(Photo: Jose Cuervo)

Jose Cuervo is expanding its high-end Reserva de la Familia line with a touch of oak, dried chiles and cocoa.

On Wednesday, the spirits juggernaut unveiled what it says is the world’s first tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels. The tequila — named, * deep breath*, Reserva de la Familia Private Cask Collection Edition No. 2 Mole Cask — begins with 100% Blue Weber agave aged in a combination of new American and French oak, before finishing for three to four months in red Oaxaca mole-seasoned medium-toast barrels.

The brand didn’t dive too far into the details of the mole itself. The recipe it’s based on, however, typically makes use of red chilies, such as ancho or guajillo, toasted nuts, chocolate, warming spices and dried fruits.

“Mole is one of our country’s greatest culinary traditions, built layer by layer over generations, much like tequila itself,” Alejandro Coronado, Maestro Tequilero for Reserva de la Familia, remarked in a news release. “Our challenge wasn’t simply introducing mole into the barrel. It was finding the point where its notes of cacao, dried chile and spice would complement, not overpower, the natural elements imparted from the agave like fresh pepper and melon.”

The limited-edition release is now available for preorder online at a suggested retail price of $120. The tequila is bottled at 40% ABV and is expected to hit shelves nationwide in September.

Jose Cuervo may be the first brand innovating tequila plus mole, but it isn’t the first distiller snagging onto a similar concept. In fact, the most recent example hails from none other than Vermont.

At the end of last year, the always flashy WhistlePig unveiled a $600 rye whiskey finished in barrels seasoned with pulque curado, which the brand recreated with a blend of agave, cacao and a mix of Mexican chiltepín, guajillo and pasilla peppers.

It was one of the best spirits of 2025. If Jose Cuervo’s latest experiment can hold even a fraction of the same flavor, then drinkers are in for a treat. Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo has long been our favorite bottling from Cuervo, and it would be cool to see the centuries-old brand expand with something truly new.

(Photo: Tequila Ocho)

On Tuesday, Tequila Ocho unveiled its new limited-edition añejo tequila, which will make use of Ferrand Cognac casks, marrying the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, with the riverside vineyards of Charente, France.

According to the team, the Barrel Select Añejo begins with agaves harvested exclusively from Rancho Las Raices, one of several single-estate fields that the brand cultivates near its distillery. The spirit is then aged for a full year in seasoned Ferrand Cognac casks before being bottled at 88.8 proof (Tequila Ocho, whose name simply translates to “Tequila Eight,” is very fond of incorporating its namesake number into releases, however on the nose it may seem).

Fans are told to expect aromas of cherry, ground cinnamon, celery and wet earth, followed by a palate of salted caramel, vibrant minerality, ginger and fresh sawdust. An “extremely limited” allocation of bottles is slated to hit the market in August at a suggested retail price of $124.99. Outside of the US, the añejo is also expected to make appearances in France, Greece, Spain and the United Kingdom.

“Among the many things our families have in common is taking great care to honor the generations that came before us and laid the groundwork for us to thrive doing exactly what we love,” maestro tequilero Carlos Camarena remarked in a news release. “This collaboration represents the latest chapter in our respective legacies and we look forward to sharing the story with everyone.”

It’s the latest in a string of releases marrying the fan-favorite tequila maker with distillers far and wide. Last year, Tequila Ocho joined forces with Old Fitzgerald Bourbon for a pair of bottlings that quickly became collector’s items on the secondary market. Other releases saw the brand collaborate with Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery as well as Planteray Rum, which is also owned under the Maison Ferrand umbrella of brands.

Whether you enjoy a spicy rye, smooth bourbon or sumptuously sweet cigar blend, there exists an aged tequila that will perfectly fit your whiskey preferences.

Over the past decade, distillers have gone to great lengths to court the interest of American whiskey lovers, more often than not by maturing their agave spirits in ex-bourbon casks or the occasional Jack Daniel’s barrel. It’s a tried-and-true method of attracting new consumers. And the options have only grown exponentially with time.

Below, we’re taking a look at eight añejo tequilas suited for each kind of whiskey fan, paying close attention to commonalities in flavor and cask finish that are sure to pique the interest of discerning spirits snobs. Per usual for The Daily Pour, all recommendations are additive-free.

For Bourbon Lovers – Wild Common Añejo

(Photo: Wild Common)

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Wild Common is neither the first nor the last tequila brand to age its spirits in ex-bourbon casks. But its recently released Añejo, bottled at a well-above-average proof point of 47% ABV, is among the best to reproduce that iconic charred flavor near and dear to the American whiskey community. Aged for 12 months in white oak, the palate dives headfirst into a medley of everything dark orange and sweet. Expect flashes of Butterfinger candy, pudding, apricots, honey and milk chocolate, followed by copious allspice and brown sugar on the finish. Delicious stuff through and through, and — believe it or not — it just so happens to be the highest-proofed añejo in our catalog. (Aged tequila has yet to catch the hazmat bug, let alone anything close.) Wild Common Añejo can be purchased at most retailers at a suggested price of $85.

For Rye Lovers – Tres Generaciones 50th Anniversary Añejo

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Although there exist rye whiskeys aged in añejo casks, rarely does the liquor flow in the opposite direction. So… we had to get creative with this one. Unveiled in honor of Tres Generaciones’ 50th anniversary, this limited-edition añejo recruited help from the beloved Cascahuin distillery, one of the most famous names in additive-free tequila. What we love about this 14-month age statement is that it manages to balance recognizable hints of oak, namely maple, cedar and nutmeg, with a healthy dose of spice contributed from its lowland agaves. Tropical fruit, ginger, minerality and a wallop of black pepper are the stars of the show, combining for a bruiser of an añejo that’s still remarkably light on its feet. If you’re interested in picking this one up, we’d recommend doing some digging. Online retailers are hawking the añejo everywhere from $70 to $400, and there’s no sense in paying more than necessary.

For Tennessee Whiskey Lovers – Suerte Añejo

(Photo: Suerte)

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For tasty, reliable and remarkably cheap tequila, look no further than Suerte. The dedicated distillery in San Francisco de Asis, Jalisco, is best known for a handful of signature touches, chief among them its prolonged, nearly 17-hour tahona process and the use of ex-Jack Daniel’s barrels for its flagship aged expressions. It should come as no surprise, then, that the brand’s Añejo is a treat to behold. Aged for 24 months, the expression pops out of the bottle with glassy aromas of crème brûlée and candied orange peel, giving way to flavors of butterscotch, baking spice and cinnamon on the palate. Best of all? It only costs $50. We’ve always said that Suerte provides unrivaled bang for its buck, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its all-star Añejo.

For Unpeated Scotch Lovers – Partida Tequila Roble Fino Añejo

(Photo: Tequila Partida)

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Tequila Partida has hit the ground running with some exceptional single-barrel releases over the past few months. For our money, though, the brand’s Roble Fino Añejo remains the reigning champ. The expression begins with a tequila aged 18 months in American oak casks that previously held Jack Daniels, before resting an additional five months in ex-single malt, sherry-seasoned casks widely rumored to have been sourced from Macallan. What results is a potent, almost overwhelmingly sherry-forward spirit. Gobs of dried fruit, sour cherries and cream soda cloud the nose, luring you in for a sip that leans surprisingly close to cognac territory. Expect flavors of grape, peach rings, apple cider, cocoa nibs and brown butter, followed by a smack of cloves and vanilla that crescendos on the finish. This showstopper of an añejo more than justifies its $150 price tag.

For Japanese Whisky Lovers – El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Yamazaki Cask

(Photo: El Tesoro)

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One of the finest releases of the year was born from a collaboration between El Tesoro and Yamazaki, two titans of the industry located on opposite ends of the Pacific. Aged for 12 months in 12-year-old Yamazaki sherry and wine casks, this añejo is a bona fide showstopper stuffed to the brim with flavors wholly unheard of in the tequila world. Buttery aromas of baked plum, pecan and cloves call to mind all the classic Japanese whisky influences. On the palate, an autumnal mix of fresh ginger, sweet marzipan and dried apricot that feels decidedly un-agave in the best way possible, leaning hard into the single malt vibes without overwhelming subtler hints of Jalisco. El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Yamazaki Cask debuted in October at a suggested retail price of $199, and, despite the best efforts of collectors, is still widely available within its original price range.

For Cigar Blend Lovers – Mijenta Reserva Añejo

(Photo: Mijenta)

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The definition of a cigar blend whiskey is nebulous, at best, though it most commonly revolves around a blend of sticky-sweet cask finishes recruited from the likes of Cognac and Armagnac. Mijenta Gran Reserva Añejo — aged 18 months in a combination of American white oak, French oak, French acacia and cherry wood — feels like as good a fit for the concept as any. This tequila balances a distinct cherry note (no surprises there) with a peppery mouthfeel and loads of chocolate pastry flavor. Elsewhere in the blend, you can taste flecks of vanilla, toffee and root beer, a surprisingly nostalgic vibe for an añejo delivered in an oh-so serious all-black bottle. Whether or not you enjoy Gran Reserva with a billowing cigar, it’ll cost around $170.

For Wheat Whiskey Lovers – Alma del Jaguar Añejo

(Photo: Alma del Jaguar)

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At the tail end of 2024, Alma Del Jaguar unveiled an añejo that drew inspiration from the Scotch whisky world, featuring a blend of three batches aged in varying combinations of American and French oak. The experiment paid off big time. Aromas of custard, maple, molasses, hazelnut and banana immediately call to mind a wheated bourbon. The soft and sweet influences carry through in droves on the palate, which makes way for flashes of fig, churned butter, caramel and a recognizable kick of roasted agave. This is our go-to recommendation for tequila and whiskey fans with a sweet tooth, and it’s none too expensive either, boasting a suggested retail price of $70. (An added bonus: A portion of the brand’s proceeds is donated to the Northern Jaguar Project in Sonora, Mexico.)

For Wine-Finish Lovers – Codigo 1530 George Strait “Cowboys & Dreamers” Edition

(Photo: Codigo 1530)

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Wine cask finishes are notoriously difficult to pull off in the world of whiskey. Equally so for tequila. So consider our surprise when Codigo 1530s “Cowboys & Dreamers” Añejo, aged two years in charred, ex-Napa Valley cabernet wine barrels, instantly became one of our favorites of the year. Though it’s a smidge underproofed at 40% ABV, that doesn’t stop the tequila from delivering intoxicating flavors of cherry, rose petals, vanilla and raspberry. Hints of dark chocolate, cloves and macadamia nuts dial up the characteristic oak flavor, which persists into the finish alongside a ton of raisin sweetness. The limited-edition añejo is our vote for most underrated tequila of the year, and it’s still available for purchase online in the ballpark of $120.

(Photos: Suntory Spirits)

El Tesoro Tequila has unveiled the latest installment in its cask-finished Mundial Collection. While previous bottlings plumbed the cellars of Laphroaig, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden, this year’s limited-edition añejo will take drinkers on an overseas voyage to Japan.

On Tuesday, the brand unveiled El Tesoro Mundial: Yamazaki Edition, billed as the long-awaited collaboration between Carlos and Jenny Camarena, El Tesoro’s former and newly appointed master distillers, and Shinji Fukuyo, the House of Suntory’s fifth-generation chief blender.

The expression was aged 12 months in casks used to age 12-Year-Old Yamazaki Japanese whisky, after first being used to age sherry and wine. The expression is bottled at 42% ABV. According to the brand, fans can expect aromas of agave, dried fruit, honey and florals followed by a dense palate brimming with almonds, warm spices and toasted coffee beans. The tequila is rolling out this month at a suggested retail price of $199 — though supplies are unlikely to last, particularly considering the double cult appeal of El Tesoro and Yamazaki, two of the biggest names in their respective categories.

Yamazaki Edition is the first release from El Tesoro following Jenny Camarena’s appointment as master distiller in April. One of, if not the most prolific dynasties in additive-free distillation, the Camarena family is responsible for stewarding myriad fan favorites, including Tapatio, G4 and Tequila Ocho.

Jenny Camarena’s distillery, La Alteña, is best known for its citrus-forward highland agave recipe and the use of a two-ton volcanic stone tahona (a miniature version of which can be found on the cork of each of its bottles).

“Our Mundial Collection is one of the most exciting projects at La Alteña,” Camarena remarked in a news release. “Each time we release a new one, we show another way tequila can take the shape of something new that can express ideas and flavors one would never expect. My brother Carlos began working on the Yamazaki Edition years ago, and it’s been my pleasure to see it come to its final stage. We are so excited to bring a united piece of Mexico and Japan distilling and blending excellence to our fans.”

If you’re interested in learning more about El Tesoro, find our behind-the-scenes travel log to La Alteña here. We had a chance to visit the distillery last year ahead of the brand’s then-upcoming Basil Hayden Reposado. It was a fantastic edition, and we can’t wait to see how Yamazaki expands on the ambitious concept.

(Photo: Casa Dragones)

Fresh off the release of her latest album, Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G is venturing into the agave spirits industry.

On Thursday, Casa Dragones unveiled 200 Copas, a special-edition añejo cristalino that pays homage to the musician’s hit 2021 song of the same name. A song that, perhaps by no coincidence, is about drinking shots late into the night after a relationship gone wrong. Karol G says she was inspired to launch the spirit while filming the music video for her song, “200 Copas,” which to date has garnered nearly 500 million views on YouTube alone.

“When I created my song 200 Copas, I remember being surrounded by my closest friends—who actually all appear in its music video—and thinking how lucky I was to be sharing such cherished moments with them,” Karol G said in a news release. “Ever since, I knew I wanted to create something tangible that could capture the value behind that moment and allow people to connect in the same way.”

The tequila begins with a mash of 100% Blue Weber agave grown in the volcanic lowlands of Jalisco. The liquid is then aged a minimum of 12 months in custom American oak before being charcoal filtered — a process that turns amber-hued aged spirits into transparent cristalinos. It’s the first time that Casa Dragones has dipped its toes into the technique, which has become enormously trendy within the tequila category over the past decade. According to the brand, the añejo cristalino offers aromas of citrus, pine and sweet florals followed by flavors of almond, agave, plum and honey.

The expression is now available for pre-order online at a suggested retail price of $119.99. The brand says the tequila was distilled in small batches of no more than 500 cases, so it’s highly possible that inventory will sell out fast.

Casa Dragones was launched in 2008 by Bertha González Nieves, widely regarded as the first maestra tequilera in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry. The brand is best known for its Joven, which currently retails for around $280. (Depending on your perspective, a small sum — other tequilas in the Casa Dragones portfolio are known to cost as much as $1,500).

“When I met Karol, I immediately resonated with her story—a powerful Latina woman making her own way as a global artist,” Nieves shared. “When Karol approached me about creating something together in honor of her global anthem, 200 Copas, I knew we had to craft a new sipping tequila that was truly unique. To continue our journey of taste, we applied our principles of craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability to craft a beautiful new Cristalino tequila; one that embodies the spirit of this powerful song, as well as complements our portfolio of sipping tequilas.”

(Photo: Don Julio)

Don Julio Tequila is back in the headlines with an ashy twist on its formula.

Last week, the Diageo-owned brand unveiled Don Julio Ceniza, an añejo aged for an undisclosed time in toasted and charred barrels. The brand claims that it boasts a dark, sweet and smoky flavor profile, designed to pair well with “Mexican dishes of intense flavors and robust preparations.” If you’re a Don Julio fan based north of the border, don’t get your hopes up just yet — the tequila is limited to Mexico for the time being, with plans to expand to Colombia by year’s end.

The repeated mentions of smoke in the product description call to mind tequila’s trendy predecessor, mezcal. However, the brand likely took inspiration from an entirely different source.

Bourbon, by definition, is required to age at least two years in newly charred American oak barrels. The charring process delivers a short blast of high heat directly to the wood, imparting all those delicious caramel and vanilla notes that we know and love in America’s favorite whiskey genre. Around 2014, brands like Michter’s expanded their scope with toasted barrels, which are exposed to lower temperatures over a longer period of time. Toasted and charred whiskey has since become an enormously popular option on the market, picking up traction among established names like Penelope, Elijah Craig and St. Augustine.

Jesus Valdelamar, marketing director at Don Julio, says that Ceniza is the brand’s first “dark añejo.” Though Don Julio isn’t the first tequila brand to age its liquor in toasted barrels (Paladar’s recent Experimental Series comes to mind), it is the first distiller to rechristen the technique with a name unique to the agave spirits world. Valdelamar hints that it may be the beginning of a trend.

“Just as we created the world’s first luxury tequila with Don Julio Reposado, and the first cristalino añejo with 70, now with Don Julio Ceniza, our first dark añejo, we once again reaffirm the importance of elevating and respecting our traditions while maintaining a disruptive and modernoutlook; because just as Mexico reinvents itself, Don Julio Ceniza does as well,” Valdelamar remarked in a news release.

Whether or not other brands will adopt the dark añejo phrase is yet to be seen. It’s worth remembering that extra añejo tequila was only recognized as an official category in 2006. Cristalinos, now a ubiquitous sight on the shelf, were invented a few years later, and originally called “añejo claros” before the industry coalesced around a catchier term. All of that’s to say, if Don Julio thinks it can invent a new type of tequila, chances are, it can.

Don Julio has yet to reveal whether or not Ceniza will be made available in the United States. The version unveiled last week is bottled at 35% ABV — 5% lower than the legal minimum in the United States, though more or less the average for spirits sold in Mexico. If the tequila powerhouse does have plans to expand Ceniza into new markets, it may have retinker the recipe, if only slightly.

(Photo: Olujo)

Months after teasing an agave spirits venture on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Miami,” Larsa Pippen is staking her claim on the market with Olujo Tequila.

On Wednesday, Pippen joined forces with co-founders Adam Weitsman and Oliver Camilo to unveil an eye-grabbing spirits launch with a literal hole at its center. And that’s not the only thing you’ll notice at first glance. Arriving soon in select markets across New York and Miami, the delicately crafted ceramic decanter will host a suggested retail price of $500 — handily making it one of the most expensive options in the industry.

Unlike most tequila brands, which typically launch with a trio of unaged and aged expressions, Olujo is slated to debut with just one offering. Distilled using highland agaves from Los Altos, Jalisco, the tequila is cooked in stainless steel autoclaves before maturing for 18 months in American oak barrels. Production is helmed by the Fabrica de Tequilas Finos distillery, the same facility behind Cenote and musician Nick Jonas’ Villa One.

Co-founder Oliver Camilo says that Olujo isn’t branded to be seen, but rather “designed to be felt.”

“Olujo is born from a relentless pursuit of perfection, balanced by the discipline to do less, but better,” Alex Garcia, Olujo’s master blender, added in a news release. “Every detail reflects our devotion to craft. We don’t chase trends. We honor tradition, refine it, and reimagine what tequila can be.”

It’s the latest in a string of liquor releases helmed by the stars of Andy Cohen’s wildly popular Bravo TV reality channel. One of the most popular pairings in this flashy subgenre: Agave spirits and “Real Housewives” alum.

The concept gained a major contender in 2009 with the launch of Skinnygirl Cocktails. After coining the skinny margarita craze on the inaugural season of “Real Housewives of New York,” Bethenny Frankel created a spin-off brand that she’d eventually sell to Beam Global somewhere in the ballpark of $100 million. Other successes include Vida Tequila, debuted in 2007 by Salt Lake City’s Lisa Barlow; and Mezcalum, unveiled a few years back by New York’s Erin Lichy.

Olujo is now available for nationwide shipping online through the brand’s website.

(Photo: Codigo 1530)

Whether you know him as a Grammy Award winner, Wrangler jeans spokesperson or inventor of the Honky Tonk Time Machine, George Strait’s business acumen requires few introductions. The oft-declared “King of Country” has released 31 studio albums to date, many of which have topped the charts and all of which feature one of his signature cowboy hats perched oh-so casually on the cover. Surprisingly few know, however, that Strait also counts a critically acclaimed tequila brand under his belt.

Nearly a decade after its debut, Codigo 1530 is back in the headlines with its third collaborative tequila bearing Strait’s name and likeness. Themed after his most recent album, “Cowboys and Dreamers,” it’s an añejo aged an unusually long two years in French white oak barrels previously used to mature Napa Valley cabernet wine.

Consider us intrigued. Though celebrity-backed tequila is almost never our cup of tea, it’s worth mentioning that Codigo is one of a small handful boasting an additive-free recipe and its fair share of awards. Alongside Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar’s surprisingly excellent Santo Spirits, Strait’s brand is generally considered one of the few “good” celebrity-owned spirits ventures. (That’s a loaded statement we’re willing to stand by — and a list we’re more than willing to amend if an A-lister ever has something better to offer.)

Sipping glass in hand, we were fortunate enough to sample the brand’s latest drop. The limited-edition release costs around $130 and, based on the mini-rendition of a Strait album cover etched on the front, is clearly intended as a country music collector’s item above all else.

If you’re looking for the short answer: Yes, this is fantastic tequila. Some of the best we’ve tried all year. But that high praise comes with a couple of caveats.

First, a little background. Codigo 1530 has one of the more unusual origin stories for a tequila, dating back to the early 2010s when Ron Snyder, the ex-CEO of Crocs (yes, the squishy shoe brand), moved to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. There, he discovered El Tequila Privado, a family-run distilling operation that had been producing non-branded spirits in Amatitan for generations.

After a little convincing, the beginning of a lucrative business shipping liquor north of the border began taking shape. The original investor group that made Codigo 1530 a reality included Snyder, Federico Vaughan, Betsy Heneghan and George Strait. NFL coach Mike Shanahan and NHL player Brett Hull were reportedly counted as investors at some point, though the details are a little murky.

Apart from its ballad-singing benefactor, the brand is perhaps best known for its laundry list of limited-edition releases. Unlike most tequilas, which are content to release a blanco, reposado and añejo before calling it a day, Codigo 1530 has plumbed the market with just about everything imaginable. The brand has uncorked several single barrels, a cristalino, a mezcal, a few cabernet-rested “rosas” and not one but two collaborations with Rare Hare, the spirits offshoot of Playboy.

And thus we arrive at the “Cowboys and Dreamers” edition añejo. This is the first Strait-themed release from the brand following its majority stake acquisition by Pernod Ricard in 2022. Though we’re not sure how involved the musician is with the day-to-day of Codigo three years out from the business shakeup, he seems eager as ever to throw down one of his cowboy hats on a bottle.

After resting for a few minutes, the tequila is potently oaky on the nose. If we were judging this blind, we’d guess it was an extra añejo rather than an añejo. Doubly so considering its rust-orange hue. Big hits of baking spice, apple pie, stewed plums and cacao nibs dominate the aroma, slowly making way to a nice presence of deeply roasted agave. It’s already giving the impression of a whiskey drinker’s tequila through and through.

The palate is where those red wine barrel influences come to full force. Sweet, perfumed flavors of cherry, rose petals, vanilla and raspberry are the first impression, teetering on overwhelming without going too far. Underneath lie darker hints of chocolate, macadamia nuts, clove and thickly layered cinnamon. The tightrope between these two very different profiles is pulled off with a deft touch, giving way to an earthy finish brimming with black pepper and raisins.

Fantastic stuff all around and by far one of the most oak-forward 2-year age statements I’ve ever tried. Would love to see the science on those barrels. Were Codigo to ever give this expression another shot, however, I’d be eager to taste a slightly higher alcohol content. 40% ABV is all well and good for most tequilas, but the baking spice, caramel and nuttiness here would massively benefit from something in the 50% ABV range. But that’s a minor complaint for an otherwise all-star spirit.

Click here to read our full review.

George Strait, looking forward to seeing you next time.

(Photo: Wild Common)

On Tuesday, Wild Common added to its fast-growing catalog of agave spirits with a 14-month-old añejo, the first of its kind from the brand. It’s the latest in a string of recent releases hailing from the critically lauded Cascahuin distillery, one of the heaviest hitters in the additive-free tequila space.

Under the guidance of master distiller Salvador Rosales Trejo, the expression is roasted for 72 hours in small brick ovens before being extracted with a combination of traditional stone tahonas and roller mills. The añejo is then aged 14 months in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 47% ABV, just a few notches shy of the Still Strength expression that Wild Common debuted last year.

According to the brand, its añejo balances aromas of delicate florals, raw honey, fresh tarragon and cinnamon that segue into flavors of cooked agave, golden raisins and ginger. It’s now available for purchase online at a suggested retail price of $95.

“Our tequila añejo comes on the heels of a solid lineup of award winning products,” founder Andy Bardon remarked in a news release. “Each expression Wild Common has released has its own character and personality and this is no exception. This añejo is our longest aged expression in oak barrels creating a mature flavor profile that will please tequila enthusiasts with the highest of standards.”

Much of the hype surrounding Wild Common can be attributed to its birthplace. Founded in 1903, the Tequila Cascahuin facility in the valleys of El Arenal, Jalisco, currently clocks in as the fourth-highest-rated distillery on Tequila Matchmaker. In addition to its namesake brand, the distillery produces myriad names including Montagave, Loco Tequila, Aguasol and — one of our favorites from last year — Lagrimas Del Valle.

Wild Common is one of the newest of the bunch. Andy Bardon, a photographer for National Geographic and former professional mountain guide, launched the brand in 2021 from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The brand has so far released a Blanco, Reposado and 50%-ABV Still Strength expression. Its portfolio also includes a trio of mezcals — Espadin, Cuishe and an Espadin-Tobala Ensamble — produced at different palenques throughout Oaxaca. Wild Common Añejo is its seventh bottling to date and likely won’t be its last.

(Photo: Tequila Ocho)

On Tuesday, Tequila Ocho joined forces with the historic Old Fitzgerald Bourbon for a pair of 12-month añejos that aim to combine flavors of roasted agave with subtle wheat. It’s the latest in a series of bespoke, limited-edition releases from the tequila brand.

Each batch hones in on Tequila Ocho’s single-estate approach with a focus on a single field and harvest. The first of the duo was distilled from lowlands agaves in Rancho Corralillos and the other using agaves harvested at Rancho Potrero Grande.

The tequila was then aged for one year in recently emptied Old Fitzgerald Bourbon 10-YO Spring 2023 barrels, an expression we were quite keen on when we had a chance to try it at release. Loaded with hints of salted caramel, crème brûlée, honey and confectioners sugar, the bourbon was about as sweet and syrupy as a high-wheat mashbill can get. The whiskey currently holds an impressive Raided Score of 92 on our site.

Tequila Ocho’s latest añejos, meanwhile, are said to boast aromas of toasted coconut, pineapple and light minerality that segue into flavors of coffee, toasted oak, orange peel and cocoa. The expressions are bottled at 48% ABV and are slated to launch this month at a suggested retail price of $110. The total lot has been limited to just 3,200 cases in the U.S., so prices will likely increase sharply once they hit the secondary market.

“Tequila Ocho has always been deeply rooted in tradition, heritage and legacy, while also constantly pushing the tequila category forward with innovative production techniques such as aging our tequila in a variety of casks sourced from around the world,” Global Brand Ambassador Jesse Estes remarked in a news release. “Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald displays flavor profiles from Old Fitzgerald wheated bourbon, while still retaining agave as the primary flavor profile, thereby staying true to our core brand philosophy.”

As is often the case within the liquor industry, the collaboration was made possible thanks to upper management. Both Tequila Ocho and Old Fitzgerald are owned by Heaven Hill, the Kentucky-based spirits giant behind myriad brands including Elijah Craig, Mezcal Vago, Larceny Bourbon and Henry McKenna.

Tequila Ocho previously harnessed its connections to release a pair of aged tequilas alongside Brooklyn’s Widow Jane distillery. The first was a reposado aged eight weeks and eight days (lest we forget that “Ocho” translates to “eight” in English) in ex-bourbon barrels. The second was an añejo matured for 12 months. Find our full review of that expression here —  it was pretty tasty stuff, and we’re eager to see if the new Old Fitzgerald-aged añejo can surpass it.