Tequila Ocho is a premium tequila brand known for producing high-quality, artisanal tequilas. It is unique in the sense that it showcases the concept of terroir, which refers to the environmental factors that influence the flavor and character of agricultural products like grapes or agave in the case of tequila.
Tequila Ocho was founded by Tomas Estes and Carlos Camarena, who aimed to create a tequila that represents the distinct flavors of the agave plants grown in different regions of Jalisco, Mexico. They believe that the terroir, including the soil, climate, altitude, and even the specific field where the agave is grown, has a significant impact on the final taste of the tequila.
Each vintage of Tequila Ocho is made from carefully selected agave plants harvested from a specific single estate (rancho) within Jalisco. The agaves are traditionally cooked, crushed, and fermented using open-air natural yeasts before being distilled in small copper pot stills. This production process results in tequilas that showcase the unique characteristics of the agave plants and the region they come from.
Tequila Ocho offers a range of expressions, including Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged for at least 8 weeks), Añejo (aged for at least one year), and Extra Añejo (aged for at least three years). Each expression reflects the flavors and nuances of the agave and the estate from which it originated.
Tequila Ocho has gained recognition and acclaim within the tequila industry and is highly regarded among tequila enthusiasts for its focus on quality, transparency, and showcasing the diversity of flavors in tequila.