Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:51 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.
Unearth differences between 1800 Silver and Hornitos Reposado in this detailed analysis, and determine which Tequila suits your preference!
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 Hornitos Reposado: Comparison
1800 Silver Tequila: Smooth with a sweet, basic agave profile. Ideal for cocktails or shots, offering affordability and 100% agave quality.
Hornitos Reposado Tequila: Budget-friendly with jalapeno and oak flavors. More suitable for mixed drinks than neat sipping.
Verdict: 1800 Silver excels in mixability and affordability for those preferring a sweeter tequila. Hornitos Reposado offers unique jalapeno notes for adventurous cocktails. Both provide value within their respective categories, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Tequilas for Mixed Drinks
1800 Silver Tequila: Smooth and Easygoing

- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: Herradura Silver
Aroma: Starts with gentle agave, followed by hints of black pepper, citrus, and a light alcoholic note that fades quickly.
Taste: Soft and sweet, offering noticeable agave flavors, a touch of orange, and a hint of black pepper.
Finish: Short and sweet, with a lingering touch of black pepper.
Overall: 1800 Silver is very smooth and sweet, with a basic profile and mild black pepper finish.
Best use: While not complex enough for sipping neat, it's great for mixing cocktails or enjoying in shots, Ranch Water, or budget-friendly Margaritas.
Easy on the wallet: 1800 Tequila is an affordable option without sacrificing quality, thanks to its use of 100% agave.
1800 Facts:
- Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in the US and 38% ABV (76 proof) in Mexico.
- 1800 represents the year tequila was officially recognized.
- Created in 1975 and originally named Cuervo 1800.
- The bottle's pyramid shape honors Mexico's cultural heritage.
- Owned by Jose Cuervo, maintains its Mexican roots.
Hornitos Reposado Tequila: A Budget-Friendly Mixer

- Nose: Oak, banana, mango, alcohol
- Palate: Jalapeno, oak, black pepper, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Hornitos Añejo
Aroma: Strong wood with sweet banana and mango notes, and a slight gasoline hint.
Taste: Distinctive jalapeno pepper flavor with moderate black pepper, oak, alcohol, and earthiness.
Finish: Short and warm, with lingering caramel and black pepper.
Overall: Hornitos Reposado is a step up from their Blanco, but still not ideal for sipping due to its strong flavors.
Best use: This budget-friendly tequila is suitable for mixing cocktails if you're looking to save money.
Hornitos Facts:
- Aged for 2 months in oak barrels.
- Made by Sauza Distillery, one of Mexico's oldest, dating back to 1873.
- Owned by Beam Suntory (Jim Beam).
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Silver | $26 |
| Hornitos Reposado | $27 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 | Hornitos |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Repo |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| Certified organic | Yes | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |
