Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:43 am
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 Altos Plata 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 Altos Plata: Comparison
1800 Silver: Gentle agave and pepper aroma with fruity, peppery palate. Short, sweet finish. Versatile for mixing or sipping. Budget-friendly and smooth.
Olmeca Altos Plata: Earthy, agave aroma with herbal, peppery taste. Warm, peppery finish. Ideal for cocktails, made with traditional methods.
Verdict: Both 1800 Silver and Olmeca Altos Plata offer unique experiences for tequila lovers. 1800 Silver is great for those seeking a smooth, versatile tequila at an affordable price, while Olmeca Altos Plata caters to cocktail enthusiasts looking for a tequila with a bold, complex flavor, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Sweet Sipping Tequilas
1800 Silver: A Smooth and Affordable Tequila for Mixing or Sipping

- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Camarena Silver
Looking for a versatile and easy-to-drink tequila? 1800 Silver might be a good fit for you!
What does it taste like?
- Aroma: Gentle agave, followed by black pepper, citrus, and a hint of alcohol (fades with time).
- Palate: Smooth and slightly sweet, with agave, orange, and a touch of black pepper.
- Finish: Short, with lingering sweetness and a hint of pepper.
What makes it stand out?
- Smooth and sweet: 1800 Silver offers a pleasant and easy-to-drink experience, making it suitable for those new to tequila.
- Versatile: Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in various cocktails like Tequila Sunrises, coladas, or mixed with your favorite juice.
- Affordable: 1800 Silver presents an excellent value for its price, making it a budget-friendly option for mixing.
Things to consider:
- Simpler flavor profile: Compared to some tequilas, 1800 Silver has a less complex flavor profile.
Overall, 1800 Silver is a solid choice for those seeking a smooth and affordable tequila for mixing cocktails or casual sipping. Its versatility and easy-going taste make it a popular option for various consumers.
Additional facts:
- 1800 Silver is an unaged tequila (Blanco) bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in the United States and 38% ABV (76 proof) in Mexico.
- Launched in 1975, 1800 Silver was originally known as Cuervo 1800 and belongs to the Jose Cuervo brand.
Olmeca Altos Plata: A Cocktail Enthusiast’s Tequila

- Nose: Agave, earth, orange, mint
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, brine
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Blanco
Looking for a tequila specifically crafted for mixing delicious cocktails? Look no further than Olmeca Altos Plata!
What does it taste like?
- Aroma: Earthy and vegetal with hints of agave, orange, and mint.
- Palate: Strong herbal flavors, evolving into spiciness and agave sweetness for a complex taste.
- Finish: Warm with peppery notes, a slight burn, and a lingering salty aftertaste.
Why choose Olmeca Altos Plata?
- Made for mixing: Created by bartenders with cocktails in mind, Olmeca Plata’s unique profile shines in Margaritas, Ranch Waters, and other tequila-based drinks.
- Traditional production: Using a tahona stone and brick ovens instead of modern methods, Olmeca Plata boasts a distinctive taste that avoids a mass-produced feel.
Things to consider:
- Strong flavor: Olmeca Plata’s bold and vegetal notes might be overwhelming for those new to tequila or preferring it neat.
Overall, Olmeca Altos Plata excels as a base for crafting flavorful cocktails. Its unique character and traditional production methods make it a popular choice among mixologists and tequila enthusiasts alike. However, if you’re primarily looking for a tequila to sip neat, you might prefer a smoother option.
Additional facts:
- Awarded a gold medal at the 2015 LA International Spirits Competition.
- Owned by Pernod Ricard, a major drinks company known for brands like Chivas Regal and Glenlivet.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Silver | $24 |
| Altos Plata | $24 |
Specs Comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Altos |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Tahona stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Brick ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |
