Sazerac is launching a new family of mezcals called Los Vecinos del Campo in close partnership with Casa San Matias and a group of mezcaleros in Oaxaca, Mexico.
These hand-crafted spirits are produced by 10 families in the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca who have been utilizing traditional methods to create agave spirits for generations. The name Los Vecinos del Campo is a nod to those families and their communities, as it translates to “Neighbors of the Field.”
The Master mezcaleros use locally grown and hand-harvested agave and slow-roast the agave hearts, or piñas, underground to create the smoky-sweet artisanal mezcals. The piñas are crushed using a stone molino, then naturally fermented in wooden vats, and double distilled using copper pot stills.
Los Vecinos del Campo is releasing its 90 proof “Espadin” expression in several markets, while two other expressions, “Tobala” and “Ensamble No. 1,” will be released in 2019.
The brand will be launching in duty free in January, says the company.
Los Vecinos Espadin has already received high accolades from expert panels including Finalist and Great Value awards at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, receiving a score of 94/100 “Excellent, Highly Recommended.” The new mezcal was also rated as 5/5 Stars- Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, June 2018, stating “This wonderful mezcal is the ideal marriage of unruly, wild mezcal and distilling sophistication.”
Los Vecinos Espadin is available in 750ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $34. For more information, visit www.losvecinosmezcal.com.
