Today, Vamonos Riendo Mezcal officially launched in the United States. The high altitude ensamble is triple distilled and offers a bright flavor profile with subtle smoke. And while the style might seem new to the American marketplace, the brand maintains an unwavering commitment to its roots through philanthropic endeavors that benefit the Oaxacan land and its people.
The small-batch, handcrafted ensamble is made from agave grown, slow-roasted and distilled in the high-altitudes of the Sierra Madre mountains. Vamonos Riendo Mezcal combines eight-year-old Espadín with 14-year-old Tobalá sourced from 6,500 feet above sea level, where there is more sunshine, scarce water, and less oxygen. This natural stress requires the maguey to concentrate its limited resources in the heart of the plant, the piña, providing intense flavors and aromatics. High altitude palenques allow Vamonos Riendo to boil the fermented mash at a lower temperature. This prevents the ensamble’s intense flavors and aromatics from being burnt away and allows for a remarkably bright and flavorful Mezcal.
A vibrant and bright expression, Vamonos Riendo Mezcal boasts fresh fruit, honey and herbal aromas rounded out by a subtle black oak smokiness. On the palate, a medley of melon, pineapple, grapefruit and mandarin is balanced by the sweetness of cocoa and notes of mint and anise. The finish is velvety smooth with notes of caramel with a citrus bite.
For Vamonos Riendo, the beauty of mezcal lies in the spirit of the people, appreciation of the land, and the pride of a community celebrating its heritage, tradition and art. To celebrate the Oaxacan art community, Vamonos Riendo’s video series “The Artesanal Spirit” showcases renowned local artists, their creative approach, commitment to excellence, and art, and can be found on the brand’s social media platforms and website.
With an emphasis on giving back, Vamonos Riendo has set up programs to support the Oaxacan community — both the land and its people. The brand is committed to sustainable cultivation by planting more magueys than they harvest. A partnership with non-profit S.A.C.R.E.D., allows them to help improve lives in the rural Mexican communities where heirloom agave spirits are made.
“Twenty-eight years ago I traveled through Tequila tasting and visiting distilleries with the dream of one day working on a brand,” explains CEO Pablo Campos. “Fast forward to today, it is mezcal that has captivated my curiosity and attention. The category offers a rich and complex world, similar to wine, and provides the opportunity to work with a diverse range of agaves, terroirs and production processes. Vamonos Riendo is our celebration of mezcal, the bounty of the land, and know-how of the people to create a vibrant spirit to bring people together.”
Translating to “Let’s Go Laughing,” the phrase was fondly used by Campo’s wife Elsa to gather her friends on social outings in her early adulthood in Mexico City so no one was left behind. “Laughter can lift our spirits and makes us feel happy. It can bring people together. It can help us feel more alive and empowered. When we laugh, we lighten up; we feel more positive and optimistic, more hopeful and engaged,” Campos adds.
Vamonos Riendo Mezcal comes in at 42% ABV and is available in California at select retailers for $59.99 per 750ml bottle. More markets are expected to follow in the next few months.