Having talked with Carlos the
producer of Ocho in late February I have some bits of information from him.
Carlos and 2 other 'agaveros' -those that grow agaves- are doing a
"Bat Friendly" program. This is a commitment to leave between 5 and
10% of their planted agaves go to 'quiote'-the flowering, reproductive stalk of
the agave. Normally this is not done because the generation of the 'quiote'
will render the agave useless since it robs the plant's energy.
To allow these 'quiotes' to grow will encourage the bats that cross
pollinate agaves to regenerate their number which has been diminishing in
recent years. The overall goal is to encourage the survival of the Blue agave
weber tequiliana by having a stronger variety of genes. There is concern on the
part of many that the Blue agave -the only variety allowable for use in the
making of tequila-is in jeopardy because it is a monoculture.
Carlos is planting other varieties of agaves on parts of his land in the
hopes that the genetics in the Blue agave will strengthen by cross pollinating.
This will likely take decades.
Also,
Carlos has 800K agaves and is planting in 2016 another 220K.
The Mexican market for Carlos' products including Ocho is 60% reposado,
30% blanco and 10% añejo.
Of the 170 registered tequila distilleries 55-73 are producing.
A lot of 4-5 year old agaves are being used by others for tequila
production and even 3-4 year old plants are used. This will definitely affect
flavor.
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