Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 08:48 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 Patron 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 Patron Reposado: Head-to-Head
1800 Reposado: A budget-friendly option for cocktails with a bourbon-like nose, mild flavors of butterscotch and oak, and a brief, smoky finish. Best utilized in mixed drinks where its oak influence and peppery character can shine. Aged in American and French oak barrels, it’s a solid choice for those seeking complexity on a budget.
Patrón Reposado: Features a fresh agave and pronounced oak aroma, with a flavor profile that’s unexpectedly oak-forward for its 2-month aging period. The peppery finish is complemented by a hint of vanilla, making it appealing to those who prefer bold oak and spice notes. Despite its higher price, it offers a distinct taste that oak and spice enthusiasts might appreciate.
Verdict: 1800 Reposado is suited for cocktail enthusiasts looking for a versatile, budget-friendly tequila with bourbon-esque qualities. Patrón Reposado, on the other hand, is aimed at drinkers who value a more pronounced oak presence and are willing to pay a premium for the unique flavor profile it offers. Both serve different preferences and needs, with 1800 Reposado excelling as a cocktail base and Patrón Reposado standing out for those who enjoy a robust reposado experience, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Recommended Reposado Tequilas under $30
1800 Reposado: Budget-Friendly Tequila for Mixing
Bourbon-Esque Aroma: 1800 Reposado opens with a nose reminiscent of bourbon whiskey, suggesting the influence of oak aging.
Mild Flavors with Alcohol & Pepper: The taste profile offers mild butterscotch and charred oak flavors, accented by a noticeable alcoholic note and a peppery kick.
Short Finish with Smoky Hint: The finish is brief and ends abruptly, leaving behind a faint smoky aftertaste.
More Than Just a Mixer: While not the smoothest tequila for sipping neat, 1800 Reposado offers a decent base for cocktails on a budget. The oak influence and peppery character can add complexity to mixed drinks.
Reposado Aged in Double Barrels: This reposado is aged for 6 months using a combination of American and French oak barrels, contributing to the bourbon-like qualities in its aroma.
A Cuervo Creation: Launched in 1975 by Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila was originally intended as a premium sipping tequila. It’s crafted at the prestigious Jose Cuervo distillery.
In Conclusion: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly reposado to use in cocktails, 1800 Reposado is a viable option. However, for a smoother sipping experience, you might want to consider a different reposado tequila.
Patrón Reposado: A Bold Reposado with Oak and Spice
Agave & Oak Aroma: Patrón Reposado opens with a nose that combines fresh agave scents with pronounced oak influences. A slight alcoholic hint is noticeable initially but fades with air exposure.
Surprisingly Oak-Forward Flavor: Despite being a reposado aged only for 2 months, the taste profile features a surprisingly strong oak presence. A touch of sweetness is present, but the overall smoothness might be less pronounced than expected. Additionally, a distinct clove note emerges, which may be divisive among drinkers.
Peppery Finish with a Vanilla Touch: The finish arrives with a strong peppery kick, balanced by a subtle hint of vanilla.
A Reposado for Oak & Spice Lovers: While Patrón Reposado might not be the smoothest reposado, it caters to those who enjoy a bold oak character and a unique clove spiciness.
A Brief History of Patrón:
- Founded in 1989 by John Paul Dejoria, the entrepreneur behind Paul Mitchell hair products.
- Originally produced at the established Siete Leguas distillery. Patrón’s success led to the opening of their own distillery in 2002.
- In 2018, Patrón was acquired by the Bacardi company, a global giant in the spirits industry.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Reposado | $26 |
| Patron Reposado | $48 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Patron |
| Type of tequila | Reposado | Reposado |
| Aging length Months | 6 | 2 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill/Tahona |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Stone oven |
| Double-distilled | Yes | No |
| Triple-distilled | No | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |