2nd EDITION INVITING YOU TO CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION ABOUT TEQUILA
WHAT MAKES TEQUILA OCHO UNIQUE? It is one of the few tequilas that is (still) made slowly, in the old fashioned way. This results in a fine quality spirit which accentuates that which is exclusive to tequila, the agave flavour. Ocho is the first tequila to designate both the year it was produced and the precise field from which the (family grown) agaves were sourced. Each batch comes from a different field or Rancho" contributing distinctive characteristics of that place. It is well understood in the wine industry that terroir has a tremendous affect on the grapes used for wine making. Slowly this same concept is becoming understood in the making of tequila. Tequila Ocho is made by Carlos Camarena, a 3 rd generation Tequilero. His heritage and tradition coupled with his openness to innovation creates a tequila which is concentrated, complex and at the same time balanced, smooth and inviting to drink. We have found that Tequila Ocho opens up and develops in the glass similar to what happens with fine wines. After several minutes in the glass the flavour layers and profiles change, giving new taste sensations. The founder of Café Pacifico and La Perla Bars, Tomas Estes, has created with the Camarenas the special taste profile of Tequila Ocho. Tomas has been serving tequila in his bars around the world since 1976. He is recognized by the Mexican National Tequila Chamber with the title Ambassador of Tequila to the European Union.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? Why the name Ocho, eight in English? This Tequila is made from the eighth sample produced by the Camarenas for Estes. It takes an average of eight years for the agaves to ripen for use in Ocho. It takes about 8 kilos of agave to make 1 litre of Ocho Tequila. It takes 8 days from when the agaves reach the distillery until Ocho Blanco tequila is finished. Carlos Camarena has 8 brothers and sisters. The Camarenas are in their 8 th decade of tequila making they started in 1937.
HOW IS TEQUILA OCHO MADE? HARVEST It begins in the Ranchos where the raw material, the agaves, are grown. These agaves are carefully raised in a natural setting resulting in strong, healthy plants. They are harvested individually only when they are extra ripe, and have a very high sugar content. The agaves are cooked in stone ovens at low heat for 72 hours. It is essential they cook slowly so that all the starches can be converted to sugars resulting in a full, robust tequila. The cooked agaves, which now smell like cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, are crushed to squeeze the agua miel (honey water) from their fibres. Natural spring water, rich in minerals is then used to rinse the fibres. The fermentation is done with yeast natural to the agave plant. First distillation is done in a medium size stainless steel pot. The distillation is finished in a small copper still, which retains the maximum amount of agave flavour. Ocho Blanco is bottled with no ageing. Ocho Reposado is rested 8 weeks and 8 days before bottling. This allows the agave flavour maximum expression. Ocho Añejo is aged 1 year. Ocho Extra Añejo is aged 3 years. The ageing barrels for Tequila Ocho are former American whisky barrels made of American oak. Ocho uses barrels of 6-7 previous tequila ageings, so that the effects of the oak are more subtle and allow the agave to express itself more fully.
AGAVE PLANT RAW AGAVE COOKING HOW TO BEST ENJOY TEQUILA OCHO FERMENTATION DISTILLATION We suggest that Ocho be sipped and savoured from a tasting glass or cognac glass. The shape of these glasses permits the tequila to express itself in the fullest way. With each sip allow the tequila to roll across the taste buds. See how the taste experience changes as the flavours show their complexity from beginning to end. This tequila goes on and on due to its concentration. Once poured in a glass Tequila Ocho will develop and change as air mixes with it, further expressing its nuances.
Tequila Ocho combines well as a mixer because of its profound agave character and creates excellent cocktails. OCHO NEGRITOS 15ml Ocho Blanco 15ml Ocho Reposado 30ml Campari 30ml Sweet Vermouth Stir all ingredients well into a glass with rocks. Garnish with a squeezed orange slice. MEXICAN 88 30ml Ocho Blanco 20ml fresh lemon juice 10ml Agave Nectar Champagne Shake ingredients, pour into a coupe and top up with Champagne. Garnish with lemon zest. For more information regarding Ocho Tequila please contact UK distributor Cask Liquid Marketing. Tel: +44 7944 835 356 Email: herb@caskliquidmarketing.com Web: www.caskliquidmarketing.com US distributor Altamar Brands. France distributor La Maison du Whisky. Australia distributor Think Spirits. Online retailers: www.thedrinkshop.com London Stores: Harvey Nichols 5th Floor Knightsbridge Gerry's Wines & Spirits Soho Soho Wines West End www.ochotequila.com