Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:24 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.
Explore the variations between 1800 Reposado and Gran Centenario Reposado in this thorough comparison to determine which Tequila suits your taste!
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 Gran Centenario Reposado: Comparison
1800 Reposado Tequila: Features vanilla and lemon aromas with a palate of agave and caramel. The taste transitions from butterscotch and oak bitterness. Recommended for cocktails due to its flavors and affordability.
Gran Centenario Reposado: Offers smoky oak and caramel scents, leading to a palate of oak, caramel, pepper, and cinnamon. Best enjoyed in cocktails, as its peppery and cinnamon spice complements mixed drinks well.
Key Fact: Both Tequilas are produced by Jose Cuervo. Barrel management makes them different.
Verdict: Both 1800 Reposado Tequila and Gran Centenario Reposado are great additions to the cocktail cabinet, offering unique flavors that enhance mixed drinks, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
1800 Reposado Tequila: A Tequila for Mixed Drinks
- Nose: Vanilla, lemon, oak, alcohol
- Palate: Agave, oak, caramel, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Corralejo Reposado
1800 Reposado has an interesting twist – its aroma leans towards bourbon, but the taste takes a different turn. While some might enjoy the initial hints of butterscotch and oak, these notes are quickly overpowered by a strong alcohol taste and a peppery kick.
The overall experience is thin and lacks depth, with a short finish leaving only a faint smoky aftertaste.
Not for Sipping, But Good for Mixing
While 1800 Reposado might not be the smoothest choice for sipping neat, its affordable price tag makes it a decent option for mixing into cocktails. The strong flavors can hold their own when combined with other ingredients, making it a budget-friendly choice for creating your favorite tequila drinks.
In a nutshell:
- Aroma: Hints of bourbon
- Taste: Starts with butterscotch and oak, then turns strong and peppery
- Finish: Short and smoky
- Recommendation: Not ideal for sipping neat, but suitable for mixing in cocktails due to its affordability
Gran Centenario Reposado
- Nose: Oak, agave, caramel
- Palate: Oak, caramel, black pepper, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Gran Centenario Añejo
Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila: Better Suited for Cocktails
Nose: Smoky oak with hints of agave, caramel, and a touch of alcohol.
Taste: Starts warm and slightly bitter, lacking body. Oak and caramel flavors emerge, accompanied by a peppery and cinnamon-like spice.
Finish: Moderately long and warm, with a lingering sweetness that some might find artificial.
Not the Smoothest Choice
While Gran Centenario Reposado offers some pleasant initial aromas, the taste is unfortunately marred by bitterness and a thin mouthfeel. Serving it on the rocks makes it easier to drink.
Overall: This Reposado falls short of being considered a top choice but works well in cocktails.
In a nutshell:
- Nose: Smoky oak, agave, caramel, light alcohol
- Taste: Warm, slightly bitter, light-bodied, oak, caramel, peppery spice, cinnamon
- Finish: Moderately long, warm, slightly sweet
- Recommendation: Not ideal for sipping neat, but suitable for mixing in cocktails due to its affordability and peppery notes.
What do they have in common?
Crafted at the same distillery
Both 1800 and Gran Centenario are crafted by Jose Cuervo, who owns these brands.
How do they differ?
Barrel management makes them different
Both are aged for six months, but Gran Centenario rests in French limousin oak casks providing a different flavor profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Reposado | $26 |
| Gran Centenario Reposado | $28 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Gran Centenario |
| Type of tequila | Reposado | Reposado |
| Aging length Months | 6 | 6 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| 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 |