Mezcal Vago 'Elote' Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico

The Mezcal Vago 'Elote' Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a singular and expressive spirit that elevates tradition with a distinctive twist: roasted corn. Crafted by renowned mezcalero Aquilino García López in the remote town of Candelaria Yegolé, this triple-distilled joven mezcal brings Espadín to life with a rich infusion of corn harvested from Aquilino’s own land. The result is a beautifully layered mezcal that honors ancestral methods while offering a soft, rounded finish that intrigues the senses. 

Product Details:

• Mezcalero: Aquilino García López
• Owner: Heaven Hill (brand founded by Judah Kuper & Dylan Sloan)
• Region: Candelaria Yegolé, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Agave Variety: 100% Espadín (Agave angustifolia)
• ABV: 50%
• Style: Joven
• Distillation: Triple distilled in copper stills
• Additions: Roasted corn added between 2nd and 3rd distillations
• Certification: Traditional, artisanal production (no additives)
• Ownership Notes: Produced by Mezcal Vago, committed to sustainability and transparency

Sensory Description:

The nose is alive with smoky roasted corn and mineral tones reminiscent of dry river stones. On the palate, layers of honeycomb, green tropical fruits, and subtle wood tones emerge, complemented by the vegetal crunch of papaya and a lift of mint. The roasted corn deepens the texture, giving this mezcal a creamy mid-palate and a long, elegant finish with sweet and earthy resonance. Though grounded in the boldness of Espadín, it finishes with uncommon smoothness and grace.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double Gold – 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold – 2024 ADI International Spirits Competition
• Gold – 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards
• Gold – 2024 International Spirits Challenge
• Double Gold – 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver – 2023 TAG Global Spirits Awards
• Silver – 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Finalist – 2022 Ultimate Beverage Challenge
• Silver – 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Double Platinum – 2021 ASCOT Awards

Distiller's Background:

Mezcal Vago began with a cross-cultural meeting of heart and heritage when co-founder Judah Kuper met the daughter of Aquilino García López in a hospital in Oaxaca. Together with business partner Dylan Sloan, they launched a mezcal project that would highlight small-production palenqueros and their terroir-specific mezcals. Aquilino became the face of the brand’s commitment to authenticity and respect for artisanal methods. Since 2013, Mezcal Vago has grown with sustainability at its core, planting three agaves for every one harvested and avoiding wild agave use by 2025. Each mezcalero remains an equity partner in the project, with transparent labels and true-to-place spirits as their legacy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Mezcal Vago 'Elote' neat at room temperature in a copita or clay vessel to fully appreciate its layered aromatics. For culinary pairings, consider esquites (Mexican street corn), grilled shrimp with lime and chili, or roasted root vegetables. For a cocktail twist, use it in a smoky riff on a Margarita with tamarind syrup and Tajín rim.

The Mezcal Vago 'Elote' Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a richly textured and authentic spirit that celebrates the land, the mezcalero, and the soulful intersection of fire, smoke, and corn.