Part 1 of our 3 part interview with Master Tequilero Bruno Barba
(Part 2: Marcado 28 Blanco Tequila | Part 3: Marcado 28 Premium Reposado)
For over 150 years, Bruno Barba’s family has cultivated premium agave in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, combining centuries-old traditions with refined techniques. In the journey from field to bottle, every step is carefully orchestrated to capture the full character of agave in Marcado 28’s premium tequila. But what sets Marcado 28 apart in a crowded market? Let’s dive into the rich, artisanal process that brings this premium tequila to life, from sourcing the finest agave to employing methods that honor tradition while embracing innovation.*
Generational Craftsmanship: A Legacy in Tequila-Making
Bruno Barba, Marcado 28’s master tequilero, brings a legacy steeped in Jalisco’s rich tequila heritage. His family has worked the same fields for over ten generations, using knowledge passed down to cultivate exceptional blue Weber agave plants, which grow in Jalisco’s volcanic soil. Unlike seasonal crops, agave requires a longer journey—typically taking 5-6 years to reach full maturity. This extended growth cycle allows the plant to develop complex flavors that set Marcado 28 apart from mass-produced tequilas.
In Bruno’s words, “Agave that’s been cultivated for six years is rich with earthiness and natural sweetness that makes each sip a journey back to the fields.” By selecting only mature agave, Bruno preserves the raw essence of the land in every bottle of Marcado 28
Agave Cultivation and the Craft of Marcado 28
The Agave Journey: From Hijuelo to Maturity
The journey of Marcado 28’s agave begins with “baby” agave plants, known as clones, which are carefully selected from mature “mother” plants. This cloning ensures that each new plant carries forward the best qualities of its predecessors. Once planted, the agave spends years absorbing the minerals and unique flavors of Jalisco’s volcanic soil, which imparts a distinct depth to the final tequila.
Bruno explains that the agave fields have their own “personalities.” Certain plots produce larger, sweeter agaves, while others yield smaller plants with a more intense, earthy flavor. This connection to the land allows Marcado 28 to bring a consistency in flavor, even with the natural variations introduced by each growth cycle.
Climate and Terroir: The ‘Six-Year Season’
Unlike wine grapes that are harvested annually, agave undergoes a “six-year season” influenced by Jalisco’s dynamic climate. Each growth cycle exposes the plant to varying rainfall, sunlight, and temperatures, which collectively shape the plant’s flavor profile. This multi-year journey makes every batch of Marcado 28 Tequila unique, while Bruno and his team adjust to the climate’s nuances to maintain the tequila’s consistent character.
“Imagine each agave plant going through six unique weather cycles before it’s ready to harvest. The result is a robust, layered flavor profile you simply can’t rush,” Bruno shares.
Traditional Harvesting Meets Modern Precision
Once the agave reaches maturity, Bruno’s team harvests the plants, carefully selecting only the best “piñas” (the heart of the agave) to create Marcado 28. The harvested piñas are then slow-cooked to transform the agave’s natural starches into fermentable sugars, a crucial step that helps define the depth and sweetness of the tequila. By blending time-honored traditions with precise control over temperature and pressure, Bruno ensures that Marcado 28 captures the authentic flavors of the agave without sacrificing quality.
Marcado 28 isn’t just a tequila; it’s the story of a family, a landscape, and a deep respect for the art of agave cultivation. Every bottle of Marcado 28 Blanco, Reposado, and soon-to-be Añejo, brings together tradition and craft to deliver a taste that’s as rebellious and distinctive as the tattoo culture it celebrates.
Whether you’re a seasoned tequila connoisseur or exploring premium tequilas for the first time, Marcado 28 offers an unforgettable experience from the fields of Jalisco to your glass. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore how this craftsmanship translates into Marcado 28’s signature Blanco tequila.
