la niña del Mezcal

MEZCAL + BACANORA + SOTOL

brand concept, design and development by cecilia rios murrieta

photography by eugene shoots & FERNANDO CARMELA

Founded by Cecilia Rios Murrieta in 2011, La Niña del Mezcal is a Mexican artisan spirits company devoted to the impressive biodiversity of Oaxaca. Murrieta, a Mexico City native, first tasted the ancient spirit in 2009, during a trip to a small family distillery. The outstanding, pure flavor of the small-batch mezcal captivated her, and she became determined to share the magic of this little-known spirit with the world. Cecilia traveled extensively throughout Oaxaca to find the best family-run farms and distilleries, and worked alongside producers to learn the ancient techniques for growing, picking, and cooking agave. She now works with five, small producers from different Denominación de Origen to craft five distinct mezcal expressions, and two additional Mexican spirits. Produced through sustainable, age-old production processes, the La Niña del Mezcal selections encompass the rich history, culture, and landscape of Oaxaca.

Too many people think of mezcal as tequila’s rougher, less classy cousin, but Cecilia Rios Murrieta intends to change that. Her mission in starting La Nina del Mezcal was to educate the public about mezcal, and her brand’s artisan spirits are the perfect vessel for that lesson.

Fortune magazine