Mas Mezcal

Feb 25

Feb 25 Vals NOLA Special Release Batch S-08-E-18

For our friends in New Orleans, we have got something special headed your way! A project two years in the making, we are very excited to announce this very special release in collaboration with our friends at VALS. This 100% Espadín mezcal was distilled by Tío Rey in November of 2018, then rested for six months in antique clay mezcalero cántaros that have been in Aquilino’s family for nearly 100 years. The entire 93-liter batch was then rested again in sealed glass garrafones for another year before being bottled. All 20 cases have just arrived in New Orleans and will ONLY be available to sip at VALS. We have always had a soft spot in our heart for New Orleans, and have been lucky to call many in that city our friends. The Vago family is very excited to share this special batch which combines the traditions of our original two families, Tío Rey’s and Aquilino’s, with our friends at VALS.

Jul 8

Jul 8 Barril en Barro Batch S-18-B-19

Francisco Terrazas

Tech Sheets

NEW! RELEASE! ALERT!…. NEW! RELEASE! ALERT!

It has certainly been a minute since we did a special release for our good friends in California. In an effort to make up for it, we waited for something truly special, and undoubtedly, this 100% Barril en Barro from Tío Rey fits that bill. Produced in the fall of 2019, this new expression for Tío Rey was produced from what we typically would recognize as cultivated Madre Cuixe. At only 245 liters, this entire 50-case batch is currently landing on shelves and back bars in the Golden State. It is sure to be a bright spot in the summer sipping season.

Sep 17

Sep 17 Arroqueño en Barro Batch S-05-A-19

Francisco Terrazas

Tech Sheets

For the first time in over two years, Tío Rey has released a batch of pure Arroqueño en Barro. Typically, Tío Rey can only harvest a couple of ripe piñas at a time, he occasionally has enough ripening at the same time to produce a batch of pure Arroqueño. One of the all-time favorites in the Vago lineup, his last batch is still talked about in mezcalerías around the country and traded on internet message boards. While the last batch was limited to less than 92 liters, this new batch is a bit larger, with 85 cases available.

Mar 1

Mar 1 Mezcal Vago Coyote en Barro

Francisco Terrazas

Tech Sheets

This batch was made from 100% Agave Coyote, which is a rarity in the mezcal world. Not as rich and complex as some of Tío Rey’s other mezcals, the Mezcal Vago Coyote en Barro is approachable and delicate, yet still retains the classic Olla de Barro style. It is also a great way to become more familiar with the less common Agave Coyote and it’s unique characteristics.

Mar 1

Mar 1 Mezcal Vago Arroqueño en Barro

Francisco Terrazas

Tech Sheets

These limited batches are produced about once a year and are usually less than 300 liters. They are made by Salomón Rey Rodriguez (Tío Rey) in Sola de Vega, Oaxaca (16°28'44.72"N 96°57'42.80"W).

Mar 1

Mar 1 Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro

Francisco Terrazas

Tech Sheets

Tío Rey grows many different agave types on his property. He uses a different blend of different agaves for each batch of Ensamble en Barro depending on which agaves are ripe and what he thinks will meld well together. Because of this technique, the Ensamble en Barro is similar to a “field blend” in style, where the exact ratio of agave types in a batch will never be repeated.

Dec 4

Dec 4 Producer: Salomón Rey Rodriguez

Francisco Terrazas

Production Process

The palenque and agave fields of Salomón Rey Rodriguez or “Tío Rey” (Uncle Rey) are located in the famous Mezcal region Sola de Vega. This town is the most famous spot in the world for Agave Tobalá. The region distills almost exclusively using clay pots “Olla de Barro”.