Tequila Ocho Plata 2010 Vintage Los Corrales

Can the taste of tequila be defined by the estate where the agave is grown? I think it is possible after comparing two blanco tequilas from Tequila Ocho. Unique to tequila, Tequila Ocho is experimenting with the terroir concept that is typically reserved for wines by producing vintages of their tequila each year using agave plants grown in different "microclimates." I recently had the opportunity to compare the 2009 and 2010 Platas from Tequila Ocho and the result was a realization that these single estate tequilas are vastly different from one another despite being distilled in the same way.

I have toured a variety of large agave fields in both the area around the town of Tequila and the highlands known as Los Altos and have tasted the difference in the tequilas produced from the two areas (i.e. compare Sauza with Corazon). However, in most cases we are also tasting the different production techniques employed by distilleries who strive for consistent spirits year after year. Such is not the case with Tequila Ocho. They want us to experience a "vintage" of tequila as we do a fine wine and each vintage is derived from a different estate. Essentially, they actually want their tequila to change from year to year.

It's quite a fascinating concept in the spirits industry, though whiskey producers often do something similar by offering those limited edition expressions that may be a reserved blend or aged in a specific, out of the norm barrel. Tequila hasn't seen that and I found the tasting comparison of the 2010 and 2009 vintages of Tequila Ocho Plata to be one of the most fascinating tastings I have had in awhile.

The estates of both vintages are located in Los Altos, the red dirt highlands near the town of Arandas where many of the best tequilas are produced. The 2009 estate is Las Pomez and the 2010 is Los Corrales and because the agave plants take nearly 10 years to grow we will not see tequila from either of these estates for at least a decade. Both tequilas were distilled from the stone oven-baked agave at slow temperatures and have wonderful natural agave flavors. That is where the similarities end.

From Las Pomez the tequila was very dark and warm, filled with butterscotch and molasses. The tequila from Los Corrales was brilliantly vibrant, fruity, and vegetal. It was a night and day experience and both are wonderful blanco tequilas, they are just so different from one another that it took me back for a minute to realize that they are produced by the same brand and only the original agave made that significant of a difference. I cannot say that I enjoyed one better than the other, only that I cannot wait to taste what Tequila Ocho is going to produce in the 2011 vintage and these are very smooth, very fine tequilas.

Availability is, of course, an issue any time you are dealing with a single estate, vintage bottling. What you know of Tequila Ocho this year is not what you will find next year so it is important with this brand to read the label where the estate is clearly marked.

The 2010 Plata (blanco) is available as of spring 2010, the Reposado will appear in August, and the Anejo is due for release early in 2011. However, until the aged tequilas hit the shelves you may be able to find the 2009 vintage. Either way, this is a fascinating experience in ultra-premium tequilas and I highly recommend all aficionados begin collecting from the various estates. They are not only great for sipping and comparing, but each lends different tasting qualities to tequila cocktails and the experience is simply too much fun to allow it to pass by.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.