Gusano Rojo Mezcal Artesenal
Gusano Rojo Mezcal Artesenal is a 40% ABV (80 proof) young artisanal mezcal made from 100% Espadín agave (Agave angustifolia) in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico — and every bottle contains the signature gusano rojo, the red maguey worm larva (Comadia redtenbacheri), a novelty introduced by Jacobo Lozano Páez in the 1940s and a Gusano Rojo trademark ever since. Made by a family business, three generations deep and exporting since 1978, it is stone-oven cooked, naturally fermented, and double-distilled in copper stills. It comes in a 750mL bottle. Order mezcal online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — US Artesanal SKU
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: 100% Espadín (Agave angustifolia)
- Process: Stone-oven cooking; natural fermentation; double-distilled in copper stills; unaged (young)
- Origin: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
The One with the Worm
Let's address the larva in the bottle: the gusano rojo is a real maguey-worm larva, added as a mark of tradition (and a fine party trick) since the 1940s. The mezcal itself is no gimmick — a bold, earthy Espadín with roasted agave, smoky earth, and a hint of spice on the palate, a long, complex, smoky finish, and a silky-smooth drinkability retailers consistently note. Clear with a slight golden hue, cooked agave and damp earth on the nose, intense smoke and power underneath. Browse more Gusano Rojo or explore Oaxacan styles in the mezcal collection.
Tasting Notes
Cooked agave, damp earth, and intense smoke on the nose; bold and smooth palate of roasted agave, smoky earth, and a hint of spice; long, complex, smoky finish — not overwhelmingly smoky, silky through the middle.
How to Enjoy
Serve neat with orange slices and sal de gusano for the full Oaxacan ritual, or build a smoky, worm-free cocktail base for mezcal margaritas. Room temperature in a copita shows it best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a worm in the bottle?
Yes — each bottle contains a red maguey worm larva (gusano rojo), a Gusano Rojo tradition dating to the 1940s.
What agave is Gusano Rojo made from?
100% Espadín (Agave angustifolia), cooked in stone ovens and double-distilled in copper.
How strong is Gusano Rojo Mezcal Artesenal?
80 proof (40% ABV) for the US SKU.
For mezcal with history in the bottle — literally — buy Gusano Rojo Mezcal Artesenal online from Del Mesa Liquor, ready for pickup or delivery in San Diego, CA.
