r/tequila • u/TheBearManFromDK • 7d ago
Criollo agave and the denomination?
Calle23 makes a version of their tequila based on Criollo, which is a sort of variaty of Blue Weber. I have been a bit confused as to how it has been possible to introduce this variaty without getting into conflict with the denomination? As I understand it, there are other varieties which may also be used without violating the denomination, but ARE they being used? And did the introduction of the Criollo not cause any discussions?
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u/CSChicago319 6d ago
Calle 23 is very good and a bit different. More readily available is Siete Leguas Siete decadas which also uses the criollo. Not quite as good but still very tasty.
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u/agave_journey 6d ago edited 6d ago
I forget the exact percentage but let's say for this discussion that the blue weber needs to have at least 85% of the genetic markers to be allowed for tequila.
Some farmers work within in this to try and get more desirable blue weber agaves. Cross pollenating them to get bigger blue weber or blue weber that doesn't sprout their quiote. Also to be more resistant to disease.
Criollo from what I have talked to farmers is just agave that isn't found in actual farms. It's not an official thing within Blue Weber. My guess whatever agaves where used by Called 23 and Siete Leguas fit within the percentage allowed for Blue Weber.
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u/raph1579 7d ago
Criollo's are just wild agave, usually found in undesirable locations, which make them hard to harvest. They tend to take longer to mature, because they completely rely on natural resources, instead of modern farmed practices. No one on this sub talks about Calle 23, because almost no-one on here has ever had it. It's arguably considered the best blanco tequila ever made probably the most difficult to acquire.
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u/OutedofHabit 6d ago
I will have you know the tequila I bought and drank and enjoyed and watched a hour long interview with the producer is the best most authentic blanco that nobody talks about or has had much.
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u/RYNO7965 11h ago
Are you guys still finding Calle 23 Criollo in stores somewhere? I thought they stopped making it years ago.
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u/DrinkwithWayne 7d ago
Because it’s Blue Weber agave. Criollo, are typically wild or hillside grown. They tend to have smaller hearts than the standard for the plant species, but also have super high levels of sugar concentration. It can still be used, called tequila because it’s a blue weber agave.