Tequila Ocho Anejo Single Barrels - 2015, 2018
2015 Tequila Ocho Anejo - La Latilla - 52.8%
2018 Tequila Ocho Anejo SiB - El Bajio - #5 - DFWTC - 52%
I'm a big fan of Tequila Ocho. I haven't reviewed a ton of their offerings (2014 & 2016 Plata). But it's consistently a go-to pour for me at bars or restaurants, and I find myself frequently recommending it. When it comes to 100+ proof aged tequila, my only real reference point is a small sampling of Calle 23 SiB Anejo which I enjoyed.
The 2015 below was a local Chicago pick.
The 2018 was out of Texas I believe.
Notes: Barrel sweets and spice driven on the 2015. Palate leads with light oak; then moves floral and spicy. Ethanol is punchy and not terribly well integrated. To its credit, it's an active pour. This structure would show beautifully in cocktails. I diluted it with a couple drops of water which deepened the barrel sweets and toned down the ethanol. Unfortunately, it drowned the little agave there was to begin with.
2018 is very earthy and vegetal forward. Digging it. Faint grilling spice. Weightier on the palate. Better ethanol integration. Earthy, floral and vegetal with just a touch of honey adding depth. Super satisfying. Pretty wide swing between these two.
Score
2015: 5 (Acceptable) Lost the agave in the barrel notes. Boozier notes obscured the profile.
2018: 8 (Stash One) Would definitely pick up a bottle or two if it was at my local.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour