Traditional mezcal is distinguished by high alcohol and a heavy smoke profile that is not to everyone’s taste. Brands are often portrayed as dark and mysterious, trying to entice the buyer with discovering the unknown. There is one mezcal that’s changing the industry one beverage at a time -- Vamonos Riendo Mezcal.

Translating to “Let’s Go Laughing,” the phrase was fondly used by Campo’s wife Elsa, who is Mexican, 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… — Translating to “Let’s Go Laughing,” the phrase was fondly used by Campo’s wife Elsa, who is Mexican, 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. Photo Courtesy of **Vamonos Riendo**.

A fresh, vibrant and bright mezcal, Vamonos Riendo Mezcal is unlike any other product in the market. It 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 tantalizing citrus bite.

Identify LA got the chance to speak with the CEO of Vamanos Riendo Mezcal, Pablo Campos, on what the brand itself, its charitable efforts, and just what makes this mezcal unique!

1. What makes Vamonos Riendo Mezcal unique and what drove you to create this?

Many mezcals available in the US are distinguished by high alcohol and a heavy smoke profile. Vamonos Riendo is a fresh, vibrant and bright mezcal, and unlike any other product in the market. It boasts fresh fruit, honey and herbal aromas rounded out by a subtle black oak smokiness.

Twenty-eight years ago, I traveled through Tequila tasting and visiting distilleries with the dream of one day working on a brand. 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 and production processes.

2. Finally a brand that gives back! Why was this important to you to give back and in a way, celebrate the Oaxacan community?

The beauty of Vamonos Riendo Mezcal lies in the spirit of our people, our appreciation of the land, and the pride of a community celebrating heritage, tradition and art. That beauty is reflected in our package design created by a local artist. Vamonos Riendo is our celebration of mezcal, the bounty of the land, and know-how and artistry of Oaxaca and the Oaxacan people to create a vibrant spirit to bring people together.

3. How does the brand help the Oaxacan community?

The agaves are grown by the owners of the palenques and the surrounding community.

Our distillery supports them financially and with our expertise: from seedlings to ongoing cultivation to harvesting.

Additionally, we are aligned with SACRED, a non-profit that helps improve lives in the rural Mexican communities where heirloom agave spirits are made. Vamonos Riendo is currently underwriting the construction of a rainfall-collection system to mitigate water insecurity in the community of Zaachila, Oaxaca.

4. What pairs well with this Mezcal (food-wise)?

Everything! Vamonos Riendo is a very food friendly spirit. One classic dish that pairs well with Vamonos Riendo Mezcal is ceviche. Chef Jose Manuel Baños, of Pitiona Restaurant in Oaxaca from our The Artesanal Spirit program, recommends either scallops or a white fish like sea bass marinated in lemon and citrus juices as it perfectly balances with the light smokiness of the mezcal.

For a heavier dish, the Vamonos Riendo Mezcal is excellent with meat and grilled vegetables such as steak and asparagus, which is a harmonious pairing with the earthy and citrus notes in the spirit.

5. Please provide a recipe for how you suggest this beverage should be enjoyed.

Vamonos Riendo Mezcal, which translates to “Let’s Go Laughing,” was made for sharing. Its approachable yet complex flavor profile makes it delicious on its own served neat as its medley of fruit flavors are balanced by notes of cocoa, mint, anise and citrus.

However, we tapped a few bartenders in California to make cocktails with Vamonos Riendo Mezcal which showed us it is extremely versatile in cocktails. One recipe I particularly enjoyed for its simplicity and depth is from Cari Hah, a Los Angeles based bartender:

The Optimistic Martini:

2 oz Vamonos Riendo Mezcal

3/4 oz Dry Vermouth

1/2 oz Benedictine

Grapefruit Bitters

Method: Stir with ice and strain into coupe. Garnish with grapefruit oils expressed.

Vamonos Riendo Mezcal has an ABV of 42% and is available in the Southern California area at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle, with new markets to follow in the next few months.