Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 12:53 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 Jose Cuervo Silver 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 vs Jose Cuervo: Head-to-Head
1800 Silver is a good choice for those seeking a smooth and sweet Tequila with a hint of black pepper. It’s suitable for sipping or mixing in cocktails and offers good value for its price.
Jose Cuervo Silver is a pleasant surprise considering its brand’s history, offering a pleasant and refreshing Tequila with mint, pepper, agave, and grapefruit notes. It’s best used in cocktails, especially for crafting Margaritas, and provides an affordable option for mixing drinks.
Verdict: Both Tequilas have their own distinct flavor profiles, with 1800 Silver being smooth and sweet, while Jose Cuervo Silver has a peppery kick. The choice between them depends on individual preferences and intended use, whether for sipping or mixing cocktails, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Silver Tequilas that taste well
1800 Silver: Smooth and Affordable Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Patron Silver
Aromatic Profile:
1800 Silver offers a gentle aroma showcasing agave at the forefront, followed by hints of black pepper, citrus, and a touch of alcohol that mellows out as it breathes.
Flavor Experience:
The first sip reveals a smooth and pleasantly sweet taste, highlighting flavors of agave with a touch of orange and a subtle hint of black pepper.
Clean Finish:
The finish is relatively short, leaving a lingering touch of sweetness and pepper.
Versatility and Value:
1800 Silver shines for its smoothness and affordability, making it a great choice for both straight sipping on the rocks and mixing cocktails. Its simple and clean flavor profile goes down smoothly without overpowering other ingredients, making it ideal for various mixed drinks like Tequila Sunrises or Tequila and Cokes.
A Newcomer’s Choice:
While it may not boast complex flavors or win awards, 1800 Silver delivers a decent taste at a competitive price, making it a fantastic option for new tequila drinkers looking for an affordable base for their cocktails.
Fun Facts:
- 1800 Silver is a Blanco tequila, meaning it is unaged and never comes in contact with oak barrels.
- This expression is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in the United States and 76 proof (38% ABV) in Mexico due to varying tax regulations.
- Originally known as Cuervo 1800, the brand was established in 1975 and belongs to Jose Cuervo.
Jose Cuervo Silver: A Budget-Friendly Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Mint, pepper, agave grapefruit
- Palate: Black pepper, grapefruit, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jimador Silver
Inviting Aroma:
Jose Cuervo Silver greets you with a refreshing nose. Hints of mint, agave, and a touch of grapefruit and black pepper create an inviting first impression.
Flavor Profile:
The initial sip delivers a peppery kick that softens into a combination of grapefruit and agave flavors. Subtly earthy and floral notes emerge as the taste develops.
Crisp Finish:
The finish is relatively short and crisp, leaving a moderate alcohol tingle alongside lingering hints of mint, citrus, and agave. Chilling the tequila on the rocks can subdue the peppery notes, making it smoother.
Cocktail Champion:
Jose Cuervo Silver shines as a mixer, particularly in Margaritas, due to its affordable price point. Remember, when mixed with strong flavors like fruit juices, subtle differences between tequilas are less noticeable.
A Pleasant Surprise:
While Jose Cuervo has a past of producing some less-favored tequilas, the Silver expression offers a pleasant surprise. It’s a serviceable and affordable choice for mixing cocktails at home or enjoying on a budget.
Key Fact:
Unlike some other Jose Cuervo products, the Silver is made exclusively from blue weber agave, the traditional tequila ingredient.
1800 Tequila and Jose Cuervo: Same Family, Different Tequilas
1800 Tequila and Jose Cuervo are both popular tequila brands, but they have some key differences:
- Same owner, different tequilas: Both are produced by the same company in Jalisco, Mexico.
- 1800 is a premium tequila: Launched in 1975, it uses high-quality agave and boasts a smoother, sweeter taste.
- Jose Cuervo is the older brand: Established in 1795, it’s Mexico’s oldest tequila distillery and a market leader.
- Different production methods: 1800 uses a slower cooking process for its agave, resulting in a distinctive flavor compared to Jose Cuervo.
In summary, while both 1800 and Jose Cuervo are tequila brands owned by the same company, they offer unique taste profiles due to differing production methods.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 SIlver | $23 |
| Jose Cuervo Silver | $18 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Jose Cuervo |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 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 |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |