Colour is a very light straw, lighter even than many repos out there. The nose is soft, grassy and floral with just a touch of wood. Mouthfeel is perfect, not too thin nor too chewy, giving way to a big green earthy agave flavour complimented by soft notes of vanilla and oak to round it out. Finish is full and medium hot with a very looong spicy agave linger and sparkle on the tongue. This is a deliciously elegant and nuanced anejo - a beautiful crown to an exceptional line.

With as many añejo versions from Ocho out there I should specify that this bottle can only be purchased from The Party Source as it was a private barrel for them from the Los Corrales ranch. While you may not be familiar with this tequila, you are probably familiar with the Master Distiller, Carlos Camarena (Tapatio & El Tesoro). However, this one is from NOM 1474. I know that he makes a fine tequila, I hope that his success continues at barrel strength.

Price: $75/bottle

Aroma: Vegetal agave with light vanilla and cinnamon

Initial Taste: Cooked agave, vegetal notes, spice and hint of butter.

Body: A nice oily body. The green and spice notes come forward a bit more. As does the alcohol sizzle. Being 109.2 proof, this is not a tame beast.

Finish: Obviously there is an alcohol presence on the finish with some heat, but the green notes mix really well with the spice, oak and pepper. It's probably the best part of the drink and it lasts a LONG time.

This añejo is packed full of flavor from start to finish. I think that Carlos and Tomas Estes picked a good ranch as I really enjoyed the blanco offering from Los Corrales as well. There's plenty of heat, but it doesn't at all take away from the flavors. The agave intensity is there throughout and the rest of them compliment it nicely. Very well crafted and it's a pretty nice value...even at $75.

2010 - Rancho San Agustin

Aroma: A nice light agave, fruit and floral nose.
Initial Taste: Light agave and spice. Not a heavy wood taste that you get out of a lot of anejos. Maybe that should be expected because the color is a very light straw for an anejo.
Body: Nice strong agave presence with a light vanilla. Only semi oily and thin mouth feel.
Finish: A nice spicy linger at the end with a pleasant burn. Nothing overwhelming, but it reminds for a while that your drank it.

Even with the fruity and floral nose, those never take over or dominate the agave or spice. This is very good tequila, but for $60+, I'd expect better. The bottle is fine. I like the simplicity, but it doesn't stand out that much either.

Drink it...Enjoy it...but it won't be the best value for the money out there for sure.

After trying this whole line in straight succession, I have to say that the anejo is my favorite. That being said, this may not be the anejo you're looking for.

Nose: Very similar to their reposado, if a bit more woody. Earthy agave is still very prominent.
Initial taste: Sweet at first with hints of wood, fruit, and agave.
Body: A bit more oily than the reposado. Fills out nicely with very slight hints of vanilla and caramel.
Finish: The vanilla and spice come through a bit more but the agave still reigns supreme.

I have to say that I really enjoy this bottle design. It reminds me of a small-batch rum. It may not scream authenticity, but it does feel special in a way.

Perhaps if you're looking for an anejo that really gives you wood and vanilla flavors, this isn't what you want. But if you want a fantastic tequila that celebrates the agave while balancing it beautifully with precise aging and some complex flavors, try this. It is a bit expensive, but deservedly so I think.

Had 2 oz. from a tall shot glass 4/6/10, paid $70 online. The clear bottle has a label with plenty of info, it is of simple design, cork top and not catchy at all. Ocho has a light straw color, leaves long legs and gathers after a bit. Sweet nose agave/floral/fruity, nothing too obtrusive. Settles in the mouth nicely, has a nice complex body with a medium heated finish that leaves a slight alcohol tingle, very smooth. This is an easy sipper. Pricey but refined.