Who is Tomas Estes, the Tequila Ambassador:
We'd like to start by saying that none of most things that are happening right now around tequila wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Tomas.Tomas Estes, the founder of Ocho Tequila, is rightfully called a legend.
Thomas George Estes was born on August 30, 1945, in Whittier, California. He grew up immersed in Mexican culture, first on trips across the border with his father and later on his own, visiting Tijuana.
Tomas, originally a high school English teacher, decided to open Mexican bars and restaurants across Europe to change the image and misconceptions surrounding tequila. He began by opening his first restaurant, "Café Pacifico," in Amsterdam in 1976.
Born and raised in Southern California, Tomas spent his youth traveling to Tijuana, just across the Mexican border, where he fell in love with the diverse flavors and styles of pure-agave tequila. He brought this passion to the bar at Café Pacifico, which soon became renowned for having one of the best tequila collections in the world.
Following the success of Café Pacifico, Tomas opened 18 more restaurants and bars across Europe and Australia. At these establishments, customers could choose from tequilas made by small producers to large distilleries.
In 2003, the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry named Tomas the official tequila ambassador for the European Union. Five years later, Estes and Camarena decided to create their own brand, Tequila Ocho.
Tomas Estes also had a passion for wine, particularly from Burgundy. He and his partner Carlos wondered how they could apply the concept of terroir, known in winemaking, to tequila production. They decided that each batch of Tequila Ocho would be made from agaves grown in a specific field and harvested in a particular season, with each bottle listing the details of its production. This is why Ocho has the "Single Estate" label on each bottle, ensuring that each batch is unique and consistently flavorful.
As Camarena said, “I thought he was a Mexican guy who, by accident, had been born outside Mexico. In his heart, he was Mexican.”
As Stelios said: ‘’Tomas Estes was not just a mentor but a dear friend whose unwavering passion inspired our career paths for years now, even he has been part of the creation of Barro Negro Athens.
His vision and enthusiasm for agave culture ignited our desire to open a themed bar that celebrates Mexico’s rich history, culture, and heritage it holds.
Tomas's influence extended beyond our team; He shaped the entire agave industry with his limitless dedication and creativity. His spirit will always be part of Barro Negro Athens, reminding us to honor traditions while embracing innovation, passion, and hospitality in everything we do.’’
Tomas Estes' last project was a very special edition of Tequila Ocho: Tequila Plata Puntas. Puntas is the most coveted cut of the distillate, traditionally reserved for close friends and family. It is not only a high-proof tequila but also the most aromatic part of the distillation. Puntas is a very small cut made at the end of the "heads" and the beginning of the "heart," resulting in a limited quantity being produced. This rarity makes it a vintage to savor.
The Ocho Puntas limited edition is exclusively served at Barro Negro in Athens.
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