Our story

Discover the origin of our passion and tradition
Between the heart of Oaxaca’s mezcal traditions and the heart of a Pristine Ranch in Durango, "Origen Raíz del Espíritu" emerges as a project that deeply integrates cultural heritage with a genuine commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.
Our story begins in 2012-2013, a period when the demand for mezcal skyrocketed, leading to an alarming increase in monocropping and the overexploitation of agave. This situation not only threatened our fields but also the communities that depend on them.
Don Valentín Cortés, an iconic figure in the mezcal world, traveled to Australia in 2014, where he shared with Bildo Saravia—founder, conservationist, and importer of the Cortés family brands—his concern about the growing exploitation of resources and mezcal culture. Moved by this conversation, Bildo invited him to Durango to develop a project at Rancho El Ojo that would unite tradition and ecologically responsible practices.
Thus was born "Origen Raíz del Espíritu" (Origin Root of the Spirit), a brand dedicated to producing high-quality mezcal while protecting and regenerating the environment. With a sustainable approach, we harvest only 10% of mature agaves, allowing the rest to support wildlife and the ecosystem's balance.
This project unites the Saravia family and the Cortés family, combining sustainable ranch management in Durango with the mezcal tradition of Santiago Matatlán. While the Saravias regenerate the land, the Cortés family continues six generations of tradition, creating mezcal using sustainable and ecosystem-friendly methods.
In 2018, the Origen Raíz del Espíritu family grew to include the family of Mr. Gilberto Angulo Torres, who in 1975, in El Platanar, Durango, began the family's mezcal production.
The community of El Platanar is located in the municipality of Topia, Durango. This region is known as "Las Quebradas" and is recognized for its beautiful landscapes filled with waterfalls, mountains, and flora and fauna distinct from any other region. It is a hidden marvel nestled in the Sierra de Durango.
Don Gilberto began his production with 'manso' and 'chacaleño' agaves, the latter being endemic to the region and known for its complex aromas. This is how he founded "Vinata Rancho Grande". After a period of no production due to lack of demand, in 2016 his son, Carlos Angulo Ríos, resumed the project and joined Origen Raíz del Espíritu, demonstrating that every drop reflects hard work, family tradition, and hope for his community and future generations.
"Origen Raíz del Espíritu" is more than a mezcal brand; it's a movement towards sustainability and respect for our cultural roots. Each bottle represents our commitment to the life that flourishes in the fields of Oaxaca and Durango. By choosing our mezcal, you not only enjoy a product of exceptional quality, but you also support a project dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving our ancestral traditions.
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