Vamonos Riendo Mezcal Joven 750ML

Vamonos Riendo Mezcal Joven 750ML is a triple-distilled artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml format. This ensamble of Espadín and wild Tobalá agave earned "Best Mezcal of the Year" at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition and a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the most decorated joven mezcals on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42%  |  Origin: Sierra Madre Mountains, Oaxaca, Mexico  |  Joven (Unaged)  |  Agave: Espadín & Tobalá Ensamble

Production & Heritage

Vamonos Riendo sources its Espadín agave — matured for eight years — from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca and its Tobalá agave — matured for fourteen years — from wild-harvested plants growing at roughly 6,000 feet in the Sierra Madre mountains. Distillation takes place at high-altitude palenques, where the lower boiling point allows the fermented mash to be heated more gently, preserving the ensamble's bright aromatics and preventing delicate flavors from burning off. The liquid undergoes a rare triple distillation with an infusion of local fruits, a technique inspired by the celebratory pechuga tradition, resulting in a mezcal of unusual depth and clarity for a joven expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A gentle wave of oak-tinged wood smoke opens first, followed by fresh orange peel, ripe tropical fruit, and a thread of wild honey. Herbal undertones and a faint green note round out the nose without overwhelming the fruit.

Taste: The entry is immediately bright — melon, pineapple, and grapefruit cascade across the palate before richer mid-palate tones of milk chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla emerge. Mandarin and tangerine add citrus lift, while mint and anise provide herbal counterbalance that keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish: Long, velvety, and layered, tapering into soft caramel with a tantalizing citrus bite. The smoke resurfaces subtly at the tail, reminding you this is unmistakably mezcal.

How to Drink Vamonos Riendo

Neat in a wide-mouthed copita or Glencairn glass at room temperature is the ideal starting point — the triple distillation yields a remarkably smooth sip that rewards slow exploration. A single ice cube opens up additional tropical fruit character without dulling the smoke.

• Oaxacan Old Fashioned: The cocoa and caramel notes amplify the cocktail's brown-sugar sweetness while the citrus keeps it lively.
• Mezcal Paloma: The grapefruit on the palate mirrors fresh grapefruit soda, creating a seamless, smoky riff on the classic.
• Naked & Famous: The tropical fruit profile and gentle smoke stand up beautifully alongside Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime.

Best For

• Gifting a mezcal enthusiast who already knows the basics and wants something exceptional
• Anchoring a comparative tasting flight of Espadín versus ensamble mezcals
• Introducing agave-curious whisky drinkers to mezcal's complexity through a smooth, approachable expression
• Elevating a cocktail night with a competition-proven, award-winning base spirit

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vamonos Riendo taste like? The dominant profile is tropical fruit — melon, pineapple, and citrus — balanced by cocoa and milk chocolate sweetness, with a gentle oak-smoke backbone and a long caramel finish. It drinks much smoother than many joven mezcals thanks to triple distillation.

How does Vamonos Riendo compare to Montelobos Joven? Montelobos Joven is a single-varietal Espadín mezcal known for its versatility and herbal-citrus character, while Vamonos Riendo is a more complex Espadín-Tobalá ensamble that adds layers of tropical fruit, chocolate, and a pechuga-inspired fruit infusion. Vamonos Riendo's triple distillation also yields a noticeably silkier texture compared to Montelobos' double-distilled profile.

Is Vamonos Riendo good for sipping neat? Yes — at 42% ABV and triple-distilled, it is one of the smoothest and most approachable joven mezcals available, making it an excellent neat sipper for both seasoned mezcal drinkers and newcomers to the category.

Where is Vamonos Riendo made? It is produced at high-altitude palenques in the Sierra Madre mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, using Espadín agave from the Central Valleys and wild Tobalá agave harvested at approximately 6,000 feet elevation.

What foods pair well with Vamonos Riendo? Dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa and vanilla notes on the palate. Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical fruit character. Oaxacan mole negro mirrors the mezcal's layered spice and smoke. Fresh ceviche with citrus dressing reinforces the grapefruit and mandarin tones. Aged Manchego cheese pairs well with the caramel finish and gentle smokiness.

What sizes does Vamonos Riendo come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle at 42% ABV.

Is Vamonos Riendo worth the price? It positions as a premium artisanal mezcal, justified by the use of wild-harvested 14-year-old Tobalá agave, triple distillation, a pechuga-inspired fruit infusion process, and a résumé that includes Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 94-point Wine Enthusiast score.

Why Vamonos Riendo?

What separates this mezcal from the crowded joven field is the convergence of high-altitude distillation and triple-distilled pechuga-style technique applied to a carefully selected Espadín-Tobalá ensamble. The Tobalá agave alone requires fourteen years to mature and must be wild-harvested at elevation — a significant investment in raw material that shows up directly in the glass. Critical recognition backs this up: a Platinum Medal at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards, Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold at the 2020 Tequila Mezcal Challenge, and "Best Mezcal of the Year" at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition. For drinkers seeking a mezcal that balances smoke, fruit, and chocolate complexity with genuine smoothness, Vamonos Riendo delivers a level of craft that its award history confirms.