Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal Review

Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 09:00 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Uncover all the details about Rey Campero Jabalí, the top-notch Mezcal in its category, available today!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal Review: Top-Rated Choice for Mezcal Enthusiasts

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tequila expert Neil Coleman highlights Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal as a favorite among both himself and his customers, but acknowledges its limitations regarding price and availability. Here's a breakdown of why it might be your perfect mezcal and a consideration to keep in mind:

Strengths:

Exceptional Quality: Jabali boasts a flavor profile that has impressed both tequila expert Neil Coleman and many customers who have tried it. This suggests a mezcal of exceptional quality.
Enthusiast Favorite: Positive feedback from customers underlines Jabali's reputation as a truly exceptional mezcal experience.

Weaknesses:

High Price Point: Jabali comes with a higher price tag, making it a bit of an investment.
Limited Availability: Finding Jabali might require some effort due to its limited distribution.

Verdict:

Rey Campero Jabali Mezcal stands out as a top choice for mezcal enthusiasts seeking a highly-rated spirit. Positive feedback highlights an exceptional flavor profile. However, keep in mind the higher price point and potentially limited availability.

Tequila expert Neil Coleman recommends exploring Jabali if you're a mezcal lover looking for a top-shelf experience, but also suggests that taste is subjective. There are many great mezcals out there, so exploring different options might be beneficial before committing to the pricier Jabali.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Floral, citrus, white pepper.
Palate: Ripe fruit, citrus, leather, earth, spice
Finish: Long, pleasantly warm, citrus
Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)

Rey Campero Jabali hits the nose with floral notes and hints of citrus and anise.

This mezcal exhibits a velvety and rich texture, delivering an excellent mouthfeel.

It provides flavors of tropical fruits, complemented by a subtle citrus presence.

Earthy and leathery undertones add depth and complexity to the profile.

The finish is long, leaving a pleasant and comforting warmth.

A faint smoky note lingers, enhancing the overall tasting experience and allowing the delicious flavors to persist.

Rey Campero Jabali shines with its remarkable combination of aromatic floral notes, rich tropical fruit flavors, and a well-rounded finish.

It undoubtedly stands out as an exceptional mezcal.

How did I review Rey Campero Jabali?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Drink

Sipping Neat: Best enjoyed neat or straight for a full appreciation of its flavors.
Glassware: Use a whiskey tumbler or a snifter instead of a tequila shot glass to enhance the aroma and experience.

Agave Jabali: Unique Characteristics

Difficult to Distill: Jabali agave foams heavily during distillation and is harder to cut.
Longer Process: Cooking, fermentation, and distillation take more time than espadin agave.
More Raw Material Needed: Requires 45 pounds of Jabali for a bottle compared to 20 pounds for espadin.
Extended Maturation: Jabali matures in 18 years, significantly longer than espadin's 8 years.
Complex Production: Few distillers attempt to make mezcal with Jabali due to its complexity.

Price

Premium Price: Ranges between $100 to $120 due to its unique production and quality.

Where to Buy

Recommended Sources: Astor Wines in New York City and Old Town Tequila, both offering shipping in the United States.

Does it Expire?

Shelf Life: Can last for decades if stored properly away from sunlight.
Post-Opening: Best consumed relatively soon after opening, especially once it's down to 25%.

About Rey Campero

Location: Produced by the Sanchez Distillery in Candelaria Yegole, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Legacy: Over 70 years of history in a small town with a significant distilling heritage.
Artisanal Quality: Known for a balanced level of smokiness using guamuchil wood.
Agave Preservation: Committed to planting and preserving various agave species.