Generations of Agave Wisdom: Fany Camarena of Tequila Ocho on Honesty, Innovation & Tequila Culture

At the 2025 Salud Amigos Fest, the Mezcal Buzz Media Corner had the honor of hosting Fany Camarena, fourth-generation tequila producer and face of the legendary brand, Tequila Ocho. Her passion and heritage took center stage as she connected with both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers—sharing more than just tastings, but a story of legacy, quality, and deep-rooted love for agave.

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From Arandas to Los Angeles: Fany’s Role at Salud Amigos Fest

Events like Salud Amigos Fest are more than festivals—they’re platforms for education, connection, and storytelling. Fany Camarena described her experience as deeply meaningful:

“It’s almost done for the day, but I’ve been enjoying it so much—sharing what I love, which is agave love.”

As a representative of Tequila Ocho and a proud bearer of her family’s multigenerational tequila legacy, Fany was greeted by returning fans and curious first-time tasters. Some attendees confessed they had never truly enjoyed tequila before—until they tasted hers.

“If I could change just one person’s mind today, the goal is done.”

Generations of Wisdom, Bottled

Fany’s presence isn’t just symbolic—she’s hands-on in tequila production. A fourth-generation tequila producer, she continues the work of her great-grandfather, grandfather, and father alongside her sisters. Together, the Camarena women lead with purpose, blending heritage with innovation.

“We have to look at the future, but never forget the past. It’s teamwork across generations.”

Tequila Ocho is often recognized for its transparency, inviting visitors to photograph the distillery—something rare in the industry. For Fany, this openness is foundational:

“Do it with honesty and with your heart. The success, the money—it all comes after, as a consequence.”

Honesty in Innovation

When asked what innovation means to her, Fany explained that it’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about staying rooted in quality and authenticity while exploring new expressions:

“Each brand can be good depending on what market they’re focused on. For us, we innovate by staying true to our roots and working with quality.”

That means respecting the craft and ensuring every drop of tequila they produce is the real deal—free of additives and made with purpose.

Educating One Sip at a Time

One of the recurring themes in Fany’s conversation was the importance of education. She encourages consumers to read labels, ask questions, and explore real tequila—not mass-marketed versions with misleading practices.

“Check every label. Make sure it’s real, high quality. A lot of hands have been involved in making it.”

She sees events like Salud Amigos Fest not just as tasting parties—but as educational opportunities where people can understand what they’re drinking and why it matters.

Building Community, One City at a Time

Fany isn’t just a producer—she’s an ambassador. Before arriving in Los Angeles, she was in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail, and after the fest, she’ll continue visiting retail partners and tastings across the country.

“We’re building community. The new generation of producers is close. We’re friends, we share ideas, and we support each other.”

Her goal is to connect with people, not just promote the brand—because for her, success is measured in education and relationships, not just sales.

Final Thoughts from Fany Camarena

Fany closed with a message for all tequila lovers and the curious alike:

“Try real tequila. Learn what you’re consuming. Respect the producers. Check the labels. If you’re unsure, look it up. Support quality.”

With that mindset, it’s clear Tequila Ocho isn’t just a brand—it’s a living history of dedication and authenticity, bottled for everyone to enjoy.

About Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho is a single-estate, additive-free tequila crafted with passion and precision by the Camarena family. Known for its vintage-specific expressions and transparency, Tequila Ocho is celebrated by connoisseurs and newcomers alike for its authenticity and flavor.

About Salud Amigos Fest

Salud Amigos Fest is a celebration of agave spirits and the culture behind them. With tastings from 50+ brands, live music, and educational panels, it brings together aficionados, producers, and newcomers in an immersive and inclusive experience.

About LA Tequila Club

LA Tequila Club is a community of tequila lovers based in Los Angeles, committed to sharing real, additive-free tequila through meetups, tastings, and educational content. Their support of small producers and dedication to transparency continues to grow awareness in the agave community.