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Origen Raiz Cenizo

Origen Raiz Cenizo is made in the state of Durango by a mezcalero who originally hails from Oaxaca. The ranch where this mezcal is made is at a high elevation and can receive frost during winter.

About this mezcal

Origen Raiz Cenizo is made with maguey Cenizo (Agave durangensis) by mezcalero Ignacio Grijalva Santiago, who is also known as Don Nacho. Though originally from Oaxaca, he moved to Durango with his family to run the palenque at Rancho El Ojo. Cosme Gabriel Simental also helps with the mezcal production. There are also some bottles made by mezcalero Noe Ramirez Varela.  All of the bottles and batches we’ve seen have come from Rancho El Ojo, which is full of wild agave, sotol, and nopal plants. The ranch lies just outside the Sierra de Órganos National Park, at an elevation of approximately 6,350 feet. The agave used in this mezcal are smoked in underground ovens, crushed by mule-drawn tahona, fermented in open-air oak tanks, and double distilled in copper stills.

Origen Raiz del Espiritu Mezcal

Origen Raíz is a partnership between two distinct sets of Mexican roots. The Saravia family of Durango has a long history of working to improve the local economy through business, and the Cortés family of Oaxaca brings six generations of knowledge in mezcal production. The families were brought together by their sons, Asis Cortés and Bildo Saravia, through passion for their culture and respect for their heritage. Asis is well known for some of his other projects like Mezcal Dixeebe, and he was previously involved with his family’s other brands of Oaxacan-based mezcal: El JolgorioNuestra Soledad, and Agave de Cortes. The family also operates a mezcaleria named Mezcalogia and Asis has a restaurant named Puro Burro in Oaxaca City.

27 reviews

4.15 out of 5

JDB

JDB

114 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars3 months ago

Batch# 32CD1603 Edition: 10 Bottle 481/491 48% abv

Tasting three different cenizos side-by-side. The nose has a slightly bitter aroma, but also a nice sweetness like freshly cut mango or pineapple, and a smell like toasted pecans. Flavors of tart apple, sour cherry, toasted whiskey barrel, and burnt sugar. Has some interesting minerality underneath those flavors as well. Alcohol hits a little harder for the 48% abv, but that heat does not linger very long. Looking over the other reviews, I do see Tyler’s cognac note (but maybe that is more armagnac?), not sure I get the funky note that others mention or the peated whisky, but that could be the whiskey barrel note; there maybe a touch of menthol and leather others mention. Enjoyable and a quality sipper.

Batch# 32CD1603 Edition: 10 Bottle 481/491 48% abv
Tasting three different cenizos side-by-side. The nose has a slightly bitter aroma, but also a nice sweetness like freshly cut mango or pineapple, and a smell like toasted pecans. Flavors of tart apple, sour cherry, toasted whiskey barrel, and burnt sugar. Has some interesting minerality underneath those flavors as well. Alcohol hits a little harder for the 48% abv, but that heat does not linger very long. Looking over the other reviews

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Jonathan Lockwood

Jonathan Lockwood

13 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars12 months ago

I’ll try to do better with the batch numbers and production dates in the future. For now, I can just say I had this at a mezcal bar called The Room in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in March of 2022.

It may be unfair, but I’m addicted to the flavors of Oaxacan mezcal, while also appreciating distillations from the other southern states. Here in central Mexico, it’s not easy to find an excellent Salmiana. So what I’m trying to say is that (outside of sotol) I’m not disposed to like most distillations from the northern states. But I liked this one.

I found this nice and complex with plenty of earth notes. I’m vacillating between 3.5 and 4. Screw it: I’ll give it a 4.

I’ll try to do better with the batch numbers and production dates in the future. For now, I can just say I had this at a mezcal bar called The Room in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in March of 2022.
It may be unfair, but I’m addicted to the flavors of Oaxacan mezcal, while also appreciating distillations from the other southern states. Here in central Mexico, it’s not easy to find an excellent Salmiana. So what I’m trying to say is that (outside of sotol) I’m not d

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Dom

Dom

29 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars1 year ago

Incredible mezcal. Nose has notes of dried fruits, slight smoke, citrus, & lactic funk.

Palate has smokiness, minerality, blue cheese, leather & long citrus finish

El_Roberto

El_Roberto

23 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars2 years ago

A bit of cherry on the nose, quite a bit of smoke on the palate, not too much complexity or flavours.

Patrick

Patrick

54 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars2 years ago

30CD1617
2017 edition 4
Nose : getting a strong scent of rye whiskey. Oak, leather and brown sugar dominates with peat and spices in the background.
Taste : Ashy vanilla then fruit (mainly cherries) and cream. Big Texas bbq notes as well.
Finish : More peat ( Ardbeg corryvreckan)
This has whiskey written all over it and I already rode that train…

Zack Klamn

Zack Klamn

511 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars2 years ago

Batch: 29CDIG02 (2017-Ed:08-Bottle:119/498)
Nose: Dizzying bubblegum sweetness.

Palate: Seems more refined than other cenizos I’ve tried. Dialed back on the funk but it still lingers in the shadows. Dark chocolate and a bit of cream cheese. Finish has notes of a pear-marinated, pork jerky – sweet, salty and a bit meaty. Overall = solid!

SoloAgave

SoloAgave

86 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

One of my favorites from Durango – green apple/pear/spice – find myself wanting to finish the bottle every time I take a sip. A more subtle/complex Cenzio expression and very different from other mezcals in the region. This is another bottle I always have on hand to share and its always a big hit!

TheAuditor

TheAuditor

38 reviews
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Batch: 14ACDI60118

ABV: 48%

Nose: Green vegetalness, slight lactic acid, salt, light pear, bubblegum, strawberry,

Palate: Medium, oily mouthfeel. Bright, vegetal, light pear, strawberry, brine, nutmeg, light ash, cream cheese funk.

Finish: Long, warm and dry. Strong green vegetals, brine, strawberry, allspice, smoked pork.

I really like this. It has a nice funkiness of flavors going on in it that seem to compliment each other very well. I know I wish I had a full bottle of this instead of this small sample, but this scratches my itch for a fruity, funky, slightly meaty mezcal.

Batch: 14ACDI60118
ABV: 48%
Nose: Green vegetalness, slight lactic acid, salt, light pear, bubblegum, strawberry,
Palate: Medium, oily mouthfeel. Bright, vegetal, light pear, strawberry, brine, nutmeg, light ash, cream cheese funk.
Finish: Long, warm and dry. Strong green vegetals, brine, strawberry, allspice, smoked pork.
I really like this. It has a nice funkiness of flavors going on in it that seem to compliment each other very well. I know I wish I had a full bottle of this instead of this s

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BuffPhysics

BuffPhysics

11 reviews
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Mezcal Review #8 – Origen Raiz “Del Espiritu”
Agave: Cenizo
Mezcalero: Ignacio Grijalva Paulino, Ignacio Grijalva Santiago, and Noe Ramirez Varela
Region: Nombre de Dios, Tuitan – Durango
Still Type: Copper Pot
48% ABV

Additional Info: A sample of this came with the last maguey melate box. Interesting stuff, as the agave type and region that aren’t very common.

Nose: Fruity bubblegum, lime, and mint. A little hoppy, a touch smoky, and a wee bit coconutty.

Taste: Starts out savory, which is interesting after that sweet nose. Then takes a turn – vanilla ice cream, cantaloupe, lemon juice, and smoke. Sort of a sweetened Kilkerran 12 y.o., but with the volume turned out. The notes here are nice but they aren’t very strong.

Finish: Cooling and minty. Smoke, white pepper, and asparagus.

Notes: Well, it’s certainly unique. A lot of notes here that I’ve never had in mezcal before, I just wish it was a little louder. The palate especially is disappointingly thin, and air didn’t really seem to help. Maybe other batches are better.

Score: 5/10

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect

Next Up: Maguey Melate Club Pick July 2020 – Tobasiche

Mezcal Review #8 – Origen Raiz “Del Espiritu”
Agave: Cenizo
Mezcalero: Ignacio Grijalva Paulino, Ignacio Grijalva Santiago, and Noe Ramirez Varela
Region: Nombre de Dios, Tuitan – Durango
Still Type: Copper Pot
48% ABV
Additional Info: A sample of this came with the last maguey melate box. Interesting stuff, as the agave type and region that aren’t very common.
Nose: Fruity bubblegum, lime, and mint. A little hoppy, a touch smoky, and a wee bit coconutty.
Taste: Starts out savory

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SwatSaladin

SwatSaladin

19 reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Batch: 14ACDIG0118

Sugarcane, white flowers, and some muted minerality on the nose. The palate is raw celery or maybe melon rind, blueberry, and strawberry starburst. This is way more flavorful than I expected, with a candy-like sweet berry flavor. A funky lactic influence appears in the finish, which takes a turn for the green and herbaceous. The candy-like sweetness makes it all the way to the finish line and lingers.

I didn’t care much for this when I first tried it years ago, but I’m really enjoying this now that I’m trying it again for the first time in quite a while. It’s supremely well-balanced, and on the lighter and more elegant side of the flavor spectrum (of which I am a big fan).

Batch: 14ACDIG0118
Sugarcane, white flowers, and some muted minerality on the nose. The palate is raw celery or maybe melon rind, blueberry, and strawberry starburst. This is way more flavorful than I expected, with a candy-like sweet berry flavor. A funky lactic influence appears in the finish, which takes a turn for the green and herbaceous. The candy-like sweetness makes it all the way to the finish line and lingers.
I didn’t care much for this when I first tried it years ago, but I’m rea

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Rakhal

Rakhal

397 reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Batch 14ACDIG0118. 50ml sample from Maguey Melate. I bought a bottle of this from the first batch to come to the USA and this batch is quite a bit different, in a good way! Initial rye whiskey sweetness and full mouthfeel, then strong anise flavor, then into rye whiskey spice, leather, sandlewood, oak barrel, burnt vanilla, and brandied cherry. I am definitely buying a bottle of this!

El-Dawg

El-Dawg

181 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Very unique! I wish I had more to try than just the 50ml bottle. Great smell with a wild taste. Is that grapes (or grape medicinal syrup maybe)? Overall really good, and leaves a full mouth feel and finish. This is my first cenizo as well, so definitely excited about trying more of these agave types (and first agave from Durango).

Follow-Up (01/2021): Batch 29CDIG02, 2019, Edition 08. Really ashy, and reminiscent of rye whiskey. Melon, more oak barrels, whiskey spice, burnt ash, brown sugar. Not as sweet to my memory as first review…this bottle is more of a 3.5 for me after a month into it.

Very unique! I wish I had more to try than just the 50ml bottle. Great smell with a wild taste. Is that grapes (or grape medicinal syrup maybe)? Overall really good, and leaves a full mouth feel and finish. This is my first cenizo as well, so definitely excited about trying more of these agave types (and first agave from Durango).
Follow-Up (01/2021): Batch 29CDIG02, 2019, Edition 08. Really ashy, and reminiscent of rye whiskey. Melon, more oak barrels, whiskey spice, burnt ash, brown sug

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t8ke

t8ke

144 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Not wildly complex, but interesting. Ashy melons, limes and lemons, paired well with a rich vanilla sweetness. Super unique. Loaded with fruits that I don’t often find in a mezcal.

Gregg T&T

Gregg T&T

100 reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Earthy and fresh on the note with notes of sandlewood, licorice and juniper berries. Palate is full of agave notes with hints of citrus and ash. A dry finish that’s unique and enjoyable.

Dylan

Dylan

7 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars3 years ago

Batch 31CDIG03, 2017 Edition 9, 496/519. By Ignacio Grivalva. Super sweet nose of vanilla wafers, cherry, hay and brown sugar. Very little smoke with some mint on the palate. Medium finish for this unique mezcal

razorbackmike

razorbackmike

140 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars3 years ago

WOW!this is complex and incredible.the nose reminds me of jager.very unique.there is a mix of strong smoke,very sweet tea,beef stew and the finish has a hint of cherry cough syrup.it doesnt sound great in description but it must be sampled to appreciate.incredible bargain.beautiful spirit!

Mansson

Mansson

71 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars4 years ago

Edition 03/batch 28CDI617, distilled 2017. Typical green agave notes at the core, surrounded by melon, mineral, wax, vanilla, milk chocolate and butterscotch. Not much smoke. There is a lot of sugar cane sweetness, perhaps a tad too much. Round and balanced, a great dessert mezcal.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars4 years ago

Batch 04CDIG0316 Edition 7 2016
Batch size 482 bottles
Really great, and unique mezcal. This is the first Durango I’ve had, and I was surprised at how much rich minerality it had. I see that they bury the pinas under volcanic rock while roasting, and the strong note of wet stone after a hot summer rain is likely a direct result of this. The smoke is strong and forward, but not a big mesquite note, just ash and smoke. There is a soft sweetness at the tip of the tongue, and then a lingering dry finish that reminds me a well executed sauvignon blanc.

Batch 04CDIG0316 Edition 7 2016
Batch size 482 bottles
Really great, and unique mezcal. This is the first Durango I’ve had, and I was surprised at how much rich minerality it had. I see that they bury the pinas under volcanic rock while roasting, and the strong note of wet stone after a hot summer rain is likely a direct result of this. The smoke is strong and forward, but not a big mesquite note, just ash and smoke. There is a soft sweetness at the tip of the tongue, and then a lingering

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Nic Hnastchenko

Nic Hnastchenko

108 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars4 years ago

Unique. Nice bite, and a little bit funky. Enjoyed this.

jgerdes

jgerdes

7 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars4 years ago

2017 edition 3.

Bottle 183/711

Very different. Another reviewer mentioned the Islay of Mezcal. I would agree, not necessarily due to smokeyness (although it is there), but more the iodine/menthal/leather note. There is some sweetness here too.

GreenspointTexas

GreenspointTexas

385 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars4 years ago

Different. A bubble gum mezcal, if you will. Not much smoke, but some fruit and some definite cheese/funk. Still not sure what score to give this. Everytime i sip, i get something different. Solid at the very least

thamthong

thamthong

47 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars5 years ago

edition 4, batch 30CDI617, ‘17, bottle 273/721. islay mezcal. well, relative to the other stuff i’ve been drinking, this is pretty aggressively smokey. campfire, vegetable ash, waxy fruit, savory minerality, medicinal and slightly bitter finish. reminds me of ardbeg. big, bold, tasty. the end of the dram was considerably less smoke-forward.

COak

COak

210 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Lot 01CDBS15 from 2015. Smells of bubble gum and tastes of sugar cane. This is a special mezcal.

Lot 31CDIG03 Edition 9 2017 bottle 501/514. Not quite as good as the prior batch I had. This one is a little thin but overall good value.

Tyler

Tyler

610 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Origen Raiz from Durango is one of the most unique mezcals I’ve ever tasted. At Mezcalogia in Oaxaca, I picked up a bottle of edition Cenizo-01 from 2015 that was produced by Noé Ramírez Varela. It’s almost like a fine cologne turned into an incredible mezcal. There are notes of melon, clove, cognac, and lavender. It is a bit hard to describe but very enjoyable. It is unlike any other mezcal from Durango I’ve tasted, but oddly enough reminds me a bit of the El Jolgorio Coyote.

Origen Raiz from Durango is one of the most unique mezcals I’ve ever tasted. At Mezcalogia in Oaxaca, I picked up a bottle of edition Cenizo-01 from 2015 that was produced by Noé Ramírez Varela. It’s almost like a fine cologne turned into an incredible mezcal. There are notes of melon, clove, cognac, and lavender. It is a bit hard to describe but very enjoyable. It is unlike any other mezcal from Durango I’ve tasted, but oddly enough reminds me a bit of the El Jolgorio Coyot

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Jonny

Jonny

634 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

Lot 01CDBS15 from 2015. Edition Cenizo – 15. Bottle 55/2000 from producer Nor Ramirez Varela. 48% ABV. Aromas of milk chocolate and fresh cherries. Super rounded in the mouth. No harshness whatsoever with lots of notes of sugar cane. Very agave forward and sugary. This had been sitting in the closet for almost a year after initially opening it. Perhaps the additional aging helped it a bit, but it is absolutely incredible.

Bildo

Bildo

1 review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 years ago

I am proud to work hand and hand with the cortes famili Asís and I had the oportunity off meeting when I was thieir importer in australia back in 2013 when we had the oportunity of introduction el Jolgorio and Nuestra Soledad to the aussies, it all about caring and respecting the proces all we did take care of the land and love and respect to proces itself it unique what we got …

c_woodger

c_woodger

4 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars5 years ago

WOW. Durango juice made by Oaxacan hands!!! I came across this Mezcal whilst in Oaxaca in Asis’s bar Mezcalogia. Great balance to this Mezcal as you would expect. Subtle charred oak smokiness, minerality lots of vanilla and caramel with lingering citrus notes. A little short on the finish but a great expression of Cenizo.

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