Cinco Sentidos Papalote y Chino - JSTMG202 - 47.78%
Distilled by maestro mezcalero Delfino Tobon Mejia in Ameyaltepec, Puebla. Delfino roasted Papalote and Chino hearts in an underground earthen oven with tehulxtle and mesquite firewood for three days. Fermented with natural yeasts and local spring water for 10 days, the mix of 90% Papalote and 10% Chino was distilled on a homemade copper reflux still. 80 liters were produced in June 2018 and rested until bottling in January 2021.
Notes: Nose is driven by herbaceousness and smoke - grilled orchard fruits (peach, pear) under the smoke. Good weight up front before the structure runs hard and high. The weight is key to keeping it grounded. Drinks every bit of its 47.78% ABV. The blend of smoke and herbaceousness on the palate elicits the "campfire and bug spray- but better" note. Some anise and parsley.
Pour This For: The structure elevates the pour, making it a nice introduction to higher quality mezcal for those who've mostly played in the sub-$100 range.
Score: 6 (Solid) Despite the power of the ABV and structure, the ethanol stays in check (thank you, 3 years of resting). Well crafted, but what draws me to Cinco Sentidos are the unique profiles. This reads more expected.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour