Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:19 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.
Explore the detailed comparison of 1800 Añejo vs El Mayor Añejo and decide which Tequila suits you best!
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 El Mayor Añejo: Comparison
1800 Añejo: A tequila with a whiskey-like aroma, offering a smooth, sweet blend of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Ideal for newcomers to tequila, whiskey lovers, and enthusiasts looking for an affordable sipper or cocktail base.
El Mayor Añejo: Delivers smooth, bourbon-like flavors at a great price, with a balanced mix of vanilla, caramel, and oak. A solid choice for those seeking quality and value, perfect for both sipping and cocktails.
Verdict: 1800 Añejo and El Mayor Añejo both offer excellent value, bridging the gap between tequila and whiskey with their smooth, oak-driven profiles. Ideal for budget-conscious drinkers looking to explore nuanced flavors without the premium price, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Drink Quality Cheap Añejo Tequila
1800 Añejo: A Budget-Friendly Tequila with a Twist
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Oak, ripe fruit, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
- Similar to: Gran Centenario Añejo
Whiskey-Inspired Aroma: Despite being made from agave, 1800 Añejo offers a surprising nose reminiscent of whiskey.
Smooth and Sweet: Enjoy a smooth, sweet, and fruity taste with hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel notes familiar in bourbon.
Easy Finish: The finish leaves a slight bitterness, but with minimal burn, making it easy to sip.
Is it Worth It?
While not complex, 1800 Añejo is a good budget option for:
- Tequila Newcomers: Those who typically don’t enjoy agave spirits might find this approachable.
- Tequila Enthusiasts: Fans can appreciate its balanced agave, oak, and caramel notes.
- Whiskey Drinkers: The smooth taste with familiar flavors makes it a good stepping stone into Tequila.
Versatile and Affordable: Enjoy it neat, in fruity cocktails, or even an Old Fashioned, all at a price that won’t break the bank.
1800 Añejo Facts:
- Aged for at least 14 months in French oak barrels.
- “1800” doesn’t represent the brand’s founding year, but the year Tequila was officially recognized as a spirit.
Remember: Taste is subjective. Try it yourself to see if you like its unique profile!
El Mayor Añejo: Smooth Añejo on a Budget
- Nose: Caramel, oak, raisin, vanilla
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Añejo
Inviting Aroma: El Mayor Añejo opens with bourbon-like scents of light caramel, oak, vanilla, and a touch of raisin.
Pleasant Palate: The taste starts fruity, then transitions to vanilla, caramel, and subtle toasted oak notes.
Enjoyable Finish: It offers a relatively long finish with a gentle peppery kick and minimal burn, making it easy to sip.
Is it Worth It?
While not top-shelf like Fortaleza Añejo or Don Julio 1942, El Mayor Añejo delivers excellent value for its price.
Smooth and Balanced: It boasts a smooth, enjoyable taste with no harsh flavors.
Budget-Friendly: The affordable price makes it a great choice for those seeking a good Añejo without breaking the bank.
Great Value: El Mayor Añejo is a strong contender for those seeking a quality Añejo at an unbeatable price.
El Mayor Añejo Facts:
- Aged 18 months in American oak barrels.
- Made by US-based Luxco (known for Ezra Brooks, Rebel, and Yellowstone Bourbon).
Remember: Personal preference plays a big role in tequila enjoyment. Try it yourself to see if you like its unique taste!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Añejo | $38 |
| El Mayor Añejo | $33 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | El Mayor |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 14 | 18 |
| 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 |