Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal Espadin

Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal Espadín is widely regarded as a benchmark artisanal mezcal—one that introduced many drinkers to the category and continues to define it. Bold yet beautifully balanced, it combines smoky, earthy depth with bright tropical fruit and herbal complexity. With its rich, silky texture and layered flavor profile, Chichicapa stands as both an essential sipping mezcal and a foundational bottle for serious agave enthusiasts.

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Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced in the village of San Baltazar Chichicapam in Oaxaca, Mexico, this mezcal is part of Del Maguey’s renowned “Single Village Mezcal” series, which highlights terroir and traditional production methods unique to each community.

The mezcal is made from 100% Espadín agave (Agave angustifolia), harvested at maturity after approximately 7–8 years.

Production follows fully traditional, artisanal methods:

• Agave piñas are roasted in underground earthen pits over wood fires, imparting signature smoky character

• The cooked agave is crushed using a tahona (stone wheel)

• Fermentation occurs naturally in open wooden vats using ambient yeasts

• The spirit is double distilled in small copper pot stills heated by wood fires

The result is an unaged (joven) mezcal bottled at approximately 48% ABV, preserving the full intensity and purity of the spirit.

This expression was among the earliest Del Maguey releases and played a major role in introducing mezcal to the U.S. market in the 1990s, helping define the modern premium mezcal category.

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Critics Reviews

• Liquor.com tasting panel calls it a “benchmark mezcal espadín” and highlights its “perfect balance of fruity and earthy notes” with a rich, silky texture.

• Industry professionals, including leading bartenders cited by Food & Wine, recognize Chichicapa as a standout premium mezcal, noting its complex citrus, tropical fruit, and smoky finish.

• Additional reviewers consistently emphasize its balance of smoke, fruit, and minerality, describing it as a defining example of high-quality artisanal mezcal.

There are no widely standardized numeric critic scores, but it is universally regarded as a category benchmark.

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Tasting Profile

Nose:
Expressive aromas of roasted agave, smoke, grilled pineapple, citrus peel, herbs, and earthy minerality, with hints of butterscotch and spice.

Palate:
Full and complex with tropical fruit (mango, banana), cooked agave, citrus, almond, caramel, and savory vegetal notes, balanced by smoke and salinity.

Finish:
Long, silky, and layered with lingering smoke, minerality, mint, and subtle sweetness, evolving into earthy and savory tones.

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Quick Overview

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Cocktail Recipes

Oaxaca Old Fashioned (Classic Application)

• 1½ oz Del Maguey Chichicapa

• ½ oz reposado tequila

• 1 barspoon agave syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and serve over a large cube with an orange peel.

Naked & Famous

• ¾ oz Del Maguey Chichicapa

• ¾ oz Aperol

• ¾ oz Yellow Chartreuse

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe.