Rey Campero Mezcal Artesanal PECHUGA DE CODORNIZ DOP 48.3% is an exceptional speciality from Candelaria Yegolé in Zoquitlán, Oaxaca, produced by Maestro Mezcalero Vicente Sánchez Parada using traditional artisanal methods. The base is Espadín agave, the hearts of which are traditionally cooked in a conical earthen oven and then crushed using a heavy stone tahona. Natural fermentation takes place with wild ambient yeasts in open wooden vats made of pine and sabino. The mezcal is then distilled twice in copper stills. This bottling derives its distinctive character from being produced as a ‘Pechuga Mezcal’ using the ‘quail’s breast’ method – a traditional and labour-intensive form of distillation that lends the distillate an additional aromatic dimension.

At 48.3% ABV, Rey Campero Pechuga de Codorniz retains a powerful yet astonishingly nuanced character. Smoky and citrusy notes combine with natural sweetness, whilst cooked agave, pineapple, tejocote and nutty flavours create a multi-layered flavour profile. It is precisely the interplay of earthen ovens, tahona grinding, spontaneous fermentation and double copper distillation that makes this artisanally produced mezcal from Oaxaca a particularly authentic interpretation of traditional mezcal culture. The 0.7-litre bottle is aimed primarily at connoisseurs of characterful agave spirits who, in addition to a distinct sense of origin, wish to discover the unusual production methods and distinctive style of a Pechuga de Codorniz.