El Rey Zapoteco is an iconic name in the world of mezcal, an emblem of tradition, craftsmanship, and the rich heritage of Oaxaca, Mexico. Founded in 1960, El Rey Zapoteco was one of the pioneers in commercial mezcal production, long before the global boom of interest in this unique spirit. Over the decades, they've become synonymous with quality, authenticity, and adherence to the traditional methods that define mezcal.
At its heart, mezcal production is an art, one that requires intimate knowledge of the agave plant, a passion for distillation, and patience. El Rey Zapoteco, being family-owned and operated, ensures these values are at the forefront of their operation. They utilise only estate-grown agave, primarily the Espadín variety, harvested at its peak to ensure optimal sugar concentrations. The pinas (hearts) of these agaves are then roasted in traditional earthen pits, giving the spirit its characteristic smoky notes.
What sets El Rey Zapoteco apart is their dedication to these ancestral techniques. From the manual crushing of the roasted agave to the natural fermentation and the use of old-style copper pot stills, every step speaks of tradition. The result? Mezcals that are rich, complex, and deeply reflective of Oaxaca’s terroir.
Today, as mezcal enjoys its moment on the global stage, El Rey Zapoteco stands as a bridge between the past and the present. Through their bottles, they narrate the story of Oaxaca, its people, its landscapes, and its undying spirit.