Ocho ages Tequila in Old Fitzgerald barrels

Tequila brand Ocho has unveiled its latest barrel select vintage in collaboration with Heaven Hill Distillery’s Old Fitzgerald Bourbon.

The Tequila brand will release two 2023 vintages of Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald simultaneously. The first vintage is crafted from agaves harvested from the deep, clay-like soil of low-altitude Rancho Corralillos. The second expression is crafted from agaves harvested at Rancho Potrero Grande, near Jesús María, the hometown of third-generation tequilero and fifth-generation agave farmer Carlos Camarena. Both fields are overseen by the Camarena family and feature microclimates that are said to produce agaves with nuanced flavour variations. The Tequilas are aged for 12 months in recently emptied barrels of Old Fitzgerald Bourbon’s 10-year-old Spring 2023 Decanter Series. Jesse Estes, global brand ambassador of Tequila Ocho, said: “Tequila Ocho has always been deeply rooted in tradition, heritage, and legacy while also constantly pushing the Tequila category forward with innovative production techniques, such as ageing our Tequila in a variety of casks sourced from around the world.” “Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald displays flavour profiles from Old Fitzgerald wheated bourbon while still retaining agave as the primary flavour profile, thereby staying true to our core brand philosophy.” The new releases are offered at 48% ABV in 750ml bottles, retailing for US$110. Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald is limited to 3,200 cases in the US market. Conor O'Driscoll, master distiller at Heaven Hill, added: "Ageing the agave in Old Fitzgerald barrels brought a unique, subtle sweetness and rich, but mellow note of toasted oak into the agave. "Bringing together two storied, premium spirits brands has given us an exceptional product that we're excited for everyone, from enthusiasts to collectors to bartenders and beyond, to enjoy." Last year, the Tequila brand partnered with Brooklyn-based Widow Jane Distillery to launch an añejo aged in Bourbon barrels. In March 2024, Ocho unveiled its global brand update, which made its market debut in the US and Mexico in April. The new branding arrived on the UK shelves in October.