Experience the exquisite taste of Tequila Ocho Single Estate 2016 Los Patos Plata Tequila, a premium 100% blue agave spirit crafted using traditional, sustainable methods. This award-winning tequila showcases distinctive terroir from the Los Patos estate with vibrant flavor notes of bitter orange, green banana, and white tea. Meticulously produced by third-generation Master Distiller Carlos Camarena in collaboration with tequila expert Tomas Estes, this artisanal spirit is slow-cooked in stone ovens to preserve its complex character. At 40% ABV (80 proof), it offers the perfect balance of smoothness and intensity. Whether enjoyed neat to appreciate its nuanced profile or as the foundation for elevated cocktails like margaritas and palomas, Tequila Ocho Plata Los Patos 2016 represents the pinnacle of single-estate tequila craftsmanship that true connoisseurs will appreciate.
Process & Profile
Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata is produced with unwavering dedication to traditional methods that honor the rich heritage of tequila making. Harvested from the Los Patos estate in 2016, the blue agave piñas are cooked in traditional stone and brick ovens, allowing for the slow release of complex flavors and natural sugars. The extraction process employs a roller mill technique, preserving the integrity of the agave's natural characteristics. Fermentation takes place in wood tanks through an open-air process without fibers, using natural spring water that adds to the tequila's distinctive profile. The spirit undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills, resulting in a clean, pure expression with 40% ABV (80 proof). This meticulous production process ensures that every bottle of Los Patos Plata captures the essence of its single estate origins.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The nose of Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata 2016 offers a complex bouquet featuring bitter orange, green banana, and white tea notes that immediately captivate the senses. You'll also detect hints of fresh cooked agave intermingled with bright citrus elements.
Palate: On the palate, expect a delightful combination of citrus and herbal notes with a hint of natural sweetness. The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and creamy with subtle vanilla undertones and a barely-there sweetness that enhances rather than overwhelms. The well-balanced flavor profile delivers earthy notes complemented by touches of black pepper.
Finish: The finish is clean and satisfying with a perfect balance of citrus brightness and subtle complexity that lingers pleasantly, inviting another sip.
What Makes It Special
What truly sets Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata apart is its commitment to showcasing terroir—the environmental factors that affect the character of the agave. As a single estate tequila, it represents the unique characteristics of the Los Patos field, making each vintage a distinct expression that cannot be replicated. The 2016 vintage reflects the specific growing conditions of that year, capturing a moment in time and place that tequila enthusiasts can experience with every pour. This terroir-driven approach makes Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata a true artisanal product, crafted with exceptional attention to detail and respect for tradition. Unlike mass-produced tequilas, each batch of Tequila Ocho is limited and unique, offering connoisseurs the opportunity to experience the authentic character of agave grown in specific soil, climate, and elevation conditions.
How to Enjoy
This versatile premium tequila can be appreciated in multiple ways:
Neat or On the Rocks: To fully experience the complex flavor profile and smooth character of Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata, try sipping it neat at room temperature or over a single large ice cube. This allows you to appreciate its nuanced aromas and flavors without dilution.
In Craft Cocktails: Elevate your favorite tequila-based cocktails by using Los Patos Plata as the foundation. Its distinctive character shines in classic preparations like margaritas and palomas, adding depth and complexity that standard tequilas simply cannot match.
Food Pairing: The bright, complex profile of this tequila pairs beautifully with citrus-forward dishes, grilled seafood, and traditional Mexican cuisine, enhancing the dining experience through complementary flavor notes. Whether you're a dedicated tequila aficionado or simply appreciate exceptional spirits, Tequila Ocho Single Estate 2016 Los Patos Plata offers an unparalleled tasting experience that celebrates the art and tradition
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tequila Ocho Single Estate 2016 Los Patos Plata unique?
Tequila Ocho is known for its single estate production, meaning each vintage is made exclusively from agave harvested from a single field—in this case, Los Patos. The 2016 vintage highlights the unique terroir of this estate, producing a tequila with distinct flavors that reflect the soil and climate of that year and location.
What are the main tasting notes of this tequila?
This tequila offers aromas of cooked agave, lemon zest, celery, and sugar cane. On the palate, you’ll experience earthy notes, black pepper, dried chili, and a slightly salty, demi-sec profile. The finish is long, clean, and retains a fresh character with subtle earthiness.
Is the Los Patos Plata tequila aged?
No, the Plata (Blanco) style is unaged, allowing the fresh, vibrant flavors of the agave and the terroir to shine through. This unaged style is ideal for tasting the pure essence of the agave and the influence of the Los Patos estate.
Who produces Tequila Ocho?
Tequila Ocho is crafted by master distiller Carlos Camarena in collaboration with the late Tomas Estes, one of the foremost tequila ambassadors. Their partnership emphasizes small-batch production and transparency, with each label featuring the year and specific field of agave harvest.
How is Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata made?
The agaves are slow-cooked in traditional stone/brick ovens and extracted with a roller mill. Fermentation takes place in open-air wooden tanks using only 100% agave without fibers, followed by double distillation in copper pot stills. The water used is natural spring water, and the tequila is gently aerated before bottling.
Where is the Los Patos estate located?
The Los Patos field is situated in the highlands of Jalisco (Los Altos region), an area known for its rich, red acidic soil and high elevation, providing ideal growing conditions for agave. The unique terroir of this site imparts its own signature character to the tequila.
What is the alcohol content (ABV) of this tequila?
Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), providing a well-balanced spirit suitable for sipping neat or using in cocktails.
What food pairings work well with Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata?
The clean, bright flavors of this tequila pair beautifully with fresh ceviche, grilled seafood, citrus salads, and lightly spiced dishes. Its earthy and peppery notes can also complement Mexican cuisine and artisanal cheeses.
Is this tequila suitable for cocktails or best enjoyed neat?
While the purity and complexity of Tequila Ocho Los Patos Plata make it excellent for sipping neat, it also stands out in premium cocktails such as the Margarita or Paloma, where its agave-forward profile shines through.
What does “Single Estate” mean on the label?
“Single Estate” means that all the agave used in this vintage was grown and harvested from one specific field—in this case, Los Patos. This approach allows tequila lovers to explore the nuances of each year’s harvest and particular estate, much like vintage wines and single-origin coffees.
