CA Spirits

AGAVE MEZCAL

5 SENTIDOS / CINCO SENTIDOS Cinco Sentidos is a representation of small-scale maestro mezcaleros that produce agave spirits with complex flavors. We select high-quality distillates that represent the various production processes, agave diversity, and traditions and talents of Mexico’s master distillers of agave. 5 Sentidos Sierra Negra Alberto Martinez MEXICO, SANTA CATARINA ALBARRADAS SDSSNANVC / 750ml / $85.00 Alberto and his son-in-law Reynaldo distill the massive agave Sierra Negra (A. Americana) in their traditional palenque in Santa Catarina Albarradas, Oaxaca. They harvest cultivated Sierra Negra that take twelve to fifteen years to reach maturity. Once harvested, Alberto bakes the agave in an earthen oven with encino oak and river rocks for a week. He and Reynaldo then mash the cooked agave by hand with wooden mallets, before they set it in stone tanks and let it ferment naturally. The elevation in Santa Catarina is about 6,500 feet above sea level, which leads to cold nights. In order to jump start and stabilize the fermentation, Alberto adds ground “tepehuaje” bark to the fermentation. He believes this is one of the most crucial elements that makes his spirit stand out. Once fermented, the mash and tepache are double-distilled in clay pot stills at Alberto’s palenque, La Escondida. Apart from Sierra Negra, Alberto and Reynaldo also distill Jabalí, Tobalá, Jabalí - Tobala and Sierra Negra - Tobalá for Cinco Sentidos. 92PF 5 Sentidos Espadin Capon Alberto Martinez SDSEAMNVC / 750ml / $75.00 Region: Santa Catarina Albarradas, Oaxaca Agave: Espadin (agave angustifolia) Milling: By hand with axes and wooden mallets Fermentation: In stone with tepehuaje bark Distillation: Double distilled in clay pots. 96.9PF LIMITED BATCH RELEASE 5 Sentidos Madrecuixe Eleuterio Perez Ramos SDSPZMNVC / 750ml / $83.00 Distiller: Eleuterio “Tio Tello” Perez Ramos Region: El Nanche, Oaxaca Agave: Madrecuixe (agave karwinskii) Milling: By hand with machetes and wooden hammers Fermentation: In cypress tanks with well water Distillation: Double distilled in copper alembic. 91.2PF LIMITED BATCH RELEASE

DON AMADO MEXICO, SANTA CATARINA MINAS In the highlands of southern Mexico, the renowned Arellanes family has been crafting one of the regions most celebrated mezcals since the late 1700’s. Eleven generations of continual mezcal distillation with a legendary commitment to craftsmanship and experimentation have culminated in a spirit that is simultaneously complex and approachable. Don Amado is made from earthen- roasted agave hearts which are, after crushing, fermented together with their pina fibers for a rich agave character.The mash is then double-distilled in small traditional ceramic clay pots. Aged varieties are matured in American oak casks previously used for barreling Domecq brandy. Don Amado Ensamble Tobala-Bicuishe DAOETBNVC / 750ml / $78.00 This ensamble is like the bass section of the orchestra. It opens with a rumbling timpani then bursts of mineral highlights. In the background there are always these brooding flavors from the woody Bicuishe which are subsumed in the sweet minerality of the Tobala. 92PF It’s like Dorothy’s shoes in the Wizard of Oz, sparkling goodness that fills your mouth and resolves into a true ensemble of flavor. It’s hard to pull the agaves apart because this is one unfettered whole, a real union of thought and action. And it leaves your mouth feeling like the antitheses of those toothpaste ads – sparkling, fresh, full of flavor! 92PF Rustic, refined, revealing floral aromatics with caramelized agave, leather and soft smoke notes lending structure to cooked yam flavors. Mouthfeel delivers quince, persimmon, lemon verbena and kaffir, with layers of chocolate, espresso and spice. 92PF Don Amado Mezcal Largo DAOLGONVC / 750ml / $78.00 Soft smoke with candied notes and a creamy mouthfeel layer fruit and a subtle spice on a palette of rich, cooked agave… reminiscent of the high desert just after a heavy rainfall, bright and clean. 92PF Don Amado Mezcal Rustico DAORUONVC / 750ml / $44.00 Mineral clay influence is quite prevalent with aromatics of ash, crushed walnuts, roasted corn, and spices. Citrusy Espadin agave palate is well balanced against notes of caramel, butterscotch and herbs. 94PF Don Amado Ensamble Tripon DAOTRP19C / 750ml / $78.00 Don Amado Mezcal Arroqueno DAOARQNVC / 750ml / $78.00

Don Amado Mezcal Reposado DAOREONVC / 750ml / $45.00

Familiar Mexican aromas and tastes: roasted buttered corn, hints of cinnamon, tropical fruit, and dried chilies with a moderate amount of smoke. Barrel-aging contributes spicier,

more vanilla-driven notes. 90PF Don Amado Mezcal Añejo DAOANONVC / 750ml / $57.00

A regal take on what many consider a rustic product. Savory, mesquite aromas hint at a backyard BBQ and cayenne pepper. These flavors flow between layers of baked stone fruit from the brandy barrels. Notes of grilled pineapple and finish with bright saline minerality. 87PF

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