their website (http://www.mezcal.com). At the end of any day, I love many (any) agave products. I consider Del Maguey to be superior among them. But the one I want to end my day is the Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal. By the way... if you are able to find the Del Maguey products at a liquor store. insist that it be accompanied by the woven bottle cover. These are so special that I have seen many stores keeping them off of the shelf.
T
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