Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:29 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 Jose Cuervo Tradicional 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 Jose Cuervo Reposado: Head-to-Head
1800 Reposado Tequila: Sweet and bourbon-like on the nose with vanilla and lemon hints. Tastes of agave and caramel, but ends on a bitter note. Best in cocktails.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado: Cocoa and agave aroma with a peppery, warm taste. Pleasant agave and oak flavors linger. Good for casual sipping or cocktails.
Key Fact: Both tequilas are produced by Jose Cuervo, but barrel management makes them different.
Verdict: Both are affordable and versatile. 1800 Reposado shines in mixed drinks, while Jose Cuervo Tradicional offers a pleasant taste for casual sipping or cocktails, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Reposado Tequilas to Make Margaritas
1800 Reposado Tequila: Sipping or Mixing?
- Nose: Vanilla, lemon, oak, alcohol
- Palate: Agave, oak, caramel, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Don Julio Reposado
Aroma: 1800 Reposado starts with a sweet bourbon-like scent, but the taste doesn’t quite follow through.
Taste: The tequila feels light-bodied and watery, missing a richer mouthfeel. It has a strong alcohol bite and a peppery kick that dominates the experience.
Despite hints of pleasant butterscotch and charred oak, there is a bitter note coming late to the party.
Recommendation: Overall, 1800 Reposado isn’t the best choice for sipping neat due to its bitter taste, yet works well in cocktails.
Value: As an affordable option, it is suitable for mixing in cocktails.
Fun facts:
- Aged for 6 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels.
- Named after the year tequila was officially recognized as a spirit (1800).
- Launched in 1975 as a premium sipping tequila by Jose Cuervo.
- Made at the Jose Cuervo distillery in Mexico.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado: A Sipping Surprise?
- Nose: Cocoa, agave, alcohol, black pepper
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, oak, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jose Cuervo Gold
Aroma: This tequila starts with dark chocolate and agave scents, with a touch of pepper and alcohol.
Taste: It gives a warm, lightly peppery tingle at first, then softens to reveal agave and oak flavors. While not exceptional, it’s surprisingly pleasant.
Finish: The taste lingers nicely, with hints of cinnamon and oak, leaving a gentle warmth.
Recommendation: While not ideal for sipping neat, Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado exceeds expectations and offers a decent taste. Enjoy it on the rocks or in a Margarita!
Value: Considering its affordable price, it can be a good option for mixing or casual sipping.
Fun fact: Aged for the minimum required time for Reposado – 2 months.
Note: Although not explicitly stated, it’s important to be aware of the short aging time (2 months) and its impact on the tequila’s complexity and smoothness compared to other Reposados aged for longer periods.
What do 1800 Reposado vs Jose Cuervo Reposado have in common?
Jose Cuervo is the owner of both brands, which is Mexico’s oldest distiller founded in 1795.
It is also the only major Tequila producer that is still Mexican-owned, as other companies have been acquired by foreign corporations.
Both 1800 and Jose Cuervo share the same four-digit 1122 NOM Code, indicating that they are produced at Jose Cuervo’s distillery in Tequila, Jalisco.
1800 was launched as a premium Tequila made entirely from agave in 1975.
This was during a time when Jose Cuervo was producing Tequila made from agave, grains, or sugar cane.
How do they differ?
1800 is aged for 6 months in American and French barrels while Jose Cuervo is aged for 2 months in traditional casks.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Reposado | $25 |
| Jose Cuervo Reposado | $25 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Jose Cuervo |
| Type of tequila | Reposado | Reposado |
| Aging length Months | 6 | 2 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Acid-Thermal Hydrolysis |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |