El Rey Zapoteco - Young - Espadin - 45%
El Rey Zapoteco is an exceptional artisanal Mezcal, passionately crafted by the second generation of the Hernandez family in the heart of Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Every step of the production respects ancestral know-how, from the meticulous cultivation of agave to bottling, thus guaranteeing premium quality.
The production begins with the careful cutting of leaves and roots of mature agaves, aged 8 to 30 years depending on the variety, keeping only the heart called the "piña" due to its resemblance to a pineapple. These piñas are cut into pieces and slowly cooked in a natural underground oven made of wood and stones, a cooking process lasting between 4 and 7 days depending on the quantity of agaves. Then, the pieces are crushed in a stone mill traditionally powered by a horse to extract a precious juice.
The resulting pulp is placed in wooden vats where it naturally ferments thanks to indigenous yeasts, producing a liquid called "tepache". This undergoes double distillation in traditional copper stills, allowing the production of a Mezcal with remarkable purity and aromatic intensity. In some cases, the Mezcal then rests in oak barrels, developing woody notes and additional complexity. To guarantee its purity, the distilled Mezcal is returned to the "guardianes" (copper stills) for a final refinement that removes any residual water traces.
This Mezcal batch is made from the Espadin Angustifolia agave, known for its richness in sugars and unique aromas. The double distillation in a copper still with a coil ensures a perfect balance between power and finesse, giving a spirit that is smooth on the palate with characteristic smoky notes.
At Clos des Spiritueux, we offer you this essential reference to discover the authenticity and soul of the Zapotec terroir through an exceptional Mezcal, ideal for both enthusiasts and connoisseurs eager to explore the richness of traditional Mexican spirits.
