Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:40 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 Gran Centenario 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 Gran Centenario Plata: Head-to-Head
1800 Silver: A smooth, sweet tequila with agave, orange, and pepper. Best for easy drinking and cocktails.
Gran Centenario Plata: Light amber, hints of vanilla and oak from short aging. Great for mixing in cocktails.
Verdict: 1800 Silver shines with its smooth, sweet profile, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle sip or a versatile cocktail mixer. Gran Centenario Plata stands out with its subtle oak and vanilla nuances, offering a distinctive twist for cocktail enthusiasts looking for depth and a hint of complexity. Both provide a satisfying base for a range of drinks, catering to diverse palates and mixing needs, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Value Blanco Tequilas
1800 Silver: Smooth Tequila for Easy Drinking and Cocktails
- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Cazadores Blanco
Agave with a Hint of Spice
1800 Silver offers a pleasant nose with a soft agave scent, followed by subtle hints of black pepper and citrus. The initial alcohol aroma fades quickly, making it easy to sip.
Sweet and Smooth on the Palate
This Tequila delivers a smooth and sweet taste that highlights the agave. A touch of orange and a hint of black pepper add a light layer of complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Easy to Sip, Great for Mixing
While 1800 Silver might not be the most intricate Tequila, its smoothness and subtle sweetness make it a great choice for easy sipping, either neat or on the rocks.
Mixology Magic
Despite lacking bold flavors, 1800 Silver’s affordability and clean profile make it a perfect base for cocktails. Shine in a refreshing Ranch Water, a classic Tequila & Coke, or even a fun Tequila and Red Bull mix.
Ideal for New Tequila Explorers
Looking for a smooth and affordable Tequila to get started with cocktails? 1800 Silver is a great option for novice tequila drinkers who want to explore mixed drinks.
Gran Centenario Plata: A Light Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Fruit, mint, pepper
- Palate: Vanilla, agave, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar: Jose Cuervo Silver
Looking for a Tequila with a unique twist? Gran Centenario Plata offers a subtle departure from the classic silver profile.
A Hint of Oak, a Touch of Sweetness
Unlike most silver tequilas, Gran Centenario Plata is rested for 28 days in oak barrels. This short aging gives it a light amber color and a touch of vanilla and oak in the flavor.
Best Enjoyed in Cocktails
While Gran Centenario Plata can be enjoyed over ice, its smooth initial taste can give way to slightly bitter notes. However, this tequila truly shines in cocktails. The hint of oak and vanilla pairs well with various mixers, making it a great base for a refreshing Tequila Sunrise or a delicious combination with pineapple juice and lime soda.
Short on Complexity, Big on Mixability
While Gran Centenario Plata might not be the most complex tequila for sipping neat, its smooth character and touch of oak make it a versatile choice for creating tasty cocktails.
Key takeaways:
- Aged silver tequila with a light amber color.
- Hints of vanilla and oak from short oak aging.
- Smooth start, slightly bitter finish.
- Ideal for mixing cocktails.
What do 1800 and Gran Centenario have in common?
Crafted at the same distillery
1800 and Gran Centenario are owned by Jose Cuervo and crafted at the same distillery in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Maestro Dobel and Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino are also produced at this distillery.
Jose Cuervo is the largest Tequila producer in the world as it sells one-fifth of all the Tequila consumed worldwide.
How do they differ?
Gran Centenario is given a short 28-day aging making it sufficiently different from 1800.
Our Specs Comparison section at the bottom of this page details further differences.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Silver | $24 |
| Gran Centenario Plata | $31 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Gran Centenario |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 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 | Yes |
| Triple-Distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |