Tequila Ocho Curado Espadín
Tequila Ocho · Destilería La Alteña
This is a fascinating bridge between the worlds of tequila and mezcal, executed with Ocho's trademark terroir focus. The espadín infusion doesn't turn this into a mezcal impersonation — it adds a smoky dimension while the highland agave character remains firmly in the driver's seat. A conversation starter with substance behind it.
Nose
Roasted agave and green vegetal notes mingle with a distinct minerality. There's fresh lime zest and a subtle herbal quality — almost like bruised thyme. The espadín infusion adds a smoky floral character that sits behind the cooked agave.
Palate
Medium-bodied and surprisingly dry. Cooked agave drives the palate, supported by white pepper and a mineral earthiness. Mid-palate introduces a gentle smokiness from the espadín, with citrus brightness cutting through. The finish of the palate carries an herbaceous quality.
Finish
Clean and dry, with lingering mineral notes, a whisper of smoke, and residual lime zest.
- Agave
- 100% Blue Weber Agave (highland), infused with Espadín agave
- Production
- Brick oven slow-cook, tahona crush, open-air fermentation, copper pot distillation
- Region
- Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico
- Cooking Method
- Brick oven slow-cook, tahona crush, open-air fermentation, copper pot distillation
- Distillation
- Slow-cooked in brick ovens, tahona-crushed, fermented in open wooden vats, double distilled in copper pot stills
- NOM
- 1474
- Additives Free
- Yes
Cocktail Suggestion
Smoke Signal Paloma — 2 oz Ocho Curado Espadín · 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice · 0.5 oz fresh lime juice · 0.5 oz agave syrup · 2 oz sparkling mineral water · Build over ice in a salt-rimmed highball, stir gently, garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Food Pairing
The charred, tender octopus echoes the spirit's smoke, while the bright, herbaceous salsa verde complements the tequila's green vegetal notes and citrus brightness.
Created through a collaboration between the late Tomás Estes and master distiller Carlos Camarena at La Alteña, Ocho Curado infuses highland blanco tequila with slow-roasted espadín agave hearts.
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