El Rey Zapoteco Pechuga Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico

A truly traditional expression of Oaxacan heritage, the El Rey Zapoteco Pechuga Mezcal, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a meticulously handcrafted spirit that blends ancestral technique with rich festive flavor. Distilled by one of the region’s oldest artisanal mezcal families, this Pechuga captures the soulful essence of Santiago Matatlán through its ceremonial ingredients and deeply rooted production methods.

Product Details:

• Agave Variety: 100% Espadín (Agave angustifolia) – “capon” (fully mature)
• Plant Age at Harvest: 12 years
• Style: Pechuga
• Distillation: Twice distilled in copper stills
• Fermentation: Open-air pine vats with wild yeast
• Milling: Horse-drawn tahona
• Infusion (Second Distillation): Wild turkey breast, orange, banana, cantaloupe, pineapple, prune, almond
• ABV: 45%
• Aging: Rested for 45 days in oak barrels
• NOM: NOM-O71X
• Farming: Estate-grown agave, hand-harvested

Sensory Description:

Aromas of roasted agave, citrus peel, and subtle gamey notes draw you in, evoking a mezcal steeped in festivity. The palate is full and savory, with layered impressions of tropical fruit, nuts, and soft smoke, followed by a complex, slightly earthy finish underscored by hints of spice and umami from the turkey breast.

Distiller's Background:

El Rey Zapoteco was founded in 1960 by Don Serafín Hernández Blas in the heart of mezcal country, Santiago Matatlán. Today, the Hernández Escobar family continues to honor his legacy, farming their agave and producing mezcal in the same traditional methods passed down for generations. Doña Juana Hernández, along with her sons, now guides the brand with deep reverence for their roots and community.

Serving Suggestions:

Sip neat in a copita at room temperature to fully appreciate the aromatic nuance and mouthfeel. Pair with spiced mole dishes, grilled game meats, or tropical fruits for a ceremonial experience.

With its blend of generational wisdom, locally harvested agave, and festive ingredients, El Rey Zapoteco Pechuga Mezcal is a deeply expressive and authentically Oaxacan spirit, crafted with both reverence and celebration in every drop.