Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:53 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.
With the assistance of Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, I have reviewed and ranked every 818 Tequila release and determined which is the best.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best 818 Tequila
- Looking for a celebrity tequila? 818 is a perfectly good option, especially if you're new to tequila and enjoy sweeter flavors.
- New to tequila and want something smooth? 818 Blanco or Reposado are good options for easy sipping. Their sweetness makes them approachable.
- Planning to make cocktails? 818 might overpower the other flavors in your drink due to its strong vanilla presence. Consider a more traditional Blanco tequila for mixing.
- Prefer a complex tequila with strong agave character? Then 818 isn't the best fit. Look for Reposados or Añejos from other brands that focus on agave and oak notes.
- Budget-minded tequila drinker? Especially for Añejo, 818 might be pricier than other tequilas with a similar flavor profile. Do some comparisons before you buy.
- 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.
818 Blanco Tequila: A Breakdown for New Agave Spirit Fans
Looking to explore celebrity tequilas? Here's a quick look at 818 Blanco, owned by Kendall Jenner.
A sweet and smooth introduction: 818 Blanco offers a creamy aroma with hints of vanilla and agave. The taste follows suit, with a prominent vanilla note upfront, balanced by a touch of black pepper.
Not for tequila traditionalists: If you're used to classic tequilas, the sweetness of 818 Blanco might be surprising. It leans more towards a vanilla cream soda flavor than the typical agave profile.
Great for beginners: This easy-drinking tequila is a good option for those new to agave spirits. The smooth taste makes it enjoyable neat or on the rocks.
Mixing matters: The strong vanilla flavor can overpower cocktails like Margaritas. Consider a more traditional tequila for mixed drinks.
In short: 818 Blanco offers a sweet and approachable introduction to tequila, but its unique flavor profile may not suit experienced agave spirit drinkers, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
818 Reposado Tequila: Sweet Sipping or Cocktail Conundrum?
Aged for Smoothness: 818 Reposado takes their Blanco tequila and rests it for at least 2 months in French oak barrels. This aging process gives it a light amber color and a touch more sweetness.
Vanilla Takes Center Stage: On the nose, expect a pleasant aroma of vanilla and honey with minimal alcohol scent. The taste follows through with a strong vanilla presence, hints of agave, and a touch of orange.
Easy Does It: This Reposado is known for its smooth and mellow finish, thanks to the low burn and lingering vanilla flavors. It's a very easy-drinking tequila.
Sweet or Not-So-Sweet: While the sweetness might be appealing to some, especially those who enjoy cocktails like vanilla cream sodas, it might overpower the taste of classic tequila cocktails like Margaritas.
A Niche Tequila: If you're a fan of sweeter spirits, 818 Reposado is worth trying. However, those who prefer a more traditional tequila profile might find it lacks complexity.
818 Añejo Tequila: A Sweet Sipping Tequila
Year of Rest: 818 Añejo takes their Blanco tequila and ages it for 12 months in oak barrels. This aging process infuses the tequila with subtle oaky notes and a touch of amber color.
Sweet & Smooth: The nose offers a pleasant aroma of vanilla and honey with a hint of oak. The taste is where things get interesting – it's smooth and buttery with prominent notes of vanilla, honey, and baking spices like cinnamon and clove.
A Long Finish: Expect a lingering finish with more oak and hints of caramel and warm spices. While enjoyable neat or on the rocks, the sweetness might overpower cocktails.
Consider the Cost: 818 Añejo's price tag might make it a less attractive option for mixed drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unique About 818 Tequila?
- Celebrity Endorsement: Endorsed by Kendall Jenner, this brand is known for its sweetness and smoothness.
- Awards: Has won multiple industry awards, including "Best Reposado" at the World Tequila Awards.
How Should 818 Blanco and Reposado Be Consumed?
- Blanco: Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its strong vanilla flavor which may not blend well in cocktails.
- Reposado: Also recommended neat or on the rocks, as its excessive sweetness may not suit all cocktail recipes.
What is the Background of 818 Tequila?
- Origin: Named after the Calabasas area code, it has gained attention in the spirits industry.
- Target Audience: Appeals mainly to fans of sweet, smooth tequilas and possibly fans of Kendall Jenner.
Is 818 Tequila Good for Mixing in Cocktails?
- Blanco: The strong vanilla flavor may not blend well in traditional cocktails.
- Reposado and Añejo: Their sweetness and cost make them less suitable for mixing in cocktails.
What is the Story Behind 818 Tequila?
- Creation: Developed by Kendall Jenner after extensive blind taste tests and distillery visits.
- Recognition: Garnered 16 awards across six major industry competitions since its launch in 2021.
- Connection: Named after the area code of Calabasas, reflecting Jenner's personal connection to the region.