Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
june 2016 / the tasting panel / 53 MEZCAL REPORT M ezcal took center stage at the 2016 James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony as Ron Cooper, founder of Del Maguey Mezcal, won the prestigious award for Beer, Wine or Spirits Professional. He has taken the agave-based spirit to a new level as a visionary, bringing the past into the future. According to Del Maguey Managing Partner Michael Gardner, the theme is: "You don't find mezcal, mezcal finds you." The company's imperative to consumers is: Sip it, don't Shoot it! "More than a brand, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal is a culture," says Gardner. "For twenty years we have always felt grateful to share this discovery with anyone who would listen because we are in love with the liquid art and are privileged to still be working with the same traditional families who produce it." Mezcal is technically a spirit, but Del Maguey realizes that the category is more like wine in that the elements of terroir and varietal character define each expression. Hence their Vino de Mezcal Series. These are the ultimate expressions of the artisan and represent limited- production, terroir-driven products from select maguey plants that exhibit unique characteristics. This series showcases some of Oaxaca's rare varietals, including mezcals made from the Arroqueño, Tepextate, Papalome, Barril and Madrecuixe agave varieties, and even the Blue Agave (known in mezcal country as Maguey Azul) used in tequila. Del Maguey's Single Village Mezcals begin with VIDA de San Luis del Rio, an organic mezcal with an entry-level price point ($39) that offers the most mixability and is a perfect introduction to the category. The newest and perhaps most exciting news is that Del Maguey will be releasing an original expression from the village of San Pablo Ameyaltepec, a mezcal made in the state of Puebla and produced from the maguey variety Papalote. Puebla has finally been given a D.O. (Denominación de Origen)—only fitting since it is one of the oldest mezcal-producing regions. Del Maguey products are sustainable and green. Speaking of green, the distinctive green bottle and the label art go back to Ron's days as an art student in Ventura, California, and his friendship with artist Ken Price. Ken's style of art has been transferred to the unique labels that adorn Del Maguey. The style is whimsical but with deep meaning, and is an exploration worth pondering. Visit www.delmaguey.com to learn more about the product, the history and availability. — Rachel and David Michael Cane Del Maguey is imported by The Sazerac Company. Del Maguey's Single Village Mezcals begin with VIDA de San Luis del Rio, an organic mezcal with an entry-level price point ($39) that offers the most mixability and is a perfect introduction to the category. The newest and perhaps most exciting news is that Del Maguey will be releasing an original expression from the village of San Pablo Ameyaltepec, a mezcal made in the state of Puebla and produced from the maguey variety Papalote. Puebla has finally been given a D.O. (Denominación de Origen)—only fitting since it is one of the oldest mezcal-producing regions. Del Maguey products are sustainable and green. Speaking of green, the distinctive green bottle and the label art go back to Ron's days as an art student in Ventura, California, and his friendship with artist Ken Price. Ken's style of art has been transferred to the unique labels that adorn Del Maguey. The style is whimsical but with deep meaning, and is an exploration worth pondering. Visit history and availability. — Del Maguey will be releasing an original expres- sion from the village of San Pablo Ameyaltepec, a mezcal made in the state of Puebla and produced from the maguey variety Papalote. From Obscurity to Celebrity DEL MAGUEY CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF MEZCAL PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAGUEY