The Collaboration with Tequila Ocho Expands with New Release
Widow Jane Distillery has announced the release of Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon, marking a new phase in its collaboration with Tequila Ocho. The release represents the first time Tequila Ocho has allowed barrels used for its aged expressions to be repurposed for whiskey finishing.
The two brands previously collaborated on tequila releases in 2022 and 2023, utilizing Widow Jane bourbon barrels. This new expression reverses that relationship, with Tequila Ocho barrels now used to finish Widow Jane’s bourbon.
Eight-Month Finish on 10-Year Bourbon
The release is based on Widow Jane’s flagship 10-year bourbon, which was finished for eight months in Tequila Ocho casks. The whiskey is bottled at 91 proof (45.5% ABV), non-chill filtered, and proofed with limestone-rich water sourced from the Rosendale Mines in New York.
According to the distillery, the finishing process introduces agave-driven characteristics while maintaining the base bourbon’s profile.
Flavor Profile and Distillation Notes
The bourbon opens with aromas of overripe agave, marigold, black tea, tobacco, papaya, and lime zest. The palate includes chocolate pecan pie, canela, dried mango, agave nectar, and stone fruit notes, while the finish features green peppercorn, mesquite, roasted agave, coffee, and flan.
The company notes that the tequila cask influence is most pronounced on the back palate, contributing fruit and floral characteristics associated with highland agave from Jalisco.
“With our Ocho Cask Finish, we treated the agave character as a prism; not to mask our 10-year whiskey, but to refract it. The result is a vivid freshness and brightness that still feels unmistakably Widow Jane,” said Sienna Jevremov, Head Distiller at Widow Jane.
Brand Commentary
Jevremov added that the casks express the terroir of Arandas, contributing roasted agave and mineral-driven notes that interact with the bourbon’s caramel profile.
“We are incredibly excited to take our collaboration with Widow Jane to the next level with the release of Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon,” said Jesse Estes, Global Brand Ambassador for Tequila Ocho. “This marks the first time a bourbon has been finished in Tequila Ocho barrels, and I believe the cooked agave, minerality, and citrus notes from Ocho will provide a distinctive brightness to beautifully complement the depth and character of Widow Jane.”
Availability
Widow Jane Tequila Ocho Cask Finish Bourbon will be available beginning May 2026 at bars and retailers, with a suggested retail price of $74.99. The release is limited, with an allocation of approximately 2,000 physical cases.
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