Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:02 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 818 Blanco vs Patron 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
818 vs Patron: Comparison
- Patron Silver is favored by traditional Tequila enthusiasts for its authentic agave flavor profile, suitable for those accustomed to agave spirits.
- 818 Blanco appeals to newcomers or those preferring a sweet taste, with its vanilla and cream soda notes making it less traditional.
- Verdict: Patron appeals to consumers looking for traditional tequila flavors whilst 818 makes a good choice for those who prefer an overly sweet and easy sipper, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
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818 Blanco: Uniquely Vanilla-Forward Blanco Tequila

- Nose: Cream soda, vanilla, agave
- Palate: Cream soda, vanilla, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: 818 Reposado
Aroma:
- 818 Blanco offers an unconventional aroma of cream soda with hints of vanilla and subtle agave notes.
Taste:
- This silver tequila has a creamy texture, emphasizing flavors of cream soda and vanilla.
- Black pepper adds a touch of spice, while an ethanol undertone is noticeable.
Finish:
- The finish is brief, leaving a lingering peppery aftertaste.
Unique Character:
- 818 Blanco stands out for its pronounced vanilla flavor, which deviates from the typical agave-forward profile of blanco tequilas.
Serving Suggestions:
- While enjoyable neat or on the rocks, the prominent vanilla may not complement all cocktails.
- For mixed drinks, a tequila with a stronger agave presence might be a better choice.
Production Note:
- Interesting to note, 818 Blanco undergoes a short one-month resting period in French oak barrels before bottling.
- Typically, such a brief aging period wouldn’t significantly contribute vanilla flavors to the spirit.
- The distillery behind 818 Blanco is Mieles Azules.
Patron Silver: A Blanco Tequila with Agave Character

- Nose: Agave, pepper, citrus, alcohol
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Cabo Wabo Blanco
Aroma:
- Agave and black pepper notes take center stage in Patron Silver’s aroma, accompanied by a touch of alcohol.
Taste:
- The first sip delivers a burst of agave flavor, followed by a peppery kick with a slight sharpness.
Finish:
- The finish is long and warming, lingering with peppery notes.
Mass-Produced Quality:
- Patron Silver stands out as a mass-produced tequila that delivers genuine agave flavors without additives.
- This makes it a good option for those seeking a reliable silver tequila with a classic agave-pepper profile.
Value for Money:
- Offered at a reasonable price point, Patron Silver presents itself as a tequila worthy of consideration for those looking for a good balance of quality and affordability.
Production Note:
- Like most Blanco tequilas, Patron Silver is bottled immediately after distillation, preserving the agave’s fresh character.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 818 Blanco | $46 |
| Patron SIlver | $51 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 818 Blanco | Patron Silver |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | Briefly rested (unspecified time) | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Tahona stone | Roller mill/Tahona stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Very likely | NO |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |
