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1800 Tequila: Premium Mexican Spirit and Wood Aging Pioneer

1800 Tequila: Premium Mexican Spirit and Wood Aging Pioneer

1800 Tequila makes their spirits the old-school way - using mature Blue Weber agave from Mexico's Jalisco region and aging them in oak barrels since 1800. We sell a lot of it here at Union Wine & Liquors in Cheektowaga, and our customers keep coming back for more.

Each bottle of 1800 Tequila starts with agave plants that grow for up to 10 years before harvest. Local farmers strip away the spiny leaves to get to the heart of the plant. What happens next is a mix of traditional techniques and modern aging that creates tequila worth sipping slowly.

In this blog, we'll explore the entire 1800 tequila range and learn about what makes these spirits so special.

1800 Silver Tequila Production Methods and Characteristics

1800 Silver Tequila begins with mature Blue Weber agave plants harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. Local jimadores use a specialized tool called a coa to remove the agave's spiny leaves, revealing the piña - the heart of the plant. Each piña weighs between 80-200 pounds when harvested. The agave must reach full maturity, typically 7-10 years, before harvest to ensure optimal sugar content.

The extracted piñas undergo a 38-hour steam cooking process in autoclaves. This converts the complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. The cooked agave is then shredded and pressed to extract the aguamiel (honey water). This liquid ferments in stainless steel vats for 72 hours before double distillation in copper pot stills.

The resulting spirit maintains a crystal-clear appearance with an ABV of 40% (80 proof). On the palate, it delivers pronounced pepper and citrus notes, followed by hints of sweet agave and fresh herbs. The finish brings forward mineral undertones with a clean, crisp character.

For food pairings, 1800 Silver works exceptionally well with seafood ceviche, grilled fish tacos, and light citrus-based dishes. The clean profile cuts through fatty foods while complementing fresh, bright flavors.

1800 Tequila Wood Aging Innovation and Development

The year 1800 represents a breakthrough in tequila production - the first successful aging of tequila in oak barrels. Prior to this innovation, tequila was consumed immediately after distillation. The Cuervo family, who had been distilling since 1758, experimented with various wood types and aging periods throughout the late 18th century.

The modern 1800 production facility uses both American and French oak barrels. These barrels undergo a specific charring process that helps develop complex flavors during aging. The facility maintains strict temperature and humidity controls to ensure consistent aging conditions year-round.

1800's master distiller selects barrels through a rigorous grading system. Each barrel receives a grade based on wood grain tightness, toast level, and previous use history. This selection process directly impacts the final flavor profile of aged expressions.

All 1800 Tequila Variants

1800 Reposado Tequila: Production and Flavor Profile

1800 Reposado spends six months aging in a combination of American and French oak barrels. The aging process occurs in temperature-controlled warehouses kept at 62°F. During aging, the tequila develops a pale golden color and extracts compounds from the wood that create its complex flavor profile.

The spirit maintains 40% ABV after aging. The nose presents vanilla and toasted oak notes, while the palate delivers butterscotch, mild spices, and roasted agave flavors. A subtle smoke character develops during the aging process, complemented by hints of dried fruit and nuts.

This expression pairs particularly well with grilled meats, aged cheeses, and chocolate-based desserts. The oak-influenced flavors complement smoky and savory dishes while maintaining enough brightness to cut through rich foods.

Standard serving temperature ranges between 62-68°F. At warmer temperatures, the wood-derived flavors become more pronounced, while cooler serving temperatures highlight the base agave character. Professional tasting typically occurs at 65°F to balance all flavor components.

1800 Cristalino Tequila: Production Methods and Flavors

1800 Cristalino starts as a traditionally aged añejo tequila, spending 16 months in oak barrels. After aging, it goes through a specialized charcoal filtration process that removes the amber color while preserving the complex flavors developed during barrel aging. The filtration takes about 12 hours per batch and requires multiple passes through activated charcoal.

The end product is a crystal-clear tequila at 40% ABV that tricks the eye but delivers an unexpectedly rich taste. You'll notice sweet vanilla and toasted oak aromas right away. The first sip brings out butterscotch and caramel notes, with subtle hints of dark chocolate and roasted agave in the background.

This tequila works beautifully with seafood dishes, particularly grilled octopus or seared scallops. The smooth texture and subtle sweetness also make it a great match for desserts like crème brûlée or vanilla bean ice cream.

1800 Coconut Tequila: Flavoring Process and Uses

The coconut version starts with 1800's silver tequila base. Natural coconut flavoring gets added through a careful infusion process that takes about 48 hours. The brand uses real coconut extract rather than artificial flavoring, which shows in the authentic taste. At 35% ABV, it's slightly lower in alcohol than the traditional expressions.

Fresh coconut leads the aroma, backed by light agave notes. The taste balances tropical coconut with the pepperiness of pure tequila. It finishes clean with a gentle sweetness that doesn't overpower the base spirit.

In the kitchen, this tequila makes a fantastic addition to grilled shrimp or fish marinades. It also pairs nicely with spicy Thai curries and tropical fruit desserts. The natural coconut flavor holds up well in frozen drinks without tasting artificial.

Buy 1800 Tequila at Union Wine & Liquors

1800 Reposado Tequila

Oak barrel aging gives this tequila its golden color and smooth taste. You'll notice butterscotch and vanilla when you sip it. It's great on its own or in cocktails, and goes well with a good steak. Many of our customers like to serve this one neat at room temperature to get all the flavor. 98 calories per 1.5 oz at 80 proof.

1800 Silver Tequila

This clear tequila tastes fresh and clean with hints of citrus and pepper. It makes excellent margaritas and works in any tequila cocktail. Try it in a Paloma with fresh grapefruit juice - it's become a customer favorite here at the store. 96 calories per 1.5 oz at 80 proof.

1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila

It looks clear but tastes rich and smooth from long aging. You'll taste vanilla and dark chocolate notes. Serve it slightly chilled for the best flavor. The charcoal filtering gives you aged tequila complexity without the color - it's a neat trick that makes for great conversation at parties. 98 calories per 1.5 oz at 80 proof.

1800 Coconut Tequila

Real coconut flavor mixed with silver tequila. Makes great tropical drinks and tastes good with spicy food. The natural coconut adds a smooth sweetness that's not artificial-tasting like some flavored spirits. Our customers love it in pineapple juice or coconut water. Lower alcohol at 70 proof, 85 calories per 1.5 oz.

1800 Ultimate Margarita Black Cherry RTD

Ready-to-pour margarita with black cherry flavor. Just add ice and you're done. Good for parties. The black cherry adds a nice dark fruit sweetness that balances well with the lime and tequila. We recommend keeping a bottle in the fridge so it's always ready to serve. 150 calories per 5 oz.

1800 Ultimate Margarita Watermelon

This watermelon-flavored margarita is perfect for hot days. Just pour over ice and enjoy. The flavor reminds you of fresh summer watermelon, and it's not too sweet. It's become one of our most popular ready-to-drink options during barbecue season. 150 calories per 5 oz.

How to Store and Serve 1800 Tequila?

Store your 1800 tequila bottles upright in a cool, dark place around 60-65°F. Direct sunlight and heat can affect the flavors, especially in the aged expressions. An unopened bottle keeps indefinitely, while opened bottles stay fresh for about 2 years.

Silver and coconut varieties taste best chilled to about 55°F. The aged expressions like Reposado and Cristalino show their full flavor profile at slightly warmer temperatures, around 65°F. If you're mixing cocktails, standard rocks glasses work well for most drinks. For neat pours, try a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas.

Ice can dull some of the more delicate flavors. If you prefer your tequila cold, try storing the bottle in the fridge instead of adding ice. For cocktails, large ice cubes melt more slowly and help maintain the drink's intended flavor balance.

Premium 1800 Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Silver Paloma

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz 1800 Silver Tequila
  • 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz agave nectar
  • Club soda
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Method:

Rim a highball glass with salt. Fill with ice. Pour tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. Top with club soda. Stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Coconut Sunset

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz 1800 Coconut Tequila
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 0.75 oz cream of coconut
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Toasted coconut flakes for garnish

Method:

Add all ingredients except garnish to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and a mint sprig.

Cristalino Manhattan

Ingredients:

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

Best 1800 Reposado Food Pairings

Mexican Cuisine

The oak-aged notes of 1800 Reposado complement traditional dishes like mole poblano. The tequila's subtle vanilla tones balance the sauce's complex spices. For tacos al pastor, the spirit's caramel notes enhance the marinated pork's sweetness.

Grilled Meats

A glass of 1800 Reposado works well with grilled ribeye steak. The tequila's smoky character matches the meat's charred exterior. Its butterscotch notes create an interesting contrast with peppery seasonings.

Dessert Pairings

Dark chocolate truffles bring out the tequila's cocoa undertones. Bread pudding with caramel sauce echoes the spirit's vanilla and toffee flavors. The subtle agave sweetness also pairs nicely with churros and Mexican hot chocolate.

The 1800 Tequila Product Range

1800 Añejo Tequila

This expression ages for 14 months in French oak barrels. The nose opens with rich caramel and toffee, followed by roasted nuts and dark chocolate. The palate delivers warm baking spices, toasted vanilla beans, and butterscotch. A long finish brings forth coffee notes and subtle tobacco undertones. At 40% ABV, it maintains a perfect balance between oak influence and pure agave character.

Best Food Pairings:

The complex flavor profile matches well with beef short ribs braised in Mexican spices. Aged manchego cheese brings out the nutty notes. For dessert, try it with dark chocolate mousse or caramel flan.

How to Enjoy:

Serve at 65-68°F in a Glencairn glass or snifter to concentrate the aromas. Add a single large ice cube if preferred, though neat pours best showcase the aged complexity.

1800 Milenio Extra Añejo

This ultra-premium expression spends 5 years in French oak casks before finishing in cognac barrels. The nose reveals dried fruits, especially figs and dates, with hints of candied orange peel. The palate presents layers of dark chocolate, espresso beans, and aged leather. At 40% ABV, it maintains remarkable smoothness with notes of maple syrup and toasted pecans on the finish.

Best Food Pairings:

The richness pairs beautifully with venison in mole sauce. Blue cheese intensifies the complex barrel notes. Dark chocolate truffles with sea salt complement the sweet and savory balance.

How to Enjoy:

Serve neat at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after pouring to allow the full bouquet to develop.

1800 Essential Artists Limited Edition

The liquid inside matches 1800's silver tequila specifications but comes in uniquely designed bottles. The spirit offers bright citrus and white pepper notes upfront. The palate shows clean, crisp agave with hints of fresh herbs and minerals. A 40% ABV keeps it versatile for both sipping and mixing.

Best Food Pairings:

Light dishes work best - try ceviche with lime and cilantro. Grilled fish tacos complement the herbal notes. Fresh guacamole brings out the pepper character.

How to Enjoy:

These bottles often become display pieces, but the tequila inside works well in craft cocktails. Chill to 55°F for optimal mixing temperature. The clean profile makes it perfect for creative drink recipes.

1800 Colección Premium Extra Añejo

Aged for 4 years in heavily toasted French oak barrels, this rare expression delivers exceptional depth. The nose presents dried apricots, vanilla pods, and old leather. The palate unfolds with layers of dark honey, toasted almonds, and fine tobacco. At 40% ABV, it maintains an incredibly smooth character with notes of crème brûlée and aged balsamic on the finish.

Best Food Pairings:

Reserve this for special occasions with premium dishes like wagyu beef or lobster with truffle butter. Aged gouda brings out the nutty complexity. For dessert, pair with dark chocolate covered figs or crème brûlée.

How to Enjoy:

Serve at 65°F in a crystal snifter. Take time to appreciate the aromas before sipping. Each bottle comes numbered in a handcrafted crystal decanter designed by Mexican artists. The presentation makes it suitable for important celebrations or serious collectors.

Visit Union Wine & Liquors for 1800 Tequila

1800 Tequila shows what happens when you stick to what works. Their lineup has something for everyone - clean silver tequila for bright cocktails, smooth reposado for sipping, and rich añejo for special nights. Each bottle tells you exactly what good tequila should taste like.

Our store at 2675 Union Road in Cheektowaga, NY stocks the complete line of 1800 Tequila products. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect expression for your taste and budget. Call us at (716) 608-6190 or visit unionwineandliquor.com to check current availability. For special orders or questions about limited editions, email us at unionliquors2695@gmail.com.