Vago, or Mezcal Vago, is a mezcal distillery in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a craft distillery with a handful of mezcal, mostly Espadins, made in small batches. All Vago products are made in Oaxaca, the heartland of mezcal production in the world, and use traditional distillation practices that date back generations.
Our article will guide you through the mezcal selection Vago offers, what to expect from each product, and a brief review of different kinds of Vago. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this Oaxaca mezcal distillery and whether you should buy a bottle.
Vago: An Introduction
Vago is a mezcal distillery in Oaxaca that uses traditional production methods. Mezcal is a liquor made from the agave plant, which is the same plant used for making tequila. However, for those who don't know, mezcal and tequila aren't two different liquors.
In fact, tequila is a type of mezcal as it is made from the agave plant but a specific type, the blue agave. Mezcal is a general term for liquors made from the agave plant, with Espadin being the type Vago produces.
Vago is known for its small batches of Espadin mezcal named after each master distiller (mezcaleros) of the respective batch. Vago only distills joven mezcal, meaning they are unaged and have a clear appearance, just like joven tequila.
Since a lot of traditional practices go into making Vago mezcal, it should be enjoyed in a way that will make you appreciate the distillation process behind it. According to experts, the best way to drink mezcal is to sip it slowly to taste its complex flavors. However, there's nothing wrong with mixing mezcal into your favorite cocktails – more on how to drink Vago below.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Vago?
The alcohol content of Vago depends on the individual product. All four Vago products have different alcohol contents, but all of them are above the standard 40% ABV for mezcal. We'll cover the exact alcohol content of each Vago mezcal in the coming parts of the article.
What Is the History of Vago?
Mezcal Vago was founded in 2013 by Judah Kuper, Aquilino Garcia, and Dylan Solan. Soon after its founding, Vago started exporting its first batches to Texas from Oaxaca. Since the distillery follows traditional distillation techniques with no additives, the batches are small, and availability is in short supply.
The packaging of different Vago products highlights the work – or rather the art – of different mezcaleros and the type of pots used during the production. Tan and gold labels represent the work of Aquilino Garcia and Joel Barriga distilled in copper pots, whereas blue represents Emigdio Jarquin and red for Tio Rey, which distills in clay pots.
Where Is Vago From?
Mezcal Vago is from Oaxaca, Mexico. Although mezcal can be produced across nine Mexican states, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Zacatecas, San Luís Potosí, Tamaulipas, Durango, and Puebla, Oaxaca is considered to be the capital of mezcal production in the world.
When Was Vago Created?
The first batches of Mezcal Vago were first created in 2013. The distillery started using different color labels for each of its products in 2017 and went through a major brand redesign in 2021.
What Types of Vago Are There?
Vago has four different products. These are Elote, Espadin by Emigdio, Espadin by Joel, and Ensamble en Barro. All these four different products have unique packaging highlighted in yellow, blue, or red. Below, you'll learn more about the types of Vago out there, including pricing, alcohol content, and a brief review.
Vago Elote
- MSRP: $68.99
- Proof: 101 proof / 50.5% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Sweet Corn, Vanilla, Marshmallow, Floral
Elote is one of the most selling Vago – and for a good reason. It has everything you would want to have in a good-quality Espadin, with balanced smokiness and complex aromas. With its mouth-coating creaminess, Elote makes every sip more pleasant than the previous.
The notes of agave linger throughout the mouth after the initial taste of citrus passes. It has heavy notes of corn with a strong sweetness. Some may find it more sweet than other Espadins as the aromas of sweet corn are still present in the finish. Nonetheless, it is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys Espadin.
Espadin by Emigdio
- MSRP: $69.99
- Proof: 101.2 proof / 50.6% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Granite, Herbaceous, Cooked Sugar, Salt Brine
Vago's Espadin by Emigdio is an excellent mezcal for those looking for a well-balanced smokiness at a fair price. This Espadin achieves its well-balanced smokiness with extra roasting time and the masterful skills of the mezcalero, Don Emigdio.
On the nose, this Espadin is somewhat grassy with slight acetone notes. It is smooth and has a nice, full mouthfeel. The notes of salt brine are present, coming from the mineral deposit in the soil surrounding the distillery. It has a good amount of heat but is not as minty as one might expect. Espadin by Emigdio is a well-balanced mezcal that makes a great sipper overall.
Espadin by Joel
- MSRP: $69.99
- Proof: 100.2 proof / 50.1% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Grass, Fruity, Cooked Agave, Minty Heat
Espadin by Joel stands out with a mild smokiness that lingers through the finish. It has a fruity flavor with a good viscosity and texture that makes it a pleasant sipper. The minty heat complements the long, smoky finish. With its spicy and bright flavor on the palate, it is a well-balanced Espadin that appeals to beginners and enthusiasts alike.
At $69.99, Espadin by Joel is an excellent mezcal that won't break the bank. Finding it in your local liquor store might be a little challenging due to lower availability compared to Elote, but it will surely make a good purchase if you can get your hands on one.
Ensamble en Barro
- MSRP: $121.99
- Proof: 104.6 proof / 52.3 ABV
- Tasting Notes: Orange Zest, Salted Melon, Sweet Corn, Ginger
Unlike the above Vago products, Ensemble en Barro isn't Espadin. It is Ensamble mezcal, a combination of multiple agave varieties distilled in a single batch. With this in mind, Ensamble en Barro is different from the others. As multiple agave varieties go into making it, Ensamble en Barro is more fruity and has a complex profile.
At $121.99, it is also the priciest mezcal distilled by Vago. If you enjoy drinking mezcal and want to try something that will enhance the experience, Ensamble en Barro will make an excellent choice. It is smooth and has complex flavors ranging from orange zest to ginger.
What Ingredients Are in Vago?
As with any other mezcal, Vago is made from the agave plant. However, the variety used for distillation depends on the type. Elote and the other Espadins are made from Agave Angustifolia.
Ensamble en Barro, the only Ensamble sold by Vago, uses a mix of 43% Maguey Coyote, 28% Agave Angustifolia, 22% Arroqueño Agave, 5% Maguey Mexicano, and 2% Maguey Bicuixe.
All in all, Vago only uses the agave plant. Since the distillery also follows traditional distillation practices, the products have no additives. They are purely made from the agave plant.
How Much Does Vago Usually Cost?
Vago has straightforward pricing. All Espadins (Elote, Espadin by Emigdio, and Espadin by Joel) cost $69.99. Ensamble en Barro, the costliest bottle, has a price tag of $121.99.
Considering the lengthy process of making mezcal, particularly when only using traditional distillation techniques, and the average cost of a good-quality mezcal, Vago's pricing is beyond fair.
At a bar, you can expect to spend anywhere between $20 and $60 per serving of Vago.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Vago?
Vago is a mezcal, more specifically, a mezcal made using traditional distillation techniques. If you want to fully appreciate mezcal, serve it in a copita or jicarita and consume it in small sips. These are traditional cups used for serving mezcal, but any glass with a wide brim is appropriate for drinking mezcal.
If the high alcohol content of Vago is too strong for you, diluting it with a few drops of water can make it easier to drink. You can also add mixers that go well with Espadin and other types of mezcal, such as grapefruit juice, ginger beer, and lime juice.
While the traditional and the most accepted way of drinking mezcal is straight, how you enjoy a bottle of Vago is entirely up to you. You can try Vago straight, and if you enjoy it, that's great! If not, there's nothing wrong with diluting it with a few drops of water or mixing it into a delicious cocktail.
How to Choose a Good Vago
Choosing a good Vago, ultimately, comes down to personal preferences. The distillery has three different types of Espadin and only one Ensamble. Those who enjoy a sweet taste profile should go for Elote. With heavy notes of sweet corn, it is the best match for mezcal lovers looking for something pleasant to drink.
If you're seeking something more balanced, Espadin by Emigdio is excellent, especially if you enjoy mezcal the traditional way. Espadin by Joel, the last Espadin offered by Vago, is a solid choice for those getting started with mezcal.
Ensamble en Barro, like any other Ensamble, is more for enthusiasts of this liquor. It is a fruity Ensamble with a smoky finish that makes you appreciate the traditional distillation practices that go into making this special mezcal.
Where Can You Find Vago?
Since Vago only produces its products in small batches, finding a bottle of Vago in your local liquor store might be challenging. As with many other products from craft mezcal distilleries, those in Southern states will have a better chance of getting a Vago bottle than others.
However, you have the option to order from the distillery's website if your state allows online alcohol sales. This can be the easiest and the most accessible way to buy a bottle of Vago.
Vago FAQs
Would you like to know even more about Vago? We answer the most common questions below.
What Type of Mezcal Is Vago?
Vago has two types of mezcal. These are Espadin and Ensamble. All Espadins sold by Vago, Elote, Espadin by Emigdio, and Espadin by Joel cost $69.99, whereas Ensamble en Barro costs $121.99. It is a more premium option that appeals to mezcal enthusiasts.
Who Owns Vago?
Vago is currently owned by Judah Kuper and Dylan Solan. In 2018, Vago established an investment partnership with Samson and Surrey, a spirits company. This partnership enabled Vago to have a better distribution platform to make the brand more accessible to buyers.
Where to Buy Mezcal Vago?
Mezcal Vago can be purchased online through the distillery's website. You can also check boutique liquor stores in your area to see if they have a bottle of Vago.
Enjoy Some Vago Mezcal
Vago is a craft mezcal distillery in Oaxaca, Mexico, that won't disappoint, whether you're a beginner to mezcal or have tested various kinds of this liquor. The distillery is known for maintaining a high standard of quality for its small batches of Espadin and Ensamble.
