Heavy Métl

Pour

Rey Campero is best enjoyed by pouring the spirit neat into a jícara (gourd that has been cut in half), wide-mouthed glass (preferred) such as a veladora or sake glass, so that the aromas can open up and spread out evenly.

Observe

First shake the bottle of Rey Campero gently; this will cause the formation of bubbles or perlas.

Now, elevate the bottle as you are pouring mezcal into the drinking vessel. You should again observe perlas. Next, pour some mezcal from one glass to another to check again for the formation of perlas and observe their size, structure and how long they last. The bigger the pearls, and the longer they last, the higher the alcohol content but if they are big and disperse quickly then you are looking at puntas or a spirit over 55%. Very small perlas that disperse quickly and don’t form will show a mezcal under 46%.

Inhale

Carefully test the spirit by rubbing a few drops of the mezcal between your hands, or preferably on your forearm as you would a perfume. As it evaporates, inhale the aroma of cooked maguey. Then, slowly breathe in the mezcal’s scent from the jίcara, first with your mouth closed, then with your mouth open to recognize the full body of the aroma. The scents detected from each of these steps will vary, revealing the many facets of the spirit you have selected. These aromas will help you with the next step.

Sip

For your first sip, take a small taste from your glass, receiving the mezcal with a little bit of saliva at the front of your mouth. Wait a couple of seconds, and then gently rinse your mouth with the mezcal for 5-10 seconds. As you rinse, exhale the liquid’s vapors through your nose. Swallow this first sip and note the flavors now blossoming on your palate.

Wait 20-30 seconds before taking a second small drink. Here, sip the mezcal a second time, again savoring the liquid for 10 seconds before swallowing. Now, notice the flavors rising from your stomach as you exhale – these are the most exquisite the spirit has to offer.

Savor

Continue sipping, and with every new drink, enjoy the flavorful discovery that accompanies the mezcal to your palate.

We recommend slowly sipping it so that you savor the flavor and aromas as you reflect on the time, hard work and artistry that went in to making the mezcal you are experiencing.