Reviews / Mezcalero No. 5

Review · · by The Editors

Mezcalero No. 5

The ensamble bottling that introduced many US drinkers to serious mezcal

Score: 4.0/5 agaves

Mezcalero No. 5 bottle
  • Producer: Mezcalero Mezcal
  • Maestro: Cosme Hernandez
  • Region: San Baltazar Guélavila, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin, Tepextate
  • ABV: 47.9%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

No. 5 is the Mezcalero that deserves its cult status. Cosme Hernández Jiménez's espadín+tepextate combination is well-calibrated, the proof lands for both agaves, and the cost hasn't caught up to the demand yet. Craft Distillers' single-maestro model, which the Mezcalero series helped define for the US market, is legibly present in every decision. Buy when you find it.

An ensamble that earns its blend

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave, green herb, sweet fruit, light smoke

Palate: Clean, layered, textured – Cosme Hernandez's production discipline showing early in the series

Finish: Drying, mineral – long

The bottom line

A cornerstone bottle in the series

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 2 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

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