Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:43 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 Gran Centenario Plata vs Jose Cuervo 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
Gran Centenario Plata vs Jose Cuervo Silver: Head-to-Head
Gran Centenario Plata: Light amber from short aging in oak, giving it a smoother taste with vanilla and oak notes. Best for cocktails.
Jose Cuervo Silver: Refreshing aroma with mint, agave, and grapefruit. Peppery to start, smooths out with citrus. Good for cocktails.
Verdict: Gran Centenario Plata offers a unique profile for cocktail enthusiasts seeking subtle complexity and smoothness. Jose Cuervo Silver provides a refreshing and bold character, ideal for vibrant, citrus-forward cocktails. Both tequilas elevate the cocktail experience with distinct flavors, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Tequila Shooters
Gran Centenario Plata: A Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Fruit, mint, pepper
- Palate: Vanilla, agave, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar: 1800 Silver
Looking for a unique silver tequila for your next cocktail party? Gran Centenario Plata offers a twist on the classic Blanco with a short aging process.
Light and Smooth, Better in Cocktails
Gran Centenario Plata stands out for its light amber color, thanks to its 28-day rest in French Limousin oak barrels. This brief aging gives it subtle vanilla and oak notes, creating a smoother taste compared to unaged silver tequilas.
However, a slight bitterness emerges on the finish. Because of this, Gran Centenario Plata is best enjoyed in cocktails like Mojitos or refreshing Candy Shots, where its sweetness and oaky hints can complement other flavors.
A Touch of History in a Stylish Bottle
Tequila enthusiasts might appreciate Gran Centenario’s heritage. Founded in 1857, the brand boasts a long history in tequila production. The bottle itself adds a touch of sophistication with its elegant Art Deco design.
Key takeaways:
- Gran Centenario Plata is a silver tequila with a light amber color due to a short aging process.
- Offers smoother taste with vanilla and oak notes compared to unaged tequilas.
- Slight bitterness makes it better suited for cocktails like Mojitos or Candy Shots.
- Presented in a stylish Art Deco bottle.
- Historic tequila brand founded in 1857.
Jose Cuervo Silver: A Reliable Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Mint, pepper, agave grapefruit
- Palate: Black pepper, grapefruit, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Lunazul Blanco
Refreshing Aroma with a Peppery Kick
Jose Cuervo Silver offers an inviting nose with hints of mint, fresh agave, grapefruit, and a touch of black pepper. The initial taste packs a peppery punch, but transitions smoothly into a blend of grapefruit and agave flavors. Subtle earthy and floral notes add complexity.
The finish is short with a moderate alcohol warmth and lingering hints of mint, citrus, and agave. Enjoying it over ice can tame the peppery bite, creating a more balanced experience.
Great for Cocktails, Easy on the Wallet
Jose Cuervo Silver shines in cocktails, particularly those calling for a bold tequila presence. Remember, when mixing drinks, expensive tequilas often lose their nuance.
A Surprisingly Good Choice
While Jose Cuervo has a reputation for budget-friendly tequilas, their Silver expression offers a pleasant surprise. This reliable tequila is perfect for crafting cocktails at home, whether you’re entertaining or simply want to save money.
Key takeaways:
- Jose Cuervo Silver boasts a refreshing aroma with mint, agave, grapefruit, and black pepper notes.
- The taste starts peppery but transitions to grapefruit and agave with subtle earthy and floral hints.
- The finish is short with a moderate alcohol warmth and lingering mint, citrus, and agave flavors.
- Enjoy it neat over ice for a smoother experience.
- Makes a great base for cocktails due to its bold character.
- Affordable option for mixing drinks at home.
- Made entirely from agave unlike some other Cuervo releases.
- Produced by a family-owned, Mexican-owned business.
What do Gran Centenario and Cuervo have in common?
Crafted at the same distillery
Gran Centenario and Jose Cuervo are crafted at the same distillery in Jalisco, Mexico as they are both owned by Jose Cuervo who sells one-fifth of all the Tequila consumed worldwide.
1800 Tequila is also owned by Cuervo.
How do they differ?
Barrel management makes them different
Gran Centenario Plata is barreled for 28 days before bottling making it sufficiently different from Cuervo.
There are also differences in the production process that you can consult in the Specs Comparison at the bottom of this page.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Gran Centenario Plata | $30 |
| Jose Cuervo Silver | $25 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Gran Centenario | Jose Cuervo |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | 28 days | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Acid-Thermal Hydrolysis |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | No | No |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |