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 Sauza Silver 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 Sauza Silver: Comparison
1800 Silver Tequila: 100% agave, smooth, and sweet with a balance of agave, pepper, and citrus notes. Ideal for shots and cocktails due to its pleasant taste and lack of harshness.
Sauza Silver Tequila: 51% agave, presenting a straightforward, light sipping experience with hints of lime, agave, and black pepper. Suitable for basic cocktails, offering a smoother experience than expected for its price.
Verdict: 1800 Silver Tequila and Sauza Silver Tequila serve different preferences within the tequila spectrum. 1800 Silver shines for those seeking a smoother shot or cocktail base with a sweet profile. Sauza Silver caters to cocktail enthusiasts looking for a straightforward mixer that’s light and easy to combine with other flavors. Both offer versatility and value in their respective niches, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Ranked Cheap Blanco Tequilas
1800 Silver Tequila: Smoothness for Shooting and Mixing
- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Lunazul Blanco
Aroma: 1800 Silver offers a gentle introduction with subtle agave notes, followed by hints of black pepper and citrus. A slight alcohol presence is initially detectable but fades as the tequila breathes.
Taste: This tequila boasts a smooth and sweet profile. Agave flavors take center stage, complemented by a touch of orange and a subtle peppery kick.
Finish: The finish is short, leaving a lingering sweetness and a hint of pepper on the palate.
Overall: 1800 Silver’s smooth and sweet character makes it enjoyable to sip neat or on the rocks. The lack of harshness and the affordable price point also make it a popular choice for shots and cocktails, particularly margaritas. While not boasting a complex flavor profile, its pleasantness and versatility are undeniable.
Additional Notes:
- 1800 Silver is an unaged, “Blanco” tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in the US and 38% ABV (76 proof) in Mexico.
- Launched in 1975, 1800 Tequila is owned by Jose Cuervo and was originally called Cuervo 1800.
Sauza Silver Tequila: A Straightforward Sipping Experience
- Nose: Alcohol, lime, salt, agave
- Palate: Alcohol, lime, agave, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Sauza Gold
Aroma: Sauza Silver offers a delicate nose with light hints reminiscent of what’s found in the bottle. A mild alcohol presence is initially noticeable, but fades as the tequila breathes, revealing subtle whispers of lime, salt, and agave.
Taste: On the palate, Sauza Silver presents a lighter body with a slightly watery texture. The initial taste features a moderate, but not overpowering, alcohol note alongside subtle flavors of lime, agave, and a touch of black pepper.
Finish: The finish is brief and slightly warm, leaving a hint of black pepper and a touch of bitterness. While not unpleasant, it may not linger on the palate.
Overall: Sauza Silver is a straightforward tequila, offering a smoother-than-expected experience despite using a mix of agave and other sugars. While it might not be the first choice for sipping neat, its lighter profile makes it suitable for mixing in basic cocktails like the Batangas, where other ingredients can complement its flavor profile. Remember, moderation is key, as excessive sweetness from mixers can lead to discomfort.
Additional Notes:
- Sauza Silver is not a 100% agave tequila, containing 51% agave and 49% undisclosed sugars.
- Sauza is a brand under Beam Suntory, a renowned producer of spirits like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
- Founded in 1873, Sauza boasts a rich history as one of Mexico’s oldest tequila makers.
How do 1800 and Sauza Tequila differ?
1800 is 100% agave and Sauza is not.
The set of rules that govern Tequila allows distillers to call Tequila anything using at least 51% agave in the mash.
Personally, I recommend not drinking mixto tequilas as they give hangovers.
Agave has a unique sugar composition that is headache-free, but once you mix sugar sources things get murky.
Hence the importance of only drinking Tequilas labeled as “100% Agave” and avoid those marked as “Made from Blue Agave” which is completely misleading.
These Tequilas are made from 51% agave and 49% other undisclosed sugar sources that could well be corn or sugar cane.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price | Bottle Size |
| 1800 Silver | $36 | 1L |
| Sauza Silver | $20 | 1L |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Sauza |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | NO! |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |