Tequila Ocho, the world’s original single estate tequila, has announced a collaboration with legendary Kentucky Bourbon brand, Old Fitzgerald, crafted by Heaven Hill Distillery.
Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald by the numbers:
- ABV: 48% ABV/96 proof
- Agave: Harvested from Rancho Corralillos and Rancho Potrero Grande
- Aging: 12 months in recently-emptied Old Fitzgerald bourbon barrels
- Nose: Toasted coconut, nuts, cherries, dark chocolate, whisper of wheat, maple syrup, roasted pineapple and light minerality
- Palate: Coffee, toffee, toasted oak, orange peel and lots of cacao
- SRP: $110/750ml
- 3200 physical cases in US
Tequila Ocho, the original single estate tequila, has launched two limited releases in its Barrel Select series, a collaboration with the iconic Kentucky Bourbon brand Old Fitzgerald. These two vintages, both aged in barrels previously used for Old Fitzgerald Bourbon’s 10-Year-Old Spring 2023 Decanter Series, offer an exciting exploration of how different terroirs and barrels impact the flavor profile of agave-forward tequila.
A Collaboration Between Two Legendary Brands
The two 2023 vintages of Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald each come from different agave fields—Rancho Corralillos and Rancho Potrero Grande. Both fields are overseen by the Camarena family and benefit from distinct microclimates that contribute unique flavor variations to the agave. One vintage is made from agaves grown in the low-altitude clay soils of Rancho Corralillos, while the other comes from the highland soils near Jesus Maria, home to the Camarena family.
The Influence of Old Fitzgerald Bourbon Barrels
What sets these releases apart is the influence of the barrels themselves. After aging Old Fitzgerald’s wheated bourbon, these barrels impart subtle notes of toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla into the tequila. The aging process in these casks enhances the naturally occurring sweetness of Tequila Ocho’s overripe agave, adding complexity to the overall flavor profile. “Aging the agave in Old Fitzgerald barrels brought a unique, subtle sweetness and rich, but mellow note of toasted oak into the agave,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller.
Tasting Notes and the Subtle Nuances of Terroir
The Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald presents a dynamic tasting experience. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of toasted coconut, nuts, cherries, dark chocolate, and roasted pineapple. The palate reveals notes of coffee, toffee, toasted oak, and orange peel. The two vintages highlight the subtle variations between the two agave fields, making this a highly sought-after sipping experience for connoisseurs and collectors alike. As Jesse Estes, Tequila Ocho’s Global Brand Ambassador, puts it, “Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald displays flavor profiles from Old Fitzgerald wheated bourbon, while still retaining agave as the primary flavor profile, thereby staying true to our core brand philosophy.“
Behind the Brands:
Tequila Ocho: A Legacy of Single Estate Tequila
Tequila Ocho is the world’s first single estate tequila, known for its commitment to crafting exceptional tequila from the finest agaves in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Founded by maestro tequilero Carlos Camarena and tequila ambassador Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho stands apart for its meticulous process of controlling every aspect of production, from selecting the ripest agaves to fermentation and distillation. Unlike many tequila makers, Tequila Ocho ensures the highest quality by overseeing the entire process, resulting in a tequila that reflects the unique characteristics of each agave field. Its traditional methods, including slow cooking in stone ovens and distilling in copper pot stills, have earned Tequila Ocho accolades such as the World’s Best Blanco Tequila recognition from Forbes.
Tequila Ocho produces a range of expressions, including Plata, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo, all of which emphasize agave-forward flavors. Their aged expressions rest in old bourbon barrels, allowing the tequila to gently round out with soft wood notes without overpowering the natural sweetness of the agave. True to its artisanal roots, Tequila Ocho uses only three ingredients: agave, water, and natural airborne yeast, ensuring a traditional and pure approach to crafting each batch.
Old Fitzgerald: A Rich Bourbon Legacy
Old Fitzgerald is a historic and award-winning brand of wheated bourbon with roots dating back to the late 1800s. Inspired by John E. Fitzgerald, a treasury agent known for stealing whiskey, the brand was first trademarked in 1884. Old Fitzgerald grew in acclaim through sales across rail cars, steamships, and private clubs. In 1999, Heaven Hill Distillery acquired the Old Fitzgerald brand and its aging stock, bringing the brand into the modern era. Known for its wheated bourbon mashbill and iconic diamond decanters, Old Fitzgerald continues to be celebrated for its smooth and refined character.
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