Del Maguey
| Product type | Mezcal |
|---|---|
| Owner | Pernod Ricard |
| Introduced | 1995 |
| Markets | Worldwide |
| Website | delmaguey |
Search Del Maguey on Amazon.
Del Maguey (stylized as Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal) is a brand of artisanal mezcal founded in 1995 by American artist Ron Cooper.[1] Drinks writers have credited the brand with pioneering the “single-village” approach to mezcal[2] and as a factor in the spirit's growing popularity among bartenders and consumers outside Mexico.[3] In 2017, the French drinks group Pernod Ricard acquired a majority stake in Del Maguey.[4] The company continues to source from independent producer families in Oaxaca and Puebla.[5] The word “maguey” derives from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and refers to the agave plant.[6]
History
Ron Cooper first encountered mezcal in Oaxaca in the 1970s and began exporting small quantities to the United States in the mid-1990s, founding Del Maguey in 1995[7] with a focus on labeling each bottling by the village of origin.[8]
In 2010, the brand introduced Vida, a lower-priced joven mezcal intended for use in cocktails, which contributed to its increased use in cocktail bars.[2][9] In June 2017, Pernod Ricard announced it would acquire a majority stake in Del Maguey; the deal closed in August 2017.[10]
Production and sourcing
Del Maguey’s bottlings are sourced from individual families in different villages (“single village”)[11] primarily in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla.[12]
Traditional mezcal production, including that used for Del Maguey bottlings, begins with the harvesting of mature maguey (agave) plants.[12] Agave plants are harvested only when they reach full maturity, a process that varies by species and may take between 6 and 35 years. After the leaves are removed, the plant’s core, or piña, is extracted and transported to a palenque (mezcal distillery). The piñas, which typically weigh 30 to 50 kilos, are then halved or quartered, and roasted in underground pits lined with volcano rock for several days.[13] During this process, starches convert to fermentable sugars and contribute characteristic smoky and earthy flavors.[12]
Once roasted, the cooked agave is crushed—often with a large stone wheel called tahona mostly pulled by a horse or mule—to produce a fibrous pulp.[14] The resulting juices and fibers are transferred to fermentation vats—traditionally wooden vats called tinas[13]—where water is added to begin fermentation.[12] Fermentation is traditionally initiated by wild airborne yeasts, which vary by location, season and environmental conditions, contributing to differences in aroma and flavor between batches.[14] Depending on factors such as the fermentation vessel, temperature, and yeast activity, this stage may last from several days to several weeks, producing a lightly alcoholic mosto[13] that reflects the local terroir.[14] The fermented liquid is then placed in clay stills—typical of Del Maguey Minero—Santa Catarina Minas Single Village Mezcal[15]—or in copper stills, heated over wood fires, typically in two runs, to produce mezcal.[12]
Expressions
Del Maguey’s portfolio includes more than twenty mezcal expressions and is structured into several product ranges. These include the widely distributed Vida line, as well as village-specific groupings such as the Tradiciones, Varietales and Especiales collections.[16] The table below lists a selection of notable expressions.
| Expression name | Collection | ABV | Style | Palenquero | Village, State | Agave | Still type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Maguey Vida Puebla Single Village Mezcal | Vida | 40% | Joven | - | Axocopan, Puebla | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey Vida Clásico Single Village Mezcal | Vida | 42% | Joven | Paciano Cruz Nolasco | San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey Vida de Muertos Single Village Mezcal | Vida | 45% | Joven | Paciano Cruz Nolasco, Marcos Cruz Mendez | San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey Las Milpas Single Village Mezcal | Village Tradiciones | 46% | Joven | Anastacio Cruz Antonio | Las Milpas, Oaxaca | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey San José Río Minas Single Village Mezcal | - | 48% | Joven | Roberto Gutierrez Ramirez | San Jose Rio Minas, Oaxaca | Espadín | Clay |
| Del Maguey San Luis del Rio Single Village Mezcal | Village Tradiciones | 47% | Joven | Paciano Cruz Nolasco, Marcos Cruz Mendez | San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal | Village Tradiciones | 48% | Joven | Faustino Garcia Vasquez | San Baltazar Chichicapam, Oaxaca | Espadín | Copper |
| Del Maguey Minero – Santa Catarina Minas Single Village Mezcal | Village Tradiciones | 50% | Joven | Florencio Carlos Sarmiento, Florencio Carlos Vasquez, Luis Carlos Vasquez | Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca | Espadín | Clay |
| Del Maguey Tobalá Single Village Mezcal | Village Varietales | 45% | Joven | Rogelio Martinez Cruz, Leopoldino Miranda | Santa Maria Albarradas, Oaxaca | Tobalá | Copper |
| Del Maguey Pechuga Single Village Mezcal | Village Especiales | 49% | Pechuga | Florencio Carlos Sarmiento, Florencio Carlos Vasquez, Luis Carlos Vasquez | Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca | Espadín | Clay |
| Del Maguey Ibérico Single Village Mezcal | Village Especiales | 49% | Pechuga | Florencio Carlos Sarmiento, Florencio Carlos Vasquez, Luis Carlos Vasquez | Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca | Espadín | Clay |
| Sources[17][18][19][20] | |||||||
Reception and influence
Del Maguey has been noted by drinks writers and industry observers for its role in introducing traditionally produced, single-village mezcal to international markets. Forbes has described the company and founder Ron Cooper as central to the early growth of mezcal outside Mexico, highlighting the brand’s emphasis on artisanal production and village-specific bottlings.[21] The James Beard Foundation recognized Cooper’s contributions to promoting traditional mezcal making when it presented him with the 2016 Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional award.[22]
Publications have further characterized Del Maguey as influential in shaping early international perceptions of mezcal, citing its collaborations with independent Zapotec and Mixtec families and its prominence within the bartender community.[23][24]
Market analyses have often listed Del Maguey among the leading mezcal brands by volume in the United States, though rankings vary with category growth and new entrants. The Drinks International “Brands Report 2025” has been cited in trade publications as evidence of the brand’s visibility on global bar lists.[25]
Artwork and packaging
Del Maguey is recognized for its characteristic green bottles with colourful labels. The bottles are made of green wine glass, a design choice attributed to founder Ron Cooper and influenced by mid-century aesthetics.[26] Each label features unique artwork for each village or expression,[27] and bears the name of the village where the mezcal is produced.[28] The brightly colored artwork on the labels are created by artist Ken Price, a longtime friend of Cooper.[26]
Some Del Maguey bottlings are sold with hand-woven palm-fiber baskets that are typical of Oaxaca.[29] The bottle baskets are made by Zapotec women’s weaving groups by incorporating ancient Zapotec or Mixtec origin designs. These designs are influenced by Oaxacan motifs such as floral patterns, ceramics and architectural elements. The covers are made from natural palm fibers and colorants, and their patterns vary by expression.[30]
Ownership
- 1995 – 2017: Independent; founded and led by Ron Cooper.[31]
- 2017 – present: Majority owned by Pernod Ricard; with original leadership remaining involved following the acquisition.[32]
Awards
Del Maguey has been recognized across major international competitions, such as the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC), Bartender Spirits Awards and The Spirits Business, earning medals for multiple expressions.
In 2023, Del Maguey Minero was reported as a finalist in the mezcal category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).[33] According to the Beverage Testing Institute, Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec Single Village Blanco Mezcal was rated the top mezcal in 2023.[34] In 2025, The Spirits Business Awards awarded Steve Olsen with the Lifetime Achievement Award.[35]
| Year | Awarding Body | Product | Award | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | IWSC | Tobalá Mezcal Artesanal | Gold (95 pts) | [36] |
| Chichicapa Mezcal Artesanal | Silver (92 pts) | [37] | ||
| The Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters | Del Maguey San Luis del Río | Master | [38] | |
| Del Maguey Vida Clasico | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey Vida de Muertos | Gold | |||
| The Spirits Business Awards | Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal | Tequila/Mezcal Brand of the Year - Runner-up | [35] | |
| NYISC | Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal | Top 20 Mezcals of the Year | [39] | |
| Double Gold | ||||
| Del Maguey Tobalá Single Village Mezcal | Top 20 Mezcals of the Year | |||
| Double Gold | ||||
| Del Maguey San Luis del Rio Single Village Mezcal | Top 20 Mezcals of the Year | |||
| Del Maguey Vida de Muertos Single Village Mezcal | ||||
| Del Maguey | Mezcal Distillery of the Year | |||
| ISC | Del Maguey Vida Clasico | Trophy | [40] | |
| 2024 | IWSC | Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal | Outstanding Spirit Producer Trophy | [1] |
| Agave Producer Trophy | [41] | |||
| The Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters | Del Maguey Tobalá | Master | [42] | |
| Del Maguey Vida Puebla | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey Chichicapa | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey San Luis del Río | Silver | |||
| ISC | Del Maguey Tobalá | Trophy | [40] | |
| Del Maguey Chichicapa | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey San Luis del Río | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey Vida de Muertos | Gold | |||
| Del Maguey VIDA Puebla | Gold | |||
| Bartender Spirits Awards | Del Maguey Vida Clásico | Double Gold (97 pts) | [43] | |
| Mezcal of the Year | ||||
| Mezcal Producer Of The Year | ||||
| Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal | Gold (94 pts) | |||
| Del Maguey Vida Puebla | Silver (87 pts) | |||
| Del Maguey Vida de Muertos | Silver (82 pts) | |||
| 2023 | The Beverage Testing Institute | Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec Single Village Blanco Mezcal | 97/100 pts | [44] |
| Del Maguey Santa Caterina Minas, Minero Single Village Blanco Mezcal | 96/100 pts |
Sustainability
Del Maguey has integrated environmental, social and cultural sustainability into its mezcal production, emphasizing traditional production methods, community partnerships and biodiversity-focused agave management in Oaxacan villages. The brand’s approach has been described as seeking to balance global growth with the preservation of ancestral techniques, local livelihoods and the ecological resilience of agave landscapes.[45][32][41][46][47]
Key sustainability initiatives include:
Community and cultural impact
Del Maguey has historically invested in projects that strengthen local livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage in Oaxacan mezcal-producing communities. These efforts were designed to provide stability and resources while honouring ancestral traditions.[48][49][50][51][52][47]
Infrastructure support
In Teotitlán del Valle, Del Maguey addressed connectivity challenges by installing a cellular tower, which later enabled national service expansion benefiting residents, schools, and businesses.[53]
Long-term partnerships
The brand established ten-year agreements with mezcal-producing families to secure income stability, community autonomy, and multigenerational continuity.[52]
Education and digital access
Past initiatives included maintaining a mobile digital library of over 50,000 books and providing refurbished laptops, tablets, and phones for community use. The company also funded scholarships and internet access programs.[52][47]
Cultural and language preservation
Del Maguey supported programs promoting Indigenous languages and community-based education, alongside healthcare and social-support initiatives for partner families.[50][51]
Preservation of ancestral methods
Del Maguey continues to source its mezcal from small-scale palenques that employ traditional ancestral distillation techniques, helping to preserve these production practices even as the brand expands.[48][49]
Environmental stewardship and biodiversity
To address the ecological pressures arising from surging mezcal demand, Del Maguey has implemented a comprehensive program focused on agave conservation, biodiversity and waste management.[50]
Agave conservation
- The company actively works to reduce pressure on wild agave populations by cultivating semi-wild and wild species in nurseries across the Sierra Sur, Valles Centrales, Mixteca, and Sierra Norte regions.[47]
- Since 2019, a large-scale conservation program has focused on generating and distributing seeds and plants from rare and wild species, such as tobalá, tepeztate, cuishe and jabalí, to support reforestation and natural regeneration. By 2024, this initiative had donated approximately 250,000 seeds and 110,000 agave plants.[54]
- The "Green Wall" is a related biodiverse reproduction program that has distributed millions of agave plant pups free to Oaxacan farmers, encouraging sustainable cultivation and discouraging reliance on monoculture.[12]
Waste management and upcycling
Del Maguey transforms production by-products, such as bagasse (spent agave fiber) and vinasse (liquid waste), into reusable materials. This includes collaborating with COAA (Consultorio de Asesoría Arquitectónica) on an eco-friendly waste management project to convert these by-products into eco blocks for sustainable construction materials.[46]
Biodiversity
The company supports biodiversity through apiculture (beekeeping), operates reforestation projects, and has implemented other environmental improvements like the use of solar-powered irrigation pumps.[41][50][55]
Industry recognition
Del Maguey's integrated sustainability model received recognition from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), which awarded the brand the 2024 Agave Producer Trophy. The IWSC cited the company's commitment to:
- Supporting biodiversity through apiculture.
- Upcycling mezcal by-products.
- Providing scholarships, education programs, and support for local language preservation.[41]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "IWSC announces Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal as winner of 2024 Outstanding Spirit Producer Trophy". IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Behind the Bottle: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal". Club Oenologique. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Dodd, Oli. "Brands Report 2025: Mezcal - Drinks International - The global choice for drinks buyers". drinksint.com. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Swartz, Kyle (2017-06-08). "Pernod Ricard Purchases Majority Stake In Del Maguey Mezcal". Beverage Information Group. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ "Del Maguey". The Spirits Educator. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Helman, Christopher. "If You Like Tequila, You'll Love Mezcal - But Get It Before It's Gone". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Kiely, Melita (2025-03-05). "The life-changing magic of mezcal". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ "Del Maguey Mezcal: Bottling Liquid Art in Mexico's Zapotec Villages". 88 Bamboo. 2022-12-11. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ "Pure Spirits: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal | Galumbi". 2016-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Carruthers, Nicola (2017-08-02). "Pernod completes Del Maguey acquisition". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:02 - ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 O'Connell, Adam. "Del Maguey: 30 years of sharing mezcal with the world | Master of Malt blog".
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Mezcal production". www.diffordsguide.com. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Traditional Mezcal Production Process | Maguey Exchange". www.magueyexchange.com. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ↑ "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcals - Santa Catarina Minas". www.diffordsguide.com. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ↑ Freedman, Brian. "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Celebrates A Milestone". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ "Del Maguey | Master Of Malt".
- ↑ "Meet the Del Maguey range | Master of Malt blog".
- ↑ "Del Maguey Mezcal". Mezcal Reviews. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Collections". www.diffordsguide.com. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ↑ McCarthy, John. "Art, Love And Mezcal: How Ron Cooper Sparked A Revolución For Oaxaca's Smoky, Mysterious Spirit". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ "The 2016 Beard Award Winners!". www.jamesbeard.org. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ Saladino, Emily (2017-10-13). "8 Things You Should Know About Del Maguey Mezcal". VinePair. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:72 - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:112 - ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Del Maguey's distinctive green bottles and colourful labels". www.diffordsguide.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ Rogers, Felisa (2024-11-19). "12 mezcal labels that we love". Mezcalistas. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:1 - ↑ Lawlor, Eric (2002-03-08). "An Incredible Elixir". Saveur. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ "DEL MAGUEY BOTTLE BASKET". Cocktail Kingdom. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ↑ Arthur, Rachel (2017-06-07). "Pernod Ricard takes majority stake in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal". BeverageDaily.com. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Freedman, Brian. "The Story Behind Pernod Ricard's Recent Ownership Deal With Del Maguey Mezcal". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ "Best In Show & Best Of Class Results SFWSC 2023". The Tasting Alliance. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ Micallef, Joseph V. "The Beverage Testing Institute's Best Home Bar Spirits Collection". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Kiely, Melita (2025-11-14). "All the winners from The Spirits Business Awards 2025". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal | Tobalá Mezcal Artesanal | Spirit | IWSC". IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ↑ "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal | Chichicapa Mezcal Artesanal | Spirit | IWSC". IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ↑ Carruthers, Nicola (2025-04-01). "The Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2025 results". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ↑ "2025 Best Mezcals of the Year | NYI Spirits Competition". New York International Spirits Competition. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Media, Agile. "international Spirits Challenge". internationalspiritschallenge.com. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 "Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal wins IWSC's 2024 Agave Producer Trophy". IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ Kiely, Melita (2024-02-01). "The Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2024 results". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ "Bartender Spirits Awards".
- ↑ Micallef, Joseph V. "The World's Best Tequila And Mezcal, According To The Beverage Testing Institute 2023". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:14 - ↑ 46.0 46.1 Prismatic; Damian, Regina Mercado (2024-11-13). "Celebrate Mezcal Day and learn about Del Maguey's sustainability initiatives!". House of Tequila. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 "5 Sustainable Mezcals You Can Feel Good About Drinking". Matador Network. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 Kiely, Melita (2025-03-05). "The life-changing magic of mezcal". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 Lampert, Tess Rose (2017-07-14). "Del Maguey defends sustainability post-Pernod acquisition". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 NT, Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H. Dip (2021-06-18). "The 6 Best Sustainable Mezcal Brands". LeafScore. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Behind the Bottle: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal". Club Oenologique. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 O'Connell, Adam. "Del Maguey: 30 years of sharing mezcal with the world | Master of Malt blog". www.masterofmalt.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-08. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ↑ Coss, Susan (2017-08-30). "Why does mezcal need to be the torchbearer for sustainability?". Mezcalistas. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ↑ Bruce, Anna (2024-05-14). "Can wild agave be successfully cultivated?". Mezcalistas. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ↑ sara (2021-06-29). "Del Maguey Mezcal Featured on Educational Zoom". The Beverage Journal. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
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