Reviews / Huaxe De Horno

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Huaxe De Horno

Mixteca Alta clay-pot – the region's case for a wider shelf

Score: 4.0/5 agaves

Huaxe De Horno bottle
  • Producer: Huaxe
  • Region: Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca
  • Agave: De Horno
  • ABV: 46%
  • Price: $40–90 ($$)

Verdict

Huaxe's Mixteca Alta clay-pot bottle is the kind of release that makes the case for an expanded mezcal shelf. Clay softens the spirit in a way that suits this particular altitude and agave, and at 46% the producer hasn't cheated on proof. Sits in the same conversation as the best Cuish clay-pot releases. Buy for the regional education and the texture.

Clay does what copper can't – and here, it should

Tasting notes

Nose: Wet clay up front. Dry herbs, green wood, faint smoke underneath

Palate: 46% – the clay-pot still delivers a softer, rounder mouthfeel than copper, and the Mixteca Alta agave pulls in a drier, more mineral register than Oaxaca-central espadín

Finish: Long, clean, chalky

The bottom line

Mixteca Alta clay at honest proof. A real clay-pot education

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