Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 09:04 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 Añejo vs Gran Centenario Añejo 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 Añejo vs Gran Centenario Añejo: Head-to-Head
1800 Añejo: Offers a whiskey-like profile with vanilla, spice, and caramel from oak barrel aging. Smooth and sweet on the finish, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly choice for Tequila beginners and bourbon lovers alike. Ideal for sipping or creative cocktails.
Gran Centenario Añejo: Delivers a good experience with vanilla, oak, and a hint of smoke. Its smooth, rich caramel finish and affordability make it suitable for easy sipping or enhancing cocktails.
Key Fact: Both Tequilas are crafted at the Jose Cuervo Distillery. Barrel management makes them different.
Verdict: Both 1800 Añejo and Gran Centenario Añejo provide excellent value, blending aged Tequila character with bourbon-like notes. 1800 Añejo is perfect for those seeking a smooth, approachable Tequila with a whiskey flair, while Gran Centenario Añejo appeals to those who enjoy a longer-aged profile, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Añejo Tequilas
1800 Añejo: Budget-Friendly Tequila with Bourbon Flair
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Oak, ripe fruit, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
- Similar to: 1800 Cristalino
Aroma & Taste: This Tequila surprises with a whiskey-like profile of vanilla, spice, and caramel, hinting at its time in oak barrels.
Smooth Finish: Sweet and fruity with a slight bitterness and minimal burn.
Appealing to Many: A good option for both Tequila beginners and bourbon fans, offering a balanced agave, oak, and caramel flavor.
Easy Sipping: Smooth and enjoyable, ideal for those who prefer a less harsh experience.
Budget-Friendly Choice: Great value for the price, perfect for mixing fruity drinks or an affordable Old Fashioned.
Bonus Fact: Aged for at least 14 months in French oak barrels, despite the name “1800” not referring to its creation year.
Gran Centenario Añejo: Easy-Sipping Aged Tequila
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, leathery sweetness, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Leyenda Extra Añejo
Aroma: Bourbon-like with oak, caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave.
Taste: Starts with blue agave and apple, followed by vanilla, caramel, and oak spice.
Smooth Finish: Decent length, low heat, rich caramel, and a touch of pleasant oak bitterness.
Overall: A competent aged Tequila for easy sipping at a reasonable price. Works for cocktails and shots too, while not top-shelf Añejo, it offers good value.
Bonus Facts:
- Aged up to 36 months in new French Limousin oak barrels.
- Won Double Gold Medal at the 2019 SF World Spirits Competition.
- Presented in an elegant Art Deco bottle.
- Made by Gran Centenario, one of Mexico’s oldest distillers (founded in 1857).
What do 1800 Añejo and Gran Centenario Añejo have in common?
Crafted at the same distillery
1800 Tequila and Gran Centenario Tequila are both owned by Jose Cuervo and they are all crafted at the same distillery.
How do they differ?
Barrel management makes them different
1800 Añejo is aged for 14 months while Gran Centenario Añejo for 36 months in French Limousin oak barrels; this makes them sufficiently different.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Añejo | $44 |
| Gran Centenario Añejo | $39 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Gran Centenario |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 14 | 36 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |