Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento is an artisanal masterpiece crafted at the renowned La Alteña distillery in Arandas, Mexico, by legendary Master Distiller Carlos Camarena. Made from 100% overripe Blue Weber agave sourced exclusively from the El Nacimiento estate in the highlands of Jalisco, this unaged tequila beautifully showcases its terroir. With a crystal-clear appearance, it delivers an exquisite tasting experience featuring crisp, cooked agave flavors, vibrant citrus notes, a touch of earthiness, and a balanced hint of black pepper. The full-bodied texture leads to a long, harmonious finish, making it a sought-after spirit for both collectors and aficionados. Rich in tradition, Tequila Ocho Plata embodies decades of expertise and respect for the agave plant, offering an unparalleled sipping experience.
Process & Profile
Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento is crafted using time-honored methods at the famed La Alteña Distillery in Arandas, Jalisco. The production process begins with hand-harvested, overripe Blue Weber Agaves grown in the mineral-rich soils of the El Nacimiento estate. These piñas are slow-cooked for 48 hours in traditional brick ovens to capture their natural sweetness. The juice is extracted using a roller mill and fermented with natural airborne yeast in open wooden vats. Finally, the spirit is double-distilled in small copper pot stills, ensuring a refined and silky profile.
Unaged and bottled straight after distillation, Tequila Ocho Plata preserves the authentic character of the agave and its terroir, offering a crystal-clear and vibrant tequila with 40% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Crystal-clear with silvery hues, showcasing its purity.
Aroma: A bouquet of crisp, bright agave greets the nose, enhanced by lively citrus notes, fresh herbaceous nuances, and subtle minerality. Hints of white pepper and earthiness add complexity.
Palate: Full-bodied yet smooth, with flavors of cooked agave dominating the palate. Notes of tropical fruits, green apple, lime zest, and a touch of fresh-cut grass unfold, balanced by a hint of peppery spice and earthiness.
Finish: Long and harmonious with lingering agave sweetness, light minerality, and a gentle peppery warmth.
What Makes It Special
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Single Estate Terroir: Tequila Ocho is renowned for its single-estate expressions, each bottle capturing the unique environment of the agave fields. The El Nacimiento estate, part of Jalisco's Los Altos region, contributes to the tequila's highland character with its mineral-rich soil and high altitude.
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Slow, Traditional Craftsmanship: Made meticulously by hand, every step of production reflects a commitment to preserving the agave's natural essence, making it one of the few tequilas produced in this artisanal way.
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Legacy of Excellence: Created by Carlos Camarena, a third-generation Tequilero, and in collaboration with the late Tomas Estes, a global tequila pioneer, Tequila Ocho represents a dynamic partnership that honors tradition and innovation.
How to Enjoy
Neat or On the Rocks: Savor Tequila Ocho Plata neat in a stemmed glass or over ice to fully appreciate its layered flavors and smooth texture.
Cocktails: Its vibrant and clean profile makes it the ideal base for classic tequila cocktails. Try it in a refreshing Margarita, a zesty Paloma, or an elegant Tequila Martini.
Food Pairing: Complement this tequila with traditional Mexican dishes such as ceviche, tacos al pastor, or grilled carne asada. Its crisp and earthy notes also pair beautifully with fresh seafood or tropical fruit desserts.
Raise a glass to the mastery of Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento—where tradition, terroir, and taste converge to offer a tequila experience like no other. Perfect for aficionados and new explorers alike, it's a timeless celebration of Mexican craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento unique?
Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento is crafted from single-estate agave, harvested exclusively from the El Nacimiento estate in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. The region's mineral-rich soil and climate contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of the agave, creating a tequila that reflects its terroir.
How is this tequila made?
Tequila Ocho Plata is produced using traditional methods, including slow roasting overripe agave piñas in brick ovens, natural fermentation with airborne yeast, and small-batch double distillation in copper pot stills. This meticulous process ensures the tequila captures the pure essence of the agave.
What are the tasting notes of Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento?
This tequila is crystal clear with shimmering silver highlights. The aroma features fresh agave, floral notes, citrus zest, and hints of earthiness. On the palate, it is silky and smooth with flavors of sweet cooked agave, tropical fruits, and a hint of pepper spice. The finish is clean and lingering, with notes of black pepper and citrus zest.
How should I enjoy Tequila Ocho Plata?
This tequila is versatile and can be enjoyed:
- Neat or on the rocks to savor its complex flavors.
- In classic cocktails like Margaritas or Palomas for a refined twist.
- Paired with Mexican dishes such as ceviche, tacos, or carne asada, complementing their flavors beautifully.
Is Tequila Ocho sustainable?
Yes, Tequila Ocho is dedicated to sustainability and eco-conscious production. It uses traditional and natural processes while respecting the land and heritage of agave cultivation, ensuring the highest quality without additives.
What is the alcohol content of this tequila?
Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, the standard for premium tequila.
What does "single estate" mean in the context of this tequila?
Single estate means that all the agave used for Tequila Ocho Plata comes from one specific field or estate—in this case, Rancho El Nacimiento. This approach allows the tequila to reflect the unique characteristics of that particular location, a hallmark of Tequila Ocho's terroir-focused philosophy.
Why is Tequila Ocho considered a terroir-driven tequila?
Tequila Ocho emphasizes the influence of the land (terroir) on its tequila by sourcing agave from specific estates or fields. Each vintage reflects the unique soil, climate, and growing conditions of the location, making every bottle a "liquid snapshot" of time and place.
Who produces Tequila Ocho?
Tequila Ocho was co-founded by Carlos Camarena, a third-generation tequilero, and the late Tomas Estes, an iconic tequila ambassador. It is produced at the renowned La Alteña Distillery in Jalisco, known for its artisanal and traditional production techniques.
Can I collect Tequila Ocho Plata El Nacimiento vintages?
Yes! Tequila Ocho is known for its annual vintages and focus on single-estate production, making it a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts. Each year offers a new harvest and a unique expression of agave and terroir.