Tequila’s long-held reputation as a party spirit has finally started to wane — and rightfully so. The Blue Weber Agave-based spirit is meant to be savored, sipped slowly instead of downed quickly in a shot glass. When consumed the way it’s meant to be, high-quality tequila is as good as any top-shelf liquor, if not better.
As it turns out, tequila can absorb the qualities of the field where it’s grown, much like wine. Tequila Ocho, founded by Tomas Estes and master distiller Carlos Camarena, is a brand that focuses on terroir-driven craftsmanship. Tequila Ocho’s single-estate philosophy results in spirits that carry the distinct imprint of Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico.
Jesse Estes, global brand ambassador at Tequila Ocho, spoke to VinePair about carrying forward his father’s legacy and how Tequila Ocho’s commitment to tradition and pioneering philosophy are transforming this iconic Mexican spirit.
Can you tell me about Tequila Ocho’s history and the ethos behind the brand? How did you become involved with tequila?
Tequila Ocho was founded by my father, Tomas Estes, and world-renowned master distiller Carlos Camarena. My father was a restaurateur and bar owner. He was also a writer and the official tequila ambassador to the European Union. Camarena is a fifth-generation agave grower and master distiller whose family has deep roots and heritage in the tequila world.
Together, their goal was to create a tequila with the highest possible concentration of agave. To them, the Blue Weber Agave used for tequila production is so unique
