Is 1800 Tequila Good?

Last Updated on: 23rd January 2024, 02:08 pm

This article addresses the question “Is 1800 Tequila a good choice?” with expert opinions.

Written by: J Highland

Is 1800 a good Tequila? Is it top-shelf?

“1800 is considered a mid-shelf Tequila, offering competent and attractively priced options. While it does not rank as a top-shelf Tequila, it is a solid choice for those seeking a quality spirit without spending much.”, states Tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Initially released by Jose Cuervo as Cuervo 1800, the brand aimed to showcase premium Tequila during a time when the reputation of this spirit was not as favorable.

It is worth noting that 1800 bottles are 100% agave, distinguishing it from some of Cuervo’s Tequilas that blend agave with undisclosed sugar sources.

1800 Tequila Rankings

This brand is currently offering 5 releases:

Silver

The nose offers a smooth agave aroma, hints of black pepper, citrus, and a subtle alcohol note.

1800 Silver is soft and sweet, with gentle agave flavors, a touch of orange, and a hint of black pepper.

This Tequila is smooth and easy to drink, lacking any off-putting flavors

While it may not offer anything extraordinary, it serves well for shots or mixing in cocktails like Tequila & Coke, Mojitos, or even Red Bull.

While it may not be considered one of the best Silver Tequilas, 1800 is a budget-friendly option for newcomers and a solid choice for enjoying a Margarita without spending much.

Reposado

1800 Reposado has a bourbon-like aroma, but the palate falls short with a thin texture and watered-down feel.

While it offers butterscotch and charred oak flavors, the alcohol burn and prominent black pepper notes dominate the experience.

Fortunately, the finish is brief, leaving only a slightly smoky note.

Overall, 1800 Reposado is not recommended for sipping due to its high alcohol and peppery profile.

However, serving it over ice can improve the experience.

Compared to 1800 Blanco, this Reposado is disappointing, and I advise avoiding it.

Añejo

1800 Añejo is a smooth and sweet Tequila that resembles whiskey in both aroma and taste.

It offers notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel, reminiscent of bourbon, with a light bitter finish and minimal burn.

While not complex or deep in flavor, it provides a solid choice for those on a budget.

It appeals to both Tequila enthusiasts and those less familiar with the spirit.

With a well-balanced blend of agave, oak, and caramel, 1800 Añejo satisfies without any particular element standing out.

It can be enjoyed neat without harshness, making it a Tequila suitable for bourbon lovers.

Its attractive price point makes it a great cocktail option, mainly when mixed with fruity juices or in an Old Fashioned.

Cristalino Añejo

1800 Cristalino offers a smooth and gentle aroma with hints of vanilla and a subtle note reminiscent of anise.

The palate introduces a dominant cherry flavor, followed by vanilla, delicate oak, and a touch of black pepper.

The finish is short, leaving a pleasantly sweet aftertaste with a hint of black pepper and no burn.

This Tequila is notably smooth and sweet, showcasing the influence of its ex-port barrel aging.

While lacking in complexity and distinct agave flavors, it provides an enjoyable and easy-drinking experience.

Overall, 1800 Cristalino is a good choice for those seeking a smooth and sweet nightcap.

Milenio Extra Añejo

1800 Milenio presents a warm, inviting aroma with agave, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak notes.

The palate offers a Cognac-like taste dominated by oak and hints of raisins, chocolate, caramel, and spice, with subtle agave notes.

The dry finish is pleasantly warm, showcasing flavors of caramel and oak while maintaining a minimal burn.

While 1800 Milenio is a smooth and enjoyable Tequila, the prominent oak flavor overshadows other tasting notes, resulting in an imbalanced profile.

It leans more towards resembling a French cognac than a Tequila, lacking the distinctive agave character.

Although it is a pleasant sip, particularly neat or on the rocks, considering the price, better options are available in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All 1800 Tequila Bottles 100% Agave, Gluten-Free, and Carb-Free?

• Yes, all 1800 Tequila varieties are made from 100% agave, making them naturally gluten-free and carb-free.
• However, 1800’s line of bottled Margaritas is not pure Tequila and contains sugars, carbohydrates, and synthetic ingredients.

Is 1800 Tequila Suitable for Making Margaritas?

• 1800 Blanco is an excellent choice for Margaritas, offering a good balance of affordability, sweetness, and smoothness.
• It’s a practical option for cocktails, where the nuances of a pricier sipping Tequila might be lost.

Pricing Guide

• Silver: $32
• Reposado: $30
• Añejo: $43
• Cristalino Añejo: $63
• Milenio Extra Añejo: $200

Drinking Guide

• Silver: Ideal for cocktails, especially margaritas.
• Reposado: Enjoyable on the rocks or in cocktails.
• Añejo: Best on the rocks.
• Cristalino Añejo: Suitable for sipping straight or on the rocks.
• Milenio Extra Añejo: Recommended to be enjoyed straight.

What Makes 1800 Tequila Unique?

• 1800 Tequila, originally known as Cuervo 1800 Tequila since 1975, is part of the Jose Cuervo family and produced in Jalisco, Mexico.
• The brand’s bottles are distinctively trapezoidal, inspired by Mayan pyramids, with tops that double as shot glasses.
• The name “1800” commemorates the year when Tequila was first recognized as a spirit and the granting of the tequila-making license to Jose Antonio Cuervo.