At Del Maguey we offer expressions made from ten different varietals. All are celebrated by the indigenous families who honor Del Maguey with their wisdom.
To fully understand mezcal you must first understand the plant that gifts us this mythic elixir. Agave (maguey) is truly magical and resilient and has long been part of human culture. They are rich material from which masters of distillation create liquid art.
Prized for its rapid 6-8-year maturation, Espadín is the main cultivate used in mezcal production in the state of Oaxaca. Growing to a height of 6-8ft and in a variety of soils and elevations, it produces a wide range of flavors, from fruity and spicy to herbaceous and earthy.
Palomo Espadín Mezcal is known for its refined taste, capturing the essence of the Espadín agave with precision.
Real Minero Espadín Mezcal stands out for its artisanal craftsmanship, highlighting the depth and complexity of this agave variety.
Rey Campero Espadín Mezcal offers a robust and authentic experience that reflects the essence of the Espadín agave.
Before Espadín cultivation truly took off in Oaxaca, Arroqueño was the primary agave in the Valles Centrales and other regions. It is a majestic plant. Taking up to 18 years to mature untouched in the wild, Arroqueño often produces a rich, sweet mezcal, often showing a note of chocolate.
Tobalá, known as the king of magueys, is believed by some to be the first agave distilled by indigenous Oaxacan producers. Tobalá likes rocky, high-altitude soil, often grows in the shade of oak trees, like truffles, and takes 10-15 years to ripen. Tobalá produces a complex mezcal marked by high minerality.
Tepextate flourish at high altitude, hanging on the edge of cliffs or nestled in pine and oak forest beds, taking a very long to mature at 18-30 years. Their leaves do not grow straight, as with other agaves, but rather develop into a twisted formation. It often produces a candied, ethereal mezcal.
In Zapotec, Jabalí is known as the maguey of the mountain, because, more so than any other agaves, it can find cracks in sheer cliff faces in which to germinate its seeds. It’s not easy to work with, as producers have to learn how to manage the soapy like bubbles created in fermentation and distillation due to the high level of saponins found in their sap. Jabali takes 10-15 years to mature in the wild and can produce flavors with bright, beautiful acidity.
Papalome, the colloquial name for Agave Cupreata, gets its name from the Nahuatl word for butterfly. It is similar in appearance to Tobalá, with broad leaves and beautiful spines on the rims and tips. Papalome takes 10-12 years to ripen and can produce an earthy, meaty mezcal with exceptional complexity.
The Papalote agave is very similar in size and appearance to Tobalá and produces small piñas with a high sugar content that often yield a floral spirit. In the southern Puebla environment, they grow in the sun without cover from high altitude forest canopies alongside endemic Izote palm trees, and take between 10-15 years to mature.
Endemic to certain regions of Oaxaca, Barril gets its name because the trunk and heart are very wide and tall in diameter. In the wild, Barril can take anywhere from 12-30 years to mature, depending on soil and elevation. It often yields a dry and earthy mezcal with plenty of umami.
Madrecuixe belongs to the sub-varietal Karwinskii family, which are unique in their upright stature. Cross-pollination from Madrecuixe seeds is common, which lends to its colloquial name as madre, or mother. Taking 12-18 years to reach its full maturity it often produces a green-tasting mezcal, full of herbs, with earthy and vegetal flavors.
Tobaziche take 12-18 years to mature in the wild and grow up to 10 ft tall. Although upright in stature, they are narrower in diameter than its cousin, Madrecuixe. Tobaziche is prized for its distinct drier flavors imparted by the trunk/base of the heart, often producing an herbaceous, vegetal, earthy mezcal.
The Agave Parryi plant, thriving in cold-tolerant regions, offers a different flavor profile to Mezcal. Its size and shape vary, giving rise to distinctive Mezcals.
The variegated form of Agave Parryi Truncata adds a visual and flavor twist to Mezcal, making it a unique choice among connoisseurs.
Agave Victoria Reginae, known as the “Queen Victoria Agave” is a regal presence in the world of Mezcal. Its elegant appearance and distinctive character make it a sought-after choice among Maestro Palanqueros.
Agave Desmettiana Variegata adds a touch of variegation to the Mezcal landscape. Its striking appearance with variegated leaves makes it stand out.
The Agave Lechuguilla, resilient in arid regions, plays a vital role in Mezcal production. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions is appreciated by Maestro Palanqueros.
Agave Utahensis, adapted to harsh desert environments, contributes its unique character to the Mezcal world. Its tenacity is reflected in the flavors it imparts.
Agave Filifera, with its delicate string-like fibers, adds a distinctive texture to Mezcal. Its contribution is cherished by Maestro Palanqueros.
Agave Chrysantha, thriving in hot and arid regions, adds a touch of the desert to Mezcal. Its presence is felt in the identification of agave plant types.
The compact Agave Striata Nana brings a charming elegance to Mezcal production. Despite its small size, it offers bold flavors.
Known for its petite blossoms, Agave Parviflora is a subtle but essential player in the world of Mezcal.
Variegated Caribbean Agave is a visually striking agave variety with green and creamy-white stripes on its leaves. Its unique appearance adds an element of intrigue to Mezcal crafting, and each plant’s patterns are distinct.
Agave Utahensis Eborispina, thriving in desert landscapes, adds its unique character to Mezcal production. Its adaptation to arid conditions influences the flavors it imparts.
Variegated Smooth Agave is known for its smooth, sculptural leaves with distinctive variegation. This visual appeal translates into its Mezcal’s distinctiveness, making it a favored choice among Maestro Palanqueros.
Variegated Foxtail Agave is recognized for its foxtail-like appearance and variegated foliage. It brings a touch of elegance and artistry to Mezcal crafting.
Variegated Soft Agave, with its variegated leaves, adds a unique visual element to Mezcal production. Each plant’s patterns are distinct, making every Mezcal batch special.
Agave Angustifolia Variegata, with its slender leaves and variegated appearance, offers a fresh take on Mezcal. Its elegant charm is a favorite among Maestro Palanqueros.
Agave Dudleya Attenuata, with its unique growth pattern, plays a role in the diverse world of agave species used in Mezcal production.
The flowering stage of Agave Desmettiana is a remarkable moment in the Mezcal production process. The emergence of its flowers signifies the end of its life cycle and the beginning of a new journey in crafting Mezcal.
Agave Sisalana Variegata stands out with its variegated leaves, adding a touch of visual flair to Mezcal production. Its unique appearance makes it a distinctive choice among Maestro Palanqueros.
Agave Celsii Variegata, with its striking variegated leaves, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of agave species used in Mezcal crafting. Its appearance is as captivating as the Mezcal it helps create.
Agave Isthmensis Variegated, with its variegated foliage, brings a touch of diversity to Mezcal production. Each plant’s unique patterns add character to the Mezcal they yield.
Agave Lurida Variegated is known for its variegated leaves, which lend an artistic touch to Mezcal crafting. Its unique appearance sets it apart in the world of agave species.
Agave Potatorum Variegated, with its variegated foliage, is an essential contributor to the world of Mezcal. Its unique appearance adds visual intrigue to the Mezcal crafting process.
Lion’s Tail Agave is recognized for its striking appearance, resembling a lion’s tail. This unique characteristic adds a touch of the wild to Mezcal production.
Agave Queen is a regal presence in the realm of agave species. Its name signifies its importance and contribution to crafting exceptional Mezcal.
Agave Attenuata Varieties offer a spectrum of options for Maestro Palanqueros. Their distinctive growth patterns and characteristics influence the flavors and aromas of the resulting Mezcals.
Agave Blue Glow Variegated is a visually stunning agave variety with its vibrant blue-green leaves. Its variegated appearance adds to the allure of Mezcal crafting.
Agave Filamentosa, known for its fine filaments along its leaves, contributes a unique texture and flavor profile to Mezcal. It’s a favorite among those seeking a different Mezcal experience.
Agave Kissho Kan Variegated, with its variegated leaves, brings an element of artistry to Mezcal production. Each plant’s patterns are unique, creating Mezcals with distinct characteristics.
Agave Murpheyi Variegated, with its variegated leaves, adds a touch of visual intrigue to the Mezcal crafting process. Its unique appearance reflects in the Mezcal it yields.
Agave Octopus Variegated, with its branching growth pattern resembling an octopus, adds a touch of whimsy to Mezcal production. Its distinctive appearance is as captivating as the Mezcal it produces.
Agave Ovatifolia Variegated is known for its variegated leaves, which lend an artistic touch to Mezcal crafting. Its unique appearance sets it apart in the world of agave species.
Rare Agave Species are treasured by Maestro Palanqueros for their unique and limited availability. Crafting Mezcal from these rare agaves is a testament to the artistry of Mezcal production.
Agave Cactus Types introduce a diverse array of flavors and textures to Mezcal. Their succulent nature adds a different dimension to the Mezcal experience.
Blue Agave Varieties are famous for their role in Tequila production, but they also contribute to the broader world of agave spirits. Each variety brings its unique attributes to Mezcal, expanding the possibilities for Maestro Palanqueros.
The world of agave plants is diverse and fascinating. Maestro Palanqueros are experts in identifying and working with various agave species to create exceptional Mezcal.
Understanding the characteristics and nuances of different agave plant types is crucial to the craft. As we conclude our exploration of the diverse agave world and the Mezcal it produces, we acknowledge the importance of recognizing and appreciating the art of identifying these remarkable plants and the vital role they play in Mezcal production.
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