Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:39 am
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 Cabo Wabo Blanco vs 1800 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
Cabo Wabo Blanco vs 1800 Silver: Comparison
Cabo Wabo Blanco: Warm, peppery tequila with alcohol, agave, and citrus notes. Best for cocktails. 80 proof.
1800 Silver: Smooth, sweet agave with pepper and orange. Good for rocks or cocktails. 80 proof.
Verdict: Cabo Wabo Blanco and 1800 Silver cater to different preferences among tequila enthusiasts. Cabo Wabo Blanco is ideal for those seeking a peppery kick in their cocktails, while 1800 Silver offers a smooth profile perfect for sipping neat or as a versatile cocktail ingredient, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Tequila to Craft Cocktails
Exploring Cabo Wabo Blanco: A Peppery Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, citrus, smoke
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Hornitos Plata
Aromatic Introduction:
Cabo Wabo Blanco presents an initial aroma dominated by alcohol. While noticeable at first, this presence gradually diminishes with aeration, revealing subtle hints of agave, citrus, and a touch of smoke.
Warm and Peppery:
The first sip delivers a noticeable warmth at the forefront, leaving a lingering sensation of heat. As it settles on the palate, flavors of agave and black pepper become more prominent, accompanied by a touch of orange.
Lingering Warmth:
The finish is long and warming, characterized by a lingering presence of black pepper.
Decent, But Not Stand-Out:
While Cabo Wabo Blanco offers a decent drinking experience with its warm and peppery character, its price point may lead you to consider other alternatives in the market.
Chilling Enhances the Experience:
Serving this tequila over ice can significantly improve the experience. The chilling effect helps mitigate the initial heat, allowing the spicier notes to come forward more prominently.
A Cocktail Champion:
Cabo Wabo Blanco truly shines when used in cocktails, particularly elevating the flavors of Margaritas. Its peppery character adds an interesting dimension to mixed drinks.
Versatile Choice:
This Blanco tequila is suitable for those who enjoy sipping on the rocks or in shots, and it can also be a key ingredient in Ranch Water cocktails.
Additional Notes:
- Launched in 1996 by Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo Blanco holds the unintentional distinction of being the first celebrity-endorsed tequila.
- Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, at the same distillery as Tequila Espolon.
Unveiling the Smoothness of 1800 Silver Tequila
- Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
- Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar: 1800 Cristalino
Aromatic Introduction:
1800 Silver presents a delicate aroma of agave, the essence of the tequila plant. This is accompanied by subtle hints of black pepper and citrus, with a touch of alcohol initially noticeable that fades with time.
Smooth and Refreshing:
The first sip delivers a smooth and pleasing sweetness, dominated by distinct agave notes. Hints of orange and a touch of black pepper add complexity and intrigue to the flavor profile.
Lingering Impression:
While the finish is relatively short, it leaves a pleasant aftertaste of gentle sweetness and a touch of lingering pepper, adding depth to the overall experience.
A Straightforward and Enjoyable Option:
1800 Silver offers a smooth and sweet taste, with a balanced presence of black pepper on the finish that avoids overwhelming the palate. Its flavor profile, while not exceptionally complex, remains enjoyable for sipping neat or on the rocks. Additionally, its smooth character makes it a popular choice for shots.
A Versatile Tequila:
1800 Silver performs well as a mixer, providing a quality 100% agave tequila option at an affordable price point. This makes it a versatile choice for crafting cocktails or enjoying in mixed drinks.
Additional Notes:
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in the United States and 76 proof (38% ABV) in Mexico.
- This is a Blanco or unaged tequila, meaning it never saw the inside of an oak barrel.
- 1800 Tequila was created in 1975 and was originally known as Cuervo 1800. It belongs to the Jose Cuervo brand.
- While the brand name references the year 1800, this was not the year the brand itself was created, but rather the year Tequila was officially recognized as a distinct spirit.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Cabo Wabo Blanco | $37 |
| 1800 Silver | $24 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Cabo Wabo | Espolon |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| 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 |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |