5 Sentidos de Horno is part of “La Colección Mixteca,” a curated selection of spirits from the rustic, mountainous Mixteca region of Oaxaca and Puebla.
About this destilado de agave
In the Central Oaxacas Valleys, maguey Arroqueño (Agave americana var. oaxacensis) is highly prized for its delicate and sweet flavors and its reportedly long lifetime (up to two decades). In the Mixteca Alta, the same species is colloquially referred to as De Horno, as an homage the historical use of the enormous “pencas” to wrap up goat and sheep meat in the preparation of underground barbacoa ovens. De Horno seems to grow more prominently in the Mixteca than in the valleys, and has a reportedly shorter life time (12-15 years). Nevertheless, it is rare to see these expressions exported to the U.S., especially one that has been resting since 2014, making this an extra special bottling to savor.
5 Sentidos
5 Sentidos (or Cinco Sentidos) is named after the five senses that their mezcaleros use to produce their agave spirits. The producers of this mezcal do not use any model machinery or tools, being guided only by their senses throughout the production process. The brand was launched by El Destilado restaurant in centro Oaxaca. The restaurant is known for it’s creative menu, unique cocktails, and exception agave spirits. The brand is a curated tour of Mexico with a wide range of expressions that are made by some of the best mezcaleros in the region. Cinco Sentidos is uncertified mezcal and is labeled as “Destilado de Agave”.
Learn more about 5 Sentidos:
- Cinco Sentidos and El Destilado on Mezcal Reviews
- Santa María Ixcatlán: Rawhide Fermentation with Amando Alvarez on Mezcal Reviews
- What’s in A Name? on the K&L Wines Spirits Journal blog
Review this bottle
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Jori
52 reviewsI’ve been sipping a lot of non-Oaxacan mezcals lately. Mostly Durango.
On first sniff, I my brain had a flashback to driving through the Albaraddas of Oaxaca. Mountainous minerality. Faint whifs of barbacoa as I passed by the towns.
Sweet roasted agave juice, underripe pineapple and unwashed, dirty, underripe raspberries from my grandmother’s garden. Fresh Pulque funk. And some cow-farm snifs.
The mouthfeel is a little sharp on the first kiss, but smooths out and warms the body. She’s good, man. By the third sip it’s sharpness replaces itself with a calm, relaxed warmth reminiscent of Oaxacan sunset. You start chilling.
Minerality. Toasted cinnamon takes over for a quick dance.
A fermentation smell I will only ever associate with Oaxaca comes next. Similar barnyard funk to Santa Catarina Minas but more subtle. I love ‘em both
Toasted Thyme, too? Probably
Reminds me of smells on my small farms as a child. And some less-than-reputable backwoods parties I’ve attended.
Bull-like, dirty and aggressive. But a sweet, fruity charm to it.
I’ve been sipping a lot of non-Oaxacan mezcals lately. Mostly Durango.
On first sniff, I my brain had a flashback to driving through the Albaraddas of Oaxaca. Mountainous minerality. Faint whifs of barbacoa as I passed by the towns.
Sweet roasted agave juice, underripe pineapple and unwashed, dirty, underripe raspberries from my grandmother’s garden. Fresh Pulque funk. And some cow-farm snifs.
The mouthfeel is a little sharp on the first kiss, but smooths out and warms the body. She’s good
HighWine
76 reviews5 Sentidos De Horno
49.05%
Anatolio Ramirez
San Jose Rio Mias, Oaxaca
(Cousin to Arroqueno)
Rested in glass since 2014. Nose of saline and cottage cheese. Very meaty and leathery flavors that turn into menthol. A tasting partner used the description of “Number 2 pencil” which I think I spot on. Numbs my lips and tongue with some lingering heat. 3.5 stars
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsNose – Raisins. Brown sugar. Dandelion.
Palate – Leather. Green tea. Maple sap. Chalky bitterness and mouthwash heat in the finish. Adequate heat for 49.05% ABV. Decent mezcal.
cagliostro
32 reviews5 Sentidos Anatolio Ramirez De Horno (a. Americana) (49.05%)
batch: HORNO14
nose: rich, hay, molasses, peanut butter, faint root beer, roasted carrots, beets, fluoride tablets, white tea, chainsaw oil, habanero
palate: bitter, industrial flavors, hazelnuts, very oily mouthfeel, habanero flavor (no spice), pesto
palate is very weak both in terms of complexity and profile. pretty basic, but lovely mouthfeel. I do really like the nose. between a 5+ and 6- for me but i’m leanin 6-
5 Sentidos Anatolio Ramirez De Horno (a. Americana) (49.05%)
batch: HORNO14
nose: rich, hay, molasses, peanut butter, faint root beer, roasted carrots, beets, fluoride tablets, white tea, chainsaw oil, habanero
palate: bitter, industrial flavors, hazelnuts, very oily mouthfeel, habanero flavor (no spice), pesto
palate is very weak both in terms of complexity and profile. pretty basic, but lovely mouthfeel. I do really like the nose. between a 5+ and 6- for me but i’m leanin 6-
GreenspointTexas
385 reviews.
AndrewT
9 reviewsI get al pastor tacos, mint, and earth. A little hot but nice mouthfeel.
Update: Tried again another month or two later. Very good—great aromas as above but finish just too hot.
razorbackmike
155 reviewsnice sipper.this is not a mezcal thats in your face but rather one with subtle and delicate notes.the nose is pleasant and reminds me more of a vegetal karwinski than an americana.very mild heat inspite of its 49 % abv.i agree with jonny on the tropical and mint notes.mild smoke and finish.this is a rare mezcal from this region and i feel like it was a good purchase.very good but not outstanding.
Jonny
705 reviewsSlightly smoky aromas mixing with leather and a bit of bright pineapple. The palate has notes of lactose, lime, men’s cologne, spearmint, and some late menthol on the back of the palate. A bit hot but very enjoyable.