Doña Crispina grew up on her family's palenque in Santiago Matatlán. She married her teenage sweetheart José Cortés, and they enjoyed a lifetime of loving marriage. A pillar of strength for the family, Doña Crispina instilled important lessons into the lives of her children, and grandchildren; especially remembering to honor their elders, ancestors and culture. Doña Crispina’s resolve was ultimately rewarded when her family earned international respect and recognition, not only for the mezcal they produce, but also for their steadfast work to respectfully grow the mezcal industry.
A true Maestra Mezcalera, Doña Crispina Hernandez Romero was the heartbeat of the Cortés family. Her spirit and guidance laid the foundation for future generations of mezcaleros. Crispina's legacy in this world will live on through her children and grandchildren, who work tirelessly to preserve and promote the lessons she taught them.
Rolando Cortés, Doña Crispina’s youngest son, said this of his late mother, "My mother taught me the meaning of ‘Dixeebe,’ a Zapotec word that embodies gratitude, love, and thankfulness in a way that is difficult to explain. When we drink mezcal with our friends and family, we say ‘Dixeebe’ to show them we are thankful to be with them. It was a tradition that was very important to my mother. Mezcal is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to my mother and toast with her when she is here from the spirit world.”
