TEQUILA OCHO, 2017 'LAS AGUILAS', SINGLE BARREL ANEJO, CONCIERGE SALES PRIVATE SELECTION, BARREL NO. 1

JALISCO, MEXICO

Over the last decade, the reputation of Tequila has grown exponentially. As the fastest growing segment in the U.S spirits industry, it’s clear that people have come to recognize the quality and versatility of this once-misunderstood spirit. With prized aged expressions now fetching as much as $1,000 per bottle, producers continue to focus on their craft, sourcing the best agave the region has to offer as well as maturing to perfection. This is the story of Tequila Ocho, a pioneer in the premium tequila category, and their desire to produce small-batch Tequila that is every bit as good as the best Single Malt Scotches, Bourbons and Cognacs. Producing top-shelf Tequilas that defy the ordinary, Tequila Ocho is the only single-estate Tequila producer that is crafting limited annual vintages with distinct aromas, flavor and character, entirely from their family owned properties. 
 
Demonstrating that terroir can be achieved with spirits, the popularity of Tequila Ocho is on the rise, named by Forbes as one of the "Best Tequilas" out there. A collaboration between Carlos Camarena, a third generation Master Tequila Distiller and fifth generation Agave farmer who is "a true tequila pioneer" (Wall Street Journal), and Tomas Estes, one of only two individuals in the world to be recognized as an official "Ambassador of Tequila," Tequila Ocho is the first Tequila exploring the nuances of Blue Agave of the Highlands through rare selections of distinct vintages and estates, making each bottling unique and collectible. Not stopping there, Camarena and Estes have produced something even rarer - eight hand selected single barrels representing a very limited best of the best.
 
Today we were able to acquire one of those distinct barrels, the first of eight, for Tequila Ocho's 2017 "Las Aguilas" Anejo. From slopes 2,057 meters in altitude, the single vineyard translates to "The Eagles," named after eagles known to nest in one of the trees there on the ranch. With the estates of Tequila Ocho owned by Camarena and his extended family, all within the prized "Golden Triangle" of the Highlands of Jalisco, "Las Aguilas" represents one of their most unique, with this being only the second time Blue Agave has ever been grown there - the last time around 1965. Aged for one year in neutral American oak barrels to ensure that the character of the agave and the estate are pronounced, each barrel produces only 240 bottles at cask strength. With production extremely limited, every bottle is individually numbered and, at just over $100 a bottle, we will sell out. This is one for your collection not to miss!