Tequila Ocho Barrel Select Añejo Aged in Ferrand Cognac Casks – 88.8 Proof (44.4% ABV) | 750ml

Tequila Ocho Barrel Select Añejo Aged in Ferrand Cognac Casks is a limited, small-batch expression that brings together two generations-long spirit-making traditions from Jalisco and France. This single-field, single-estate añejo begins with overripe highlands agaves harvested exclusively from Rancho Las Raices, located due east of Tequila Ocho's homeplace, Tequilera Los Alambiques. The tequila is then aged for a full year in seasoned French oak Cognac casks from renowned Ferrand Cognac, adding layers of baked pear, honey, and delicate white flowers while maintaining an agave-forward character.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Añejo Tequila

Brand: Tequila Ocho

Expression: Barrel Select Añejo

Cask: Seasoned French Oak Ferrand Cognac Casks

Agave: Highlands Blue Weber Agave

Agave Source: Rancho Las Raices, Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico

Aging: 12 Months

Production Style: Single-Field, Single-Estate

Alcohol Content: 44.4% ABV (88.8 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Release: Limited Small-Batch

Process & Production

Tequila Ocho Barrel Select Añejo begins with overripe highlands agaves harvested exclusively from Rancho Las Raices. This single field is located due east of Tequila Ocho's homeplace, Tequilera Los Alambiques, in the Highlands of Jalisco.

Following Tequila Ocho's traditional production philosophy, the agave is transformed into tequila before being aged for a full year in coveted, seasoned French oak Cognac casks from Ferrand Cognac.

The casks traveled roughly 5,500 miles from the limestone-rich soils of France's Charente region to the rich red volcanic soils of the Jalisco Highlands. The result is a meeting of two distinctive spirit-producing regions, with the Cognac casks framing the tequila while preserving its agave-forward character.

Appearance

Añejo tequila with a naturally developed golden hue from its time resting in seasoned French oak Cognac casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Cherry, ground cinnamon, burnt cajeta, green notes of celery and cilantro, green guava, and plenty of wet earth.

Palate: Salted caramel, vibrant minerality, cooked agave, ginger, intense coffee, and fresh sawdust.

Cask Influence: Baked pear, honey, and delicate white flowers complement the agave-forward character of the tequila.

What Makes It Special

This Barrel Select Añejo represents the third collaboration between Tequila Ocho and Ferrand Cognac.

The collaboration brings together Tequila Ocho's generations of agave-growing and tequila-making heritage with Ferrand's generations of Cognac craftsmanship. The tequila begins with agaves from a single field before spending a full 12 months in seasoned Ferrand Cognac casks, creating a limited expression that highlights both the character of the agave and the influence of the Cognac barrels.

How to Enjoy

Neat: Enjoy slowly in a tequila or spirits glass to appreciate the cooked agave, spice, fruit, and Cognac-cask character.

Sipping: Allow the tequila to rest briefly in the glass before tasting to explore its changing aromatic profile.

After Dinner: Its combination of cooked agave, salted caramel, coffee, spice, fruit, and mineral notes makes it well suited for sipping after a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tequila is Tequila Ocho Barrel Select Añejo?
It is a limited, small-batch Añejo tequila from Tequila Ocho.

Where does the agave come from?
The overripe highlands agaves used for this expression are harvested exclusively from Rancho Las Raices in the Highlands of Jalisco.

How long is the tequila aged?
It is aged for a full year, or 12 months.

What type of casks are used?
The tequila is aged in seasoned French oak Cognac casks from Ferrand Cognac.

What is the alcohol content?
This Añejo is bottled at 44.4% ABV, or 88.8 proof.

Where are the Cognac casks from?
The casks come from the Charente region of France and traveled roughly 5,500 miles to the Highlands of Jalisco.

What are the tasting notes?
The nose features cherry, ground cinnamon, burnt cajeta, celery, cilantro, green guava, and wet earth. The palate offers salted caramel, vibrant minerality, cooked agave, ginger, intense coffee, and fresh sawdust.

Is this part of the Tequila Ocho Barrel Select series?
Yes. This is the latest Tequila Ocho Barrel Select collaboration with Ferrand Cognac and focuses exclusively on ex-Ferrand Cognac casks.

Brand Story

Tequila Ocho was founded around the shared vision of Carlos Camarena and the late Tomas Estes. The brand is known for its single-field, single-estate approach, with agaves selected from individual fields in the Highlands of Jalisco.

Carlos Camarena is a fifth-generation agave grower, and his great-great-grandfather is credited with bringing agave from the valley to the highlands. That family history continues through Tequila Ocho's focus on carefully selected agave and traditional tequila production.

Ferrand Cognac brings its own generations-long heritage to the collaboration. Ten generations of sons named Elie Ferrand upheld the family's knowledge of growing grapes and producing Cognac, a legacy that has been carried forward by Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender and guardian of the Ferrand heritage for more than 30 years.

Tequila Ocho & Ferrand Cognac Collaboration

The relationship between Tequila Ocho and Ferrand began in 2019 when Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes partnered with Maison Ferrand owner and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel to create three Single Barrel Cask Finished tequilas featuring Planteray Barbados Rum, Planteray Jamaica Rum, and Ferrand Cognac Ambré.

In 2020, the brands reunited for the inaugural Tequila Ocho Barrel Select range, featuring limited-edition añejo tequilas aged in rum barrels from France, Fiji, Panama, and Trinidad.

This latest release represents the third collaboration between the two generational spirit producers. The newest Barrel Select Añejo focuses exclusively on seasoned Ferrand Cognac casks, bringing together the character of highlands agave with the influence of French oak Cognac maturation.