Mezcal Campante is a female and Mexican co-owned small-batch, premium artisanal mezcal that's deeply rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. Handcrafted from a unique blend of Espadín and Barril agaves, cultivated in the nutrient-rich valleys and mountain sides of Ejutla, Oaxaca, this spirit embodies Mexican tradition and excellence. Expertly crafted by fourth-generation mezcalero, Master Mezcalero Raúl Rodríguez Reyes, Mezcal Campante is a testament to centuries-old traditions and familial legacy. Meticulously designed for savoring, Mezcal Campante offers an unparalleled smoothness that offers a sophisticated and evolving flavor profile with tasting notes that evoke licorice, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, herbal tones, floral vapors, and delicate smoky undertones. Mezcal Campante embodies the essence of its namesake – a state of ease and satisfaction – by embracing the beauty of the present moment and the joy of shared experiences. It holds dear the values of friendship and family that are integral to Mexican tradition, encouraging individuals to savor life's precious moments and to cherish the connections that define them. Mezcal Campante is Kosher, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO. The 750ml bottle is priced at $64.99 USD and the 375ml bottle is priced at $39.99 USD.
Founding Story
Mezcal Campante is a female and Mexican co-owned and led small-batch premium artisanal mezcal brand that serves as a beacon illuminating the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of Oaxaca. Crafted with meticulous care and passion, Mezcal Campante not only preserves but also honors the essence of this iconic spirit, inviting enthusiasts to savor the taste of authenticity and history with every sip.
The story of Mezcal Campante is a tale of contemporary romance, fueled by a thirst for discovery and a deep appreciation for mezcal as the quintessential accompaniment to life's moments. Inspired by this passion, life partners Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes, CEO and Partner, and Luca Longobardi, Partner, embarked on a quest for the ultimate mezcal.
Their journey led them to a partnership with José Luis Bustamante, whose privately produced mezcal was originally intended for intimate gatherings among friends and family, masterfully created and served at his acclaimed establishment, Hotel Azul de Oaxaca.
A simple elegance of passion, the full embrace of, and commitment to, craftsmanship, culture, and community, embodies the essence of Mezcal Campante.
Mezcal Campante offers a smooth, versatile agave spirit blending Mexican heritage with contemporary culture. “Our aim was to find a mezcal that could take pride of place on the table among friends, ensuring everyone's enjoyment,” expresses Luca Longobardi.
Mezcal Campante embodies the essence of its namesake – a state of ease and satisfaction – by embracing the beauty of the present moment and the joy of shared experiences. It holds dear the values of friendship and family that are integral to Mexican tradition, encouraging individuals to savor life's precious moments and to cherish the connections that define them.
Expertly crafted by Master Mezcalero Raúl Rodríguez Reyes, Mezcal Campante is a testament to centuries-old traditions and familial legacy, carefully distilled and bottled in Ejutla, Oaxaca. Rodríguez Reyes is a fourth-generation mezcalero overseeing the mezcal production alongside his wife, Doña Bélgica, and their son, Carlos, the 5th generation. Rodríguez Reyes ensures that each batch of Mezcal Campante preserves the magic inherent in every drop and moment of the process.
The ensamble of Espadín and Barril artfully blends the distinctive characteristics of each agave, resulting in a sophisticated and evolving flavor profile. Mezcal Campante offers a sensory journey with tasting notes that evoke licorice, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, herbal tones, floral vapors, and delicate smoky undertones. “It is perfectly balanced,” says renowned Mezcal & Tequila expert, Ana Maria Romero Mena.
Partner José Luis Bustamante emphasizes the importance of providing for the people of Oaxaca, rooted in his family's long history and deep connection to the region and its incredible land. “This small-scale production process serves the close-knit community of Ejutla, Oaxaca,” says José Luis Bustamante, Partner. “The culture, tradition, and heritage of mezcal are honored as we refine the distillation process for creating Mezcal Campante, a smooth mezcal perfect for sipping, savoring, or blending,” continues Bustamante.
“We paid meticulous attention to detail in perfecting the liquid, selecting the ideal agave blend, and enhancing branding and packaging. This resulted in a smooth mezcal that is harmoniously balanced, full-bodied, and compelling — a brand brimming with meaning and creativity,” states Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes.
Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes is the Founding Partner and CEO of Mezcal Campante, an independent spirits brand alongside her partners Luca Longobardi and José Luis Bustamante. With a rich background in brand development across various premium and luxury sectors, including technology, automotive, hospitality, and spirits, Leigh-Wood Oakes brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Driven by her passion for craft beverages and a profound interest in the intricacies of their production, Leigh-Wood Oakes was captivated by the world of agave spirits after delving into its techniques, history, and her family's affinity for Mexico. Collaborating with her partners, Campante emerged as a culmination of years of research, embodying the timeless qualities of traditional artisanal mezcal. Leigh-Wood Oakes set two fundamental goals for Campante: it had to deliver exceptional smoothness and unparalleled drinkability. As a leading female partner, Leigh-Wood Oakes is paving the way for female consumers and empowering women within the spirits industry.
