Rey Campero Espadín is an artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico. It is produced using traditional methods, using only the finest Espadín agave. The agave is harvested by the Doña Vega family and cooked in a conical shaped oven for a period of three days. The cooked agave is mashed with a tahona, and then fermented in open tanks for up to five days. After fermentation, the mash is distilled twice in small copper pot stills.
The resulting mezcal has a complex aroma of sweet herbs, ripe fruits and smoky notes. On the palate it has a smooth texture with delicate hints of apple and subtle smokiness that lingers on the finish. Rey Campero Espadín has an ABV of around 47%, making it ideal for sipping neat or as part of cocktails.
This particular mezcal has won sveral awards such as Double Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 and Best Artisanal Mezcal at International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019. It's also been recognized by Tequila Matchmaker as “Best Mezcal For Beginners” due to its easy-drinking nature, yet complex flavor profile.
Overall, Rey Campero Espadín is an excellent example of a classic Oaxacan mezcal crafted with skill and dedication by one of Mexico's oldest families. If you're looking for an authentic sip of Mexican culture then this could be just what you're after!
The Flavor Profile of Espadin Mezcal
Espadin mezcal is known for its sweet, herbaceous flavor profile. Its aroma is often described as having notes of red apple and ripe fruits, with a light smokiness. The taste of Espadin mezcal is smooth and well-balanced, with sweet and herbal notes that linger on the palate. Its flavor has hints of tropical fruits, citrus, and an underlying smokiness that gives it a unique complexity. It has a slightly dry finish that leaves the drinker wanting more.
Origin of Espadin
Espadín is a variety of agave plant that is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the most widely used type of agave for mezcal production in Mexico and other countries. Espadín has been cultivated in Oaxaca since pre-Hispanic times, and is known for its high sugar content and strong flavor profile. It produces a smoky, slightly sweet mezcal with notes of citrus and floral aromas. The Espadín Capon variety, which is quite rare, is harvested several years afer the plant has matured, giving the final distillate an even sweeter taste than regular Espadín mezcal.
Is Espadin Tequila?
Yes, Espadin is a tequila. It is made with 100% agave, whih is the base ingredient used to make all tequilas. Espadin has an intense smoky aroma and flavor, with notes of citrus, sweet agave, and fresh herbs. It is smooth and soft on the palate, making it a great sipping tequila.
Maturity Time of an Espadin
The Espadín agave plant typically takes 7 to 8 years to reach maturity. This lengthy growth period is necssary in order to develop the depth of flavor and complexity that makes the Espadín agave so highly sought after. During this time, the plant puts on an average of 2kg of biomass per hectare each year, allowing for a higher concentration of sugars and essential oils. Once harvested, these key elements are distilled into a spirit with an alcohol content of 46.04% by volume.
The Strength of Mezcal
Mezcal is often considered to be a stronger tasting spirit than tequila because it is made from roasted agave, whch has a much smokier flavor than the un-roasted agave used to make tequila. Additionally, mezcal is usually bottled at a higher ABV of 40-45%, while tequila is usually bottled at 38-40%. This higher ABV in mezcal means that it has more of an intense flavor and a more intense burn when consumed. Lastly, most mezcals are not aged in barrels like tequila and thus retain more of their original flavor characteristics. All of these factors contribute to mezcal's strong taste.
Are Mezcal and Tequila the Same?
No, tequila and mezcal are not the same thing. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but it has specific requirements that make it unique. To be called tequila, it must come from certain states in Mexico and must be made with blue agave (agave tequilana). Mezcal can come from many states in Mexico and can be made using different types of agave. While both spirits are similar in many ways, they have their own distinct flavors and characteristics that separate them from each other.
Conclusion
Rey Campero Espadin is a unique mezcal that offers a flavour profile like no other. It has a sweet and herbaceous taste, balanced by hints of red apple, ripe fruits and a mild smoky layer, making it an ideal choice for all types of tastebuds. Its agave varietal is Espadín, harvested several years after the plant has ripened, giving it a natural sweetness that cannot be replicated. If you're looking for an exceptional mezcal experience, Rey Campero Espadin should definiely be at the top of your list.
