Oro de Oaxaca Mezcal Joven
Oro de Oaxaca Mezcal Joven is a 40% ABV (80 proof), 750mL joven mezcal — the classic Oaxacan style, unaged and bottled with the traditional gusano (worm) in the bottle. Made from 100% agave in Santiago Matatlán, Tlacolula, Oaxaca, and bottled by Licorera Oaxaqueña, it is one of the most recognizable mezcal labels in the United States: the yellow bottle with the cactus, the little red-yellow string on the neck, and the worm at the bottom. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Class: joven — unaged, bottled with the traditional gusano
- Agave: 100% agave (species unverified)
- Origin: Santiago Matatlán, Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Bottler: Licorera Oaxaqueña S.A. de C.V.
The Classic Gusano Bottle
For generations of American drinkers, this bottle was mezcal: the gusano floating in the clear spirit, the folk art label, the string tied around the neck. The worm is a Oaxacan tradition — the larva of the agave moth — and Oro de Oaxaca remains its most famous ambassador, made in Santiago Matatlán, the self-proclaimed world capital of mezcal. As a joven, it is bottled young and bright, so the agave's roasted, earthy, gently smoky character comes through unfiltered. Explore more mezcal or browse everything from Oro de Oaxaca at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Roasted agave, earth, and a light wisp of smoke.
Palate: Bright and rustic — cooked agave sweetness, citrus, gentle smoke.
Finish: Warm and earthy with a lingering agave fade.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat the traditional way — orange slice and sal de gusano (worm salt) if you are feeling authentic. It also brings real agave character to a mezcal margarita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a worm in the bottle?
Yes — a gusano (agave moth larva), a Oaxacan tradition; it is harmless and edible.
Is Oro de Oaxaca a joven?
Yes — unaged, so the spirit is clear and the agave character is direct.
What agave is it made from?
The label states 100% agave without naming the species; most classic Oaxacan jovenes are espadín.
Where is Santiago Matatlán?
In the Tlacolula valley of Oaxaca, Mexico — the heartland of mezcal production.
The bottle that introduced America to mezcal — order Oro de Oaxaca Mezcal Joven online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.