Bad Habit – Del Maguey San Luis del Rio
As promised here is at least one more agave based cocktail during the month of May. In this case, I went for a mango forward Mezcal Margarita with a little bit extra. On top of that, I had the chance to try another single village bottling by Del Maguey.
The San Luis del Rio bottling is made in its namesake village by the Cruz Nolasco family from 100 % Espadín agaves. The producers roast the Pinas in conical ovens in the earth over wood-fired volcanic rocks. The woods used for roasting the agaves are Mezquite, Quebrachi, Huamuchil, Pitayo, Pochotle, Tepeguaje, Copal Tepomaco, Pino and Encino. For crushing the Curz Nolasco family uses a horse-drawn Tahona. The mash is fermented using natural yeasts in 1.400 l open top wooden vats. After the fermentation for eight to ten days the agaves are distilled on 350 l Alembic copper stills. In the end, the Mezcal has an ABV of 47 %.
Smoky minerals
The Del Maguey starts with typical Mezcal smoke reminding me of a bonfire. Next, certain glue like characteristics develop. Afterwards, the fruitiness and a slight sweetness from the agave shine through. Towards the aftertaste a certain mineral flavour lingers on your tongue. All in all, this is a powerful, but very complex sipping Mezcal.
Fruity and smoky
Nevertheless, I could not keep myself from mixing a cocktail with the San Luis del Rio. I added some lime eau de vie and a mango liqueur to a classic Margarita cocktail. On top of that, I threw in some tobacco bitters made by Dr. Sours. At first I wanted only use as little as lime possible to balance out the drink and stir it. However, if you use something viscous like mango liqueur it turns out not to be the best idea.
0,75 cl Hiebl Lime Eau De Vie
0,75 cl Chinola Mango Liqueur
2,25 cl Lime Juice
2,25 cl Agave Syrup
Garnish: Lime Twist;
Song: The Kooks – Bad Habit;
This Mezcal Margarita variation starts with a complex combination of smoke and mango. Beneath those top notes, you can taste some citrus flavours, especially lime peel. Everything is rounded off by a great sweet and sour mix which balances out the dominant notes.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. I received the Mezcal for free from Jacobi Spirits.
