Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 10:45 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between 1800 Añejo and Patron Añejo in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
1800 Añejo vs Patron Añejo: Head-to-Head
1800 Añejo: Aged 14 months in French oak, blending bourbon-like aromas with vanilla, spice, and fruit. Versatile for neat sipping or cocktails. Welcoming to both tequila fans and whiskey lovers.
Patron Añejo: Aged 15 months, offering caramel, almond, and tobacco flavors with a smooth, sweet finish. Best enjoyed on rocks. A solid choice for those preferring a gentle sipping experience.
Verdict: 1800 Añejo caters to those seeking a whiskey-tequila hybrid with its unique profile and mixability. Patron Añejo is ideal for sippers looking for a straightforward, sweet tequila. Both are appealing in their own right, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Favorite Añejo Tequilas
1800 Añejo: Smooth Tequila with a Bourbon Twist
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Oak, ripe fruit, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
- Similar to: Don Julio Añejo
Taste Profile:
- Unique: This Añejo has a distinct whiskey-like aroma and taste, with hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel, likely due to its aging in French oak barrels.
- Fruity Touch: A pleasant fruity sweetness adds another layer, making it enjoyable to sip neat.
- Smooth Finish: The experience concludes with a smooth finish and subtle bitterness, leaving no harsh aftertaste.
Overall:
- Appealing Choice: 1800 Añejo offers a pleasing taste at a good price.
- Versatile: It caters to both Tequila enthusiasts and those who may not typically enjoy Tequila, thanks to its balanced profile.
- Mixing Potential: While not the most complex Añejo, its smoothness and versatility make it suitable for mixing in cocktails as well.
Bonus Facts:
- Aged for at least 14 months in French oak barrels.
- 1800 does not represent the brand’s founding year, which is 1975. Instead, it references the year Tequila was officially recognized as a spirit.
- Produced by Jose Cuervo.
Patron Añejo: A Straightforward Sipping Tequila
- Nose: Caramel, agave, oak, vanilla
- Palate: Caramel, almond, tobacco, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Añejo
Aroma: This Añejo from Patron welcomes you with a pleasant blend of oak, vanilla, and a touch of roasted agave.
Taste: Dominant notes of caramel create a smooth experience, complemented by hints of almond, tobacco, and subtle oak. While agave presence is noticeable, it might not be as prominent for some enthusiasts.
Finish: A warm and lingering finish with hints of caramel lingers on the palate, making it a good choice for those who enjoy sweeter tequilas.
Overall: Patron Añejo offers a consistent and enjoyable sipping experience at an affordable price point (under $75). It delivers a smooth taste profile with no harsh aftertaste, thanks to its quality distillation process and absence of additives.
Compared to Patron Blanco and Reposado, this Añejo expression stands out as a clear improvement, making it a value-driven option within the Patron portfolio.
Bonus: Enjoy it neat (without ice or mixers) to fully appreciate its unique character.
Additional Information:
- Patron Añejo spends 15 months aging in a combination of ex-bourbon and Hungarian oak barrels, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
- Founded in 1989, Patron has a rich history, starting as a contract brand before establishing its own state-of-the-art distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, in 2002.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Añejo | $35 |
| Patron Añejo | $47 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Patron |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 14 | 15 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill/tahona stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | No | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |