Mala Vida Blanco Tequila
Mala Vida Blanco Tequila is a 40% ABV unaged tequila from NOM 1588, made with 100% blue weber agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco (Los Altos). The project of Alex Gonzalez — drummer of the Mexican rock band Maná — it is "reminiscent of the old-fashioned way of making tequila," with cooked agave, citrus, apple, and spice, in a 750mL skull-motif bottle. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% — unanimous across sources
- Size: 750mL — unaged blanco
- Origin: NOM 1588 — Highlands of Jalisco (Los Altos) agave
- Story: Founded by Maná drummer Alex Gonzalez; "Mala Vida" as an attitude of lived experience
- Bottle: Skull iconography honoring Día de los Muertos tradition
A Rock Drummer's Love Letter to Jalisco
After decades touring the world with Maná, drummer Alex Gonzalez wanted a tequila that captured Jalisco's culture — and Mala Vida is it. The name is a philosophy ("the attitude of every human being that through experience reveals the unique dazzle, magnificence and authenticity on its own self"), and the skull on the bottle is pure Mexican tradition: "in Mexico the skulls have an unparalleled rooting and cultural meaning... a symbol that honors those who are no longer with us." That iconography is why you will find it tagged for Halloween — the spirit inside is classic Los Altos blanco. Explore more blanco tequilas or the full tequila shelf.
Tasting Notes
Per brand copy via retailers: cooked agave and citrus (grapefruit), apple, cantaloupe, clove, and anise — intense flavor, balanced aroma, medium body. Los Altos agave brings the fruit; the unaged bottling keeps it bright and punchy.
How to Enjoy
Neat or in a cantarito — the traditional Jalisco highball of tequila, citrus, and grapefruit soda over ice suits it perfectly. It is also a strong margarita blanco: the cooked-agave depth holds up to lime and agave syrup. Serve cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Mala Vida tequila?
Alex Gonzalez, drummer of the Mexican rock band Maná; produced at NOM 1588 with Los Altos agave.
Why is Mala Vida tagged Halloween?
The bottle's skull motif draws on Día de los Muertos iconography — the tag reflects the bottle art, not the liquid.
Is Mala Vida Blanco aged?
No — unaged blanco, bottled for bright, pure agave character.
Rock-and-roll agave with a skull on the bottle — buy Mala Vida Blanco Tequila online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.