The overuse of wild agave plants is one of the most serious problems in the mezcal and distillate industry. Not only does it reduce the quality and yield when using immature plants, but it also deforests the mountains, causing erosion and potentially leading to the extinction of the species with its consequent ecological impact.
One of the scarcest species in the Oaxaca Valley is the Lyobaa agave, also known as “coyote,” characterized by its solitary growth on the hills and mountains in the regions of Ocotlán, Ejutla, and Miahuatlán.
In April of this year, Puntiagudo acquired 800 plants of this species, aged 18 months, from a nursery in a town called Esteban Amatlán to donate to its mezcal maestros from Minas, Miahuatlán, and Albarradas.
These plants will be planted in the mountains of these communities to ensure their development is similar to that of 100% wild species.
According to their natural life cycle, they are expected to be ready for harvest in 7–9 years, depending on future environmental conditions.
