From Sparrow’s agave and mezcal list, Vida is a smoky, easy-drinking Oaxacan mezcal that has become a bartender favorite, $13 by the pour, or $19.50 for a larger pour.
About Vida Mezcal
Vida is the well-known mezcal from Del Maguey, the pioneering single-village brand founded by artist Ron Cooper in 1995 after his life-changing trips to Oaxaca. Del Maguey helped introduce traditional, village-made mezcal to a wider audience, working directly with small producer families across the state. Vida is made in the village of San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, along the riverbed where the Red Ant River runs. It is produced from espadin agave, the most common agave used for mezcal, grown and harvested locally. The process is fully traditional, the agave hearts are roasted in earthen pits, crushed, fermented in open wooden vats with wild yeast, and then distilled in small copper pot stills. That underground roasting over wood and stone is what gives mezcal its signature smoke.
Tasting Notes
Vida is built to be approachable, which is why it shows up in so many cocktails. Expect that classic gentle wood smoke up front, followed by roasted agave, a little tropical fruit and honey sweetness, and warm baking-spice and citrus notes. The finish is soft rather than aggressive, making it a friendly introduction to mezcal as well as a reliable mixer.
What to Pair It With
Smoky agave loves bright, savory, and spiced food. From the Sparrow dinner menu, try Vida alongside the Lamb Quesa-Birria Tacos, the Guajillo Chicken, or the Tuna Tartare. You can sip it neat or over a large cube to let the smoke open up, or have it shaken into a smoky Margarita or our Juanita-Rita. Catch our daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM for $3 off well drinks, and settle in at the 21+ lounge or out on the four-season patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vida mezcal made from?
Vida is a Del Maguey mezcal made from espadin agave in the village of San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico. The agave is pit-roasted, fermented with wild yeast, and distilled in copper pot stills in the traditional way.
Is mezcal the same as tequila?
Both are agave spirits from Mexico, but mezcal can be made from many agave varieties and is traditionally pit-roasted, which gives it a smoky character. Tequila is made specifically from blue agave. Vida is a smoky espadin mezcal from Oaxaca.
How much is a pour of Vida mezcal at Sparrow in Kirkland?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, Vida mezcal is $13 by the pour, or $19.50 for a larger pour.
Find Vida on the Sparrow beverages menu near other agave pours like the Casamigos Mezcal and Koch Espadin Jayacatlan. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come sip it.