Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:28 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 Reposado vs Espolon Reposado 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 Reposado vs Espolon Reposado: Head-to-Head
1800 Reposado Tequila: A cocktail-friendly tequila with a hint of bourbon aroma. Pleasant butterscotch and oak notes, though marred by oak bitterness.
Espolon Reposado Tequila: Sweet agave and citrus notes lead to a smooth, balanced palate of vanilla and oak. Easy sipping and versatile for cocktails, offering great value.
Verdict: Both 1800 Reposado and Espolon Reposado enhance cocktails, each bringing their own unique flavors to the mix, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Also read: Easy-to-Make Tequila Cocktails
1800 Reposado Tequila: A Tequila to Make Cocktails
- Nose: Vanilla, lemon, oak, alcohol
- Palate: Agave, oak, caramel, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Cuervo Reposado
1800 Reposado offers a first whiff of bourbon, but the taste falls short. While hints of butterscotch and toasted oak are pleasant, the experience is thin and lacks body.
A strong alcohol burn and peppery spice overpower the subtler flavors, making it less ideal for sipping neat. However, serving it over ice can tame the burn and make it more enjoyable.
At its price point, 1800 Reposado might be a decent option for mixing cocktails, but keep in mind there are better choices available.
Here’s some information about 1800 Reposado:
- Aged for 6 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels.
- Named after the year tequila was officially recognized as a distinct spirit (1800).
- Created in 1975 by Jose Cuervo as a premium tequila.
- Made at the Jose Cuervo Distillery in Mexico.
Espolon Reposado Tequila: Easy Sipping, Great Value
- Nose: Sweet agave, citrus, baking spice, ethanol
- Palate: Agave, vanilla, earthy notes, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Añejo
Taste:
- Nose: Sweet agave, citrus, baking spice, and a touch of alcohol.
- Palate: Agave, butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of sugar cookie. Oak spice adds depth.
- Finish: Warm, slightly sweet, oaky aftertaste with a touch of pepper.
Overall:
Espolon Reposado is a smooth and balanced tequila with a good mix of flavors. It offers caramel sweetness like Irish whiskey but with a stronger personality.
Key points:
- Easy to drink and affordable.
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners.
- Great for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
- Best budget-friendly tequilas on the market.
Additional facts:
- Aged for 2 months in ex-bourbon barrels.
- Made by the Campari Group in Mexico.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Tequila | Price |
1800 Reposado | $30 |
Espolon Reposado | $28 |
Specs comparison
Characteristics | 1800 | Espolon |
Type of tequila | Reposado | Reposado |
Aging length Months | 6 | 2 |
100% agave | Yes | Yes |
Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
Double-distilled | Yes | No |
Triple-distilled | No | Yes |
Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
Certified organic | No | No |
ABV | 40% | 40% |
Proof | 80 | 80 |