Lágrimas de Dolores
ABOUT:
Lágrimas de Dolores (which translates to "Tears of Sorrows," with their logo representing the crown of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron saint of their historic Hacienda) is a highly esteemed mezcal brand that shines a spotlight on the unique terroir of Durango in Northern Mexico. Founded by the Gutierrez family in 2009 and guided by Maestra Mezcalera Fabiola Ávila, the brand operates out of the Mezquital municipality. They are deeply committed to sustainability, planting tens of thousands of agaves annually to replace what they harvest. Unlike the Espadín-heavy production of Oaxaca, Lágrimas de Dolores focuses predominantly on the endemic, wild, and semi-cultivated Agave durangensis (known locally as Cenizo), alongside other rare northern varietals. Their artisanal production features slow-roasting the agave hearts in subterranean conical ovens fueled by local oak and mesquite, natural open-air fermentation, and copper pot distillation. An elegant nod to local equestrian culture, each beautifully designed bottle is finished with a leather cap inspired by fine-horse Mexican talabartería (saddlery).
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Cenizo Joven: The brand’s multi-award-winning flagship expression, crafted exclusively from Agave durangensis. It is celebrated as an exceptionally approachable and smooth spirit, often regarded as an excellent "gateway" mezcal. The nose is highly inviting, offering aromas of sweet cream, freshly cut maguey, and an earthy minerality. On the palate, it behaves with a fascinating, rich, and distinctly buttery or lactic texture—a classic hallmark of Durango mezcals. This decadent mouthfeel is layered with notes of caramel, black pepper, and buttered popcorn, culminating in a gentle, refined campfire smoke.
Cenizo Añejo: A stately, majestic expression where their signature Cenizo is carefully rested in white oak barrels. This aging process imparts a deep, mysterious amber hue. The rest in wood delivers a profoundly comforting, dessert-like palate filled with notes of sweet honeycomb, rich vanilla, and warm toffee, all elegantly balancing the underlying herbaceous nature of the cooked agave.
I'gok: A wonderfully complex and highly unique expression distilled from cultivated Agave americana (I’gok). Historically, this agave was grown primarily for its strong fibers rather than spirits; in fact, the brand's first batch was a happy accident when a harvester brought I'gok to the palenque instead of the requested Castilla agave. The resulting spirit is extraordinary, greeting the senses with intriguing aromas of dark chocolate, cherry, and a deep, savory umami quality. On the palate, it rewards the drinker with a luxurious, silky profile featuring notes of rich cocoa powder, coffee, and butterscotch, finishing with very low smoke.