Where can I buy agave nectar or agave syrup (despite the different
names, they should be the same product) in Montgomery County,
Maryland, or in NW Washington, DC?

Some background info: Agave nectar should not cost more than $1/oz.  I
live in the 20854 zip code, so the closer to that I can get agave
nectar, the better.  I would start looking in either health/natural
foods stores, gourmet food stores, and Mexican markets, as agave is
chiefly grown in Jalisco, Mexico.

I know it's short notice, but I'd like to know where I can get agave
nectar by tomorrow (Saturday evening, August 17) -- otherwise I might as
well order it online (I've already found it online).

These are kindof specific and tight terms, but I've already found
plenty of Web sites that sell agave syrup, and was hoping to have it
in hand tonight (Friday, 8/16) or tomorrow night.  I don't want to
have to pay for an answer that is of no use for me...but anytime by
6pm Saturday 8/17 is fine.  I promise;-)

Also, I'll let whoever answers my question know what exactly I plan to
use the agave syrup for as an extra bonus if you're interested.  It'll
be tasty, that's for sure:)

Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 16 Aug 2002 15:45 PDT

Hi methticalman

Hundreds of types of agave grow in Mexico.
Only one is used for tequila. The Blue Agave.
There was a slump in Blue Agave production
last year. So prices for it might be higher
than expected. I don't drink so I haven't
followed tequila prices as of recent. But
a coworker friend of mine was complaining
just a few months ago about the rising price
of Tequila.

Let us know which agave.

thanks,
-AI

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Clarification of Question by methticalman-ga on 16 Aug 2002 20:39 PDT

Yeah, the blue agave is the magic ingredient.  They do supposedly make
blue agave nectar.  But if you can't find that and can find another
kind of agave nectar for less than $1/fluid ounce, I'd be willing to
try it.

"Tequila is pressed from blue agave (ah-GAH-vay). Agave nectar is
pressed from wild agave. The former is agave juice that has been
distilled and fermented; the latter is agave juice that has been
heated until reduced to a syrup. The resulting nectar is sweeter than
sugar, runnier than honey and only slightly less maple-y than most
Grade A maple syrups."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12071-2002Aug13.html

So any "wild agave" nectar should be ok, although I'd prefer something
that at least appears to be decent quality, and not some bathtub -- or
worse yet, toilet -- home brew;-)

And yeah, that link is also my secret plan.  But all the author of the
piece has accomplished so far is giving me a tremendous obsession.

One positive note: blue agave shortages supposedly were at their worst
a year or two ago; the prices are coming down, but finding nectar is
tough.

Thanks!
-EC aka methTICALman (I represent Wu;-)