There are all the time loads of nice values within the tequila aisle of the liquor retailer, even in case you’re not in Mexico. Among the finest values is a bottle that usually sells for $35 to $50 however out-tastes some that promote for 2, three, or 4 occasions as a lot. The 1800 Añejo (aged) tequila is a superb sipping spirit that deserves a spot in your house bar or consideration as a cultured present for a shopper.
It’s a disgrace that the Jose Cuervo title has been so tarnished by its money cow product, the artificially coloured dreck that’s most shoppers’ first encounter with one thing known as tequila. The corporate correctly retains that title off the entrance of this pyramid-shaped, heavy glass bottle. In truth till I took the Cuervo Categorical practice out to the distillery from Guadalajara, I didn’t even know 1800 was a part of their portfolio.
Once I did a personal tasting after the tour of the Cuervo plant, in fact I anticipated the Reserva de la Familia to be nice. That is the corporate’s pleasure and pleasure and it often retails for greater than $100 a bottle. I got here away actually impressed with this 1800 Añejo tequila although and purchased a bottle proper then and there. I pulled it out each time I had one thing to have fun and each time I used to be delighted.
Sadly, it didn’t final all that lengthy.
Within the years since then, I’ve gravitated again to 1800 tequila a number of occasions, choosing this up as an excellent sipping tequila to have available that I do know will please guests with a discerning palate. It’s one which tastes far costlier than the worth tag would counsel and the bottle feels good within the hand when pouring.
About 1800 Tequila
This premium 1800 tequila is constituted of 100% blue agave and the añejo model is aged in new French and American oak barrels for at least one yr, however with some barrels getting older for as much as three. In Mexico it’s 38% alcohol, which I discover preferable for sipping, however within the worldwide promote it’s 40%.
That is a straightforward tequila to seek out in responsibility free shops, so it’s a dependable option to deliver residence or decide up as a last-minute present. (When you’re utilizing it for cocktails although, step all the way down to the reposado or silver model.) It’s additionally a staple in U.S. liquor shops, with the advertising and marketing of Cuervo and Proximo Spirits behind it.
The place does the title 1800 come from? Historical past says that tequila began formally promoting in 1795, when permission from Spain got here down, and 1800 was the primary yr they began getting older the spirit in wooden barrels.
When you purchase this tequila in Mexico, the bottle label could also be barely totally different but it surely’s equally simple to seek out. The value could be a bit deceptive in case you evaluate it to what you’d pay within the USA as a result of it’s not apples to apples. Bottles are 700 ml in Mexico, in comparison with 750 within the USA, plus there’s that slight alcohol distinction. As I write this the worth on the La Comer grocery store is the equal of US$43 and at Leuken’s within the USA it’s $47 plus tax when not on sale, so principally a wash.
Tasting 1800 Anejo Tequila
For most individuals, the primary phrase that involves thoughts after sipping that is both “clean” or “scrumptious.” It’s very well-balanced and doesn’t have loads of chunk to it. The lengthy getting older in new oak barrels positively brings a few smoothing out of the sides and a mellowing of the alcoholic chunk.
That doesn’t imply it’s missing in complexity although. Most will style the standard caramel, clove, and vanilla notes, plus regardless of the getting older there’s a contemporary agave style that isn’t overwhelmed by the oak. Chances are you’ll detect some hints of coconut, cinnamon, and orange peel as effectively.
The opposite defining attribute of this aged tequila is the constantly good expertise from starting to finish. The hefty glass bottle with wooden stopper cap feels stable within the hand and the primary whiff of the glass after pouring instantly makes me begin salivating. It’s a pleasing sensation when it first rolls throughout the totally different style buds within the mouth and the end is equally satisfying. There’s a heat and harmonious lingering of the flavour parts after it’s lengthy gone.
Get extra information on the 1800 Tequila web site. The positioning has some tequila cocktail recipes, however I can’t bear to combine good aged tequila like this. I’ll use a youthful model for that.
Hand me $45 – $50 to purchase something within the tequila part and I’ll gladly make this buy once more, wanting ahead to some good sipping classes.
What you received’t discover me shopping for is one in every of two tequilas scoring a high gold prize within the 2024 Worldwide Wine & Spirit competitors in London. The associated cousin that received was the 1800 Milenio Further Añejo Tequila, a model in a fancier tall bottle that’s matured on the finish in French Oak Cognac bottles. Sounds great, learn extra about it right here, however at $249 and up for a bottle, it in all probability received’t be going into my cart anytime quickly.
Article by Timothy
Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxurious Latin America and has been masking the area as a journey journalist because the mid-2000s. He has visited every nation we cowl a number of occasions and is predicated in a UNESCO World Heritage metropolis in central Mexico, the place he owns a house. See contact data right here.