Tequila remains one of the fastest-growing spirits categories, and this growth has spurred a new cadre of innovations and collaborations that are capturing the attention of fans of agave spirits. When it comes to tequila, I always look for bottles that I know come from reputable production houses, ideally ones known for capturing a sense of provenance in their spirits. Tequila Ocho has long been one of the most trusted brands for both of these reasons, and this winter they once again teamed up with Maison Ferrand master blender Alexandre Gabriel for a “barrel select” collaboration that delivers deliciousness tenfold.
The limited-edition series features three añejo tequilas made by Ocho, which are then aged in casks selected by Gabriel. “Tropical” is aged in casks from Fiji, Trinidad, and Panama; “Continental” aged in barrels from Cognac; and the best of both worlds comes through in “Transatlantic,” which rests in a barrels from Fiji, Panama, and Cognac. All three are stunning expressions, each bearing the same clear sense of terroir we’ve come to expect from Tomas Estes and Carlos Camarena, but the highlight for me is the elegant and subtle influence of the barrels.
Any of the three expressions is worth trying, but I’ve especially enjoyed the Transatlantic. If you sip it solo, you might pick up on flavors of sweet pineapple weaving together with the earthy, mineral qualities of the agave. This special bottle is well worth the price tag, especially if you’re a collector of premium tequilas. $99.99, thirdbasemarketandspirits.com
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