A Saturday Tasting with Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Exploring Liquid Terroir: A Saturday Session with Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
When Ron Cooper founded Del Maguey in 1995, he did not just introduce a new brand to the world. He introduced a completely new way of thinking about agave spirits. By bottling expressions from individual, isolated villages in Oaxaca, Mexico, Del Maguey proved that mezcal is the ultimate expression of liquid terroir. The microclimate, the specific water source, the type of wild yeast, and the hand of the individual maker (the Palenquero) create a footprint that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
On Saturday, June 13th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, we are gathering at SF Tequila Shop to taste through these diverse flavor profiles. This focused, one-hour session is an incredible opportunity to experience how different two spirits can be, even when they are made from the exact same type of agave.
What Makes "Single Village" a Game Changer?
Most industrial spirits aim for absolute consistency, blending products from different areas to achieve the exact same flavor profile year after year. Del Maguey does the exact opposite. They champion the beautiful variations of traditional, small-batch production.
Every green bottle in their lineup is crafted by independent family producers using methods passed down for centuries:
- The Agave: Primarily 100% mature Espadín agave, though wild varieties like Tobalá or Arroqueño make limited appearances.
- The Roast: The agave hearts (piñas) are roasted underground in conical stone pits fired by local wood, giving mezcal its foundational smoky character.
- The Fermentation: Ambient, wild yeasts ferment the agave mash slowly in open wooden vats, drawing flavor directly from the surrounding environment.
- The Distillation: The liquid is distilled twice in small, wood-fired copper or clay stills, capturing the raw essence of the village.
Because these variables change from valley to mountain, a mezcal made in the dry, high-altitude terrain of San Luis del Rio tastes completely distinct from one crafted in the lush, tropical climate of Chichicapa.
What We Are Tasting
During this intensive one-hour tasting window, we will move through a curated flight designed to showcase these regional contrasts. We will compare the bright, tropical fruit notes of certain villages against the deep, savory, and mineral-driven character of others.
Whether you are looking to find your perfect sipping mezcal or want to better understand how terroir impacts agave, this tasting will completely reframe your palate.Event DetailsNote that this is a shorter, more focused tasting window than our usual Friday night gatherings, so you will want to arrive right on time to catch the full lineup.
- Host: SF Tequila Shop
- Location: 801 Cortland Ave, Bernal Heights, San Francisco
- Date: Saturday, June 13th
- Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Cost: Free to attend
Come chat with the team, learn the stories behind the iconic artwork on the labels, and celebrate the incredible craftsmanship of Oaxaca's family palenques.
See you Saturday afternoon!
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Please note: Complimentery tastings are strictly for guests aged 21 and over.