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Tequila Ocho is the first ever Tequila (and one of the few spirits in the world) to designate the specific field from which the agaves were sourced, as well as the year of harvest. Each batch of Ocho uses agaves harvested from just one single field at a time (think single-vineyard wines), demonstrating the existence of terroir in agave growing and Tequila production. Ocho is the brainchild of Tomas Estes (Official Tequila Ambassador to the EU) and Carlos Camarena (third generation Master Distiller at La Alteña, Carlos is one of the most respected Master Distillers in Mexico). Ocho uses traditional processes that would have been similar to the methods used by Carlos’s grandfather in 1937 when the distillery was founded. It is a 100% agave Tequila, and is also 100% additive-free; each and every bottle of Ocho produced contains only 3 ingredients: blue agave, natural spring water, and yeast. Almost a year ago I wrote a review about a tequila Ocho blanco (Loa Mangos) that wasn't necessarily my personal cup of tea, but it really accomplished what this brand is all about. This vintage and terroir driven brand creates a different tequila each year from a given ranch. Different altitudes and growing conditions can create very different flavors. So even though the brand is the same, the tequila might be significantly different. So let's dive right in. There are many factors that create a great blanco tequila," explains Jay Turner, senior marketing director of Trinchero Family Estates. "The agave source, the agave crushing method, the agave cooking method, the yeast strain used in fermentation, the fermentation tank, the type of still, the number of times distilled, the water source, and, of course, the master distiller, who utilizes an 'art and science' approach to making a distinctive blanco tequila." Tequila Ocho Blanco expresses the pure, unadulterated and complex flavour notes of the agave plant.
As I take a sip, I’m introduced to flavors of baking spices, agave, earthy undertones, and a subtle orange zest. Made by legendary distiller Carlos Camarena, Ocho made waves when it was launched because it was the first-ever single-field Tequila to be produced. These single-field vintage releases are limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone, to be replaced by a new vintage from a different field later. This particular Tequila, from the field Las Presas, or The Dams, is all tropical characters of guava, melon and pineapple, mingling with the unmistakable agave and pepper character that come with Ocho products. Alc 40% While the majority of tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, some municipalities in other states are also allowed to make this spirit. One of these other states is Guanajuato, and this is where Corralejo is based. Its Blanco is a creamy, citrusy tequila with flavours of lime zest, agave syrup, zippy white pepper, pencil shavings and vanilla, which accentuate the lime and agave flavours in a Margarita. Alc 38% The different tastes are quite distinctive. With blanco, the agave flavours tend to be more intense, while reposado or añejo are usually smoother, mellower and more complex – and just like other spirits aged in casks, they can take on the flavours of the wood. How do I know it’s tequila? The name “tequila” is protected, so all brands and types come from Mexico. The spirit is mostly produced in the area surrounding the actual city of Tequila, and in the highlands of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco. Here, the blue agave plant needs at least eight years to mature, after which harvesters extract the piaña (heart) from the plant’s core, stripping it of its leaves before distilling it.However you choose to drink them, here are a few great bottles to get you started… The best blanco tequilas: 12 to try
Look for 100% agave tequila printed on the bottle label. This designation is only allowed to appear on bottles containing tequila that have no added sugars. When sugar (or corn) get added to the fermentation tank, the tequila style is called a mixto. How do you drink tequila? Tomas has been advocating 100% agave sipping tequila throughout his bars since 1976. He has gained recognition as the Tequila ambassador and is often featured as a guest speaker across Australia, Europe and the Americas.Generally, Añejo and Reposado Tequilas represent better alternatives to newcomers as their sweet-tasting notes make them more approachable. Here, I’m not just sharing opinions; I’m weaving tales from the rich tapestry of my experiences over these three decades. Palate: Honey sweetness, radish vegetal notes, strong minerality, cacao nibs, green olive, grapefruit zest with undertones of strawberry and red fruits. Finish: Long and spicy, with herbal notes developing and fading to a chocolate-led end.
Tequila can be a stiff drink, but it’s no stronger than any other spirit. When produced for consumption in Mexico it’s usually 38% ABV, but in the United States it must be at least 40% alcohol to count as the real deal. For consumption in the rest of the world, it can be anywhere between 31% and 55% ABV. How we test tequila Like all Tequilas, Blanco is exclusively produced in specific regions of Mexico, primarily in Jalisco and limited areas of four other states. Most Tequilas are distilled for consistency, OCHO Single Estate Vintages will showcase complex nuances in nose and flavor year to year for each of their Tequilas. 'Single Estate' means all of the Agave are harvested from a single field, which bear the personality of the soil and climate. Each vintage will produce a limited number of bottles from a separate estate. Fuenteseca Cosecha presents an exceptional Tequila, reshaping expectations by delivering vibrant flavors with a smooth and approachable nature. In other words: Tequila’s a big deal. The explosion of new and new-to-the-U.S. options on the market is responsible for a healthy chunk of this growth. While celebrity brands tend to hog the spotlight due to name recognition and the occasional weirdly shaped premium bottle, plenty of more incognito brands have slipped onto shelves with little to no fanfare. The good news: Many of these bottles are exceptional expressions at reasonable price points.Blanco tequila is different from other expressions of tequila in that it is clear in color and only sees 0-2 months of aging, if any at all. Some professionals say that blanco tequilas are the purest expressions on the market, as they do not see any oak aging.
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