O’Kahan Agave is actively fundraising through GoFundMe and direct donation. Sean has written an open letter to explain what O’Kahan means to him, and his plans for the future.

You can find the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/e508e20f

To All Concerned,

O’Kahan Agave is the unity of Irish and Mexican spirits through El Agua de Vida…Mezcal. The O’Kahan label is a unity of the Mexican Sacred Heart and the Irish Claddagh Ring. The heart of the Agave symbolizes love and growth. The crown of Agave leaves represents loyalty. The hands that support represent friendship.

The core values of an organization are a direct reflection of the individuals that build the foundation. O’Kahan Agave’s values and character traits are developed and nurtured from how I was raised, the challenges I overcame and the lessons learned throughout my life.

To understand me and my dedication to family and O’Kahan Agave you must see where I came from. My name is Sean, I am the founder, and this is my journey to create O’Kahan Agave Mezcal.

My Background

My parents were born and raised in Ireland. At the age of 14, my father left school to work in the mills. In 1955 at the age of 17 my father took his earnings and immigrated to America. He arrived to NYC on a Friday and attended catholic mass that following Sunday. Upon his arrival to mass, a long line of Irish men stood to greet him and welcome him to America by giving him money to assist him in his American journey.

My father, COL (Ret) Patrick Keane, would later join the US Army and serve 37 years, in which he would serve three tours in Vietnam, attain his High School Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Master’s from the Florida Institute of Technology and be inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.

My mother, Elizabeth (Cusack) Keane, was plucked out of Ireland by my father after he joined the US Army and brought her to Okinawa. My mother raised two strong boys and truly taught us the values that made me the man I am today. They have been married for 65 years. 

My Story

In 2021, After 31 years in the US Army Special Operations/Special Forces, I retired as a Command Sergeant Major in order to pursue my greatest challenge- my six-year-old son. In my former business, it is rare to be around your children as they grow, let alone be on one marriage. In my retirement I found Mezcal or should I say it found me.

I have since traveled in and out of Oaxaca, Mexico developing relationships and building rapport with the Jimador and Mezcalero. I will be traveling back to Oaxaca, Mexico in October to work the agave fields with the Jimador and then with the Mezcalero for cooking, crushing, fermentation and distillation, all while living with the farmers. I will be part of the traditional hands-on process of making the first bottling of O’Kahan Agave Mezcal.

Coming from my background it is tough to ask for assistance. It has always been “self rescue” and “self motivation”…figure it out. This GOFUNDME project is a reality of business. The financial support will do much more than just assist in developing the O’Kahan Agave Mezcal brand, but help the local populace in Mitla, Oaxaca, Mexico to continue their generational art form of creating Mezcal in their home town. An art form, work ethic and generational standard that is rare to find in this world of “convenience.” O’Kahan Agave is the platform in which this artesanal art form of Mezcal will be shared with all that seek a great drink.

About the Fundraiser

Any amount donated is greatly appreciated and will be added to funds we have already committed to O’Kahan Agave.  We do however have a few special levels for those that want first access to the first handmade batch:

$250 gets you 1 bottle (Espadin Agave)

$500 gets you all 3 bottles (Espadin, Tobala and an Ensamble)

$1000 O’Kahan Insider Access – all 3 bottles, plus first access to new releases, invites to special events and whatever else we can think of.

You can find the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/e508e20f

If you prefer a direct donation through Venmo, Zelle or bank deposit, message me at okahanagave@gmail.com.

I can also answer any questions regarding the funding.

We are expecting our first bottles to be available in early 2025.

You can follow our story with all its ups-n-downs as we build our Mezcal brand on the following platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okahanagave/

Instagram: @okahanagave

Website: http://www.okahanagave.com

Words are powerful. Please help spread the word of O’Kahan Agave.

O’Kahan Agave is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. 

Sincerely yours,

Sean Keane

Founder of O’Kahan Agave

Be Better! Drink Better!! Drink O’Kahan Agave Mezcal!!!

Tags: cocktails, fundraising, gofundme, mexico, mezcal, oaxaca, tequila