Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:13 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 Silver vs 1800 Añejo Cristalino in this head-to-head 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 Silver vs 1800 Añejo Cristalino: Comparison
1800 Silver: A smooth tequila with agave, pepper, and orange notes, suitable for sipping, shots, or cocktails. Its gentle aroma and sweet flavor make it a versatile choice.
1800 Cristalino: Offers a smooth, sweet profile with vanilla and cherry, aged in ex-port barrels. Ideal for those preferring a sweeter, less traditional tequila flavor.
Verdict: 1800 Silver is perfect for those who enjoy smooth cocktails and shots. 1800 Cristalino caters to preferences for a sweet, smooth drink, resembling flavored vodka. Both provide smooth, quality options for varied tastes in tequila, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Blanco Tequilas for New Drinkers
1800 Silver: Smooth Tequila for Sipping or Shots
- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Sauza Silver
Gentle Aroma: 1800 Silver opens with a subtle agave scent, followed by hints of black pepper, citrus, and a touch of fading alcohol.
Smooth & Sweet Flavor: The taste is smooth with a pleasant sweetness, featuring agave, a touch of orange, and a hint of black pepper.
Short Finish: The finish is short yet pleasant, leaving a touch of sweetness and pepper.
Easy to Enjoy: 1800 Silver offers a smooth and sweet profile with a subtle peppery kick. While not complex, it’s enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Shot-Taker Friendly: Its smoothness makes it a popular choice for shots, as it goes down without harshness or burning.
1800 Silver Facts:
- Smooth and sweet flavor profile.
- 80 proof (40% ABV) in the US and 76 proof (38% ABV) in Mexico.
- Unaged Blanco tequila.
- Created in 1975 by Jose Cuervo.
Looking for a smooth and easy-drinking tequila? 1800 Silver might be your perfect choice!
1800 Cristalino: Smooth and Sweet Tequila (A Twist on Tradition)
- Nose: Vanilla, anise
- Palate: Cherry, vanilla, oak, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Casamigos Blanco
Subtle & Sweet Aroma: 1800 Cristalino entices with a smooth and subtle vanilla scent accompanied by a hint of anise.
Cherry Delight: The first sip reveals a prominent cherry flavor followed by hints of vanilla, delicate oak, and a touch of black pepper.
Short & Sweet Finish: The finish is short and sweet, leaving a subtle presence of black pepper with no lingering burn.
A Unique Twist: This tequila offers a smooth and sweet experience due to aging in ex-port barrels. It deviates from the traditional agave-forward tequila profile, resembling a flavored vodka in taste.
Who will enjoy it? Perfect for those who prefer smooth and sweet drinks without a burning sensation.
Not for the Traditionalist: If you seek the distinctive agave flavor of classic tequila, 1800 Cristalino might not be your ideal choice.
1800 Cristalino Facts:
- Uniquely aged in American and French oak barrels, then finished in ex-port casks for added sweetness.
- Filtered for a crystal-clear appearance.
- May appeal to those who typically enjoy flavored vodkas.
Looking for a smooth and sweet tequila experience? 1800 Cristalino offers a unique twist on the traditional spirit.
How do these Tequilas differ?
The main difference lies in the aging process and filtration method.
1800 Silver is a Blanco Tequila that is bottled immediately after distillation, without any aging process.
It retains the clear, transparent appearance of a traditional Blanco Tequila.
On the other hand, 1800 Cristalino is an Añejo Tequila that has undergone an aging process in oak barrels.
Afterward, it is filtered through charcoal to remove the amber color and smooth out any rough edges.
This filtration method gives it a clear and refined appearance, making it more approachable and easier to sip.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Silver | $24 |
| 1800 Cristalino | $61 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | 1800 Cristalino |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | None | 22 |
| 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 |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |