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Jun 09, 2024

1800 Silver Tequila: The Ultimate Bottle Guide

Tequila has a reputation. Wild is one way to describe it, rowdy is another. Trust us, we all have a tequila tale or two. Reputation aside, the truth is, tequila is no different than other liquors. If

Tequila has a reputation. Wild is one way to describe it, rowdy is another. Trust us, we all have a tequila tale or two. Reputation aside, the truth is, tequila is no different than other liquors. If you prefer shots to sips, we won't keep you from living la vida loca, but there's more to this libation.

In fact, tequila is more popular than you might think. According to BevAlc Insights, tequila has been steadily growing in popularity since 2020 and has even replaced whiskey as the second-highest-selling spirit. It's not only leading "premiumization," but is on pace to become the most valuable liquor category in the U.S. in 2023, according to the article.

When it comes to premium tequila, perhaps no brand is as recognized as 1800 Tequila. It's award-winning and delicious, isn't as pricey as top-shelf options, and yet not as harsh as cheaper ones either. Take 1800 Silver, for example, it's naturally sweet and citrusy with floral accents and a peppery finish. The blanco tequila is un-aged, which gives it a robust agave flavor that can be sipped, shot, and mixed into a refreshing cocktail. 1800 Silver is the perfect premium choice. To give you the full experience, we put together the ultimate bottle guide for 1800 Silver Tequila.

1800 Tequila is named after the year that tequila is said to have been first distilled and aged in oak barrels. It was originally called Cuervo 1800 Tequila and is said to use a recipe that's been passed down from the original. It's grown on family-owned ranches in mineral-rich soil high above sea level in Jalisco, Mexico, one of only five Mexican states officially allowed to call the spirits they produce tequila.

The 1800 Tequila brand started in 1975 and is owned by the Beckmann family, more specifically Juan Domingo Beckmann, the son of Jose Francisco Beckmann Vidal, who happens to own a majority stake in José Cuervo. Forbes reports that Domingo Beckmann and his sister Karen Beckman Legorreta collectively own an 87% stake in Becle S.A.B., which is the company behind both of the popular tequila brands. Besides sharing a parent company, 1800 and Jose Cuervo are in two totally distinct tequila classes — the former is smooth enough to sip while the latter is better when mixed into a cocktail.

While we're on the subject of fun facts, according to Tequila Wisdom, 1800 Tequila is said to have released the first pre-made margaritas with 100% agave in a bottle and released a rare 100-proof tequila called "Silver Select." Silver is still one of the brand's most popular despite the range of offerings.

Tequila can be traced back to the time of the Aztecs and Mayans. The Aztecs first started fermenting a plant called maguey, which is part of the agave family, and the process created "pulque," a sacred alcoholic beverage used for religious ceremonies. Pulque is said to be North America's oldest fermented drink.

The tequila that we enjoy today is a far cry from the kombucha-like taste of pulque — and way stronger. Honoring the legacy of their forefathers, 1800 Tequila chose a trapezoidal-shaped bottle that's reminiscent of Mexico's Mayan pyramids. Existing as early as 2000 B.C., the Maya were industrious people that constructed massive temple pyramids that still stand to this day. The pyramids were made of step-like platforms — a feat of genius at a time when modern machinery didn't exist.

The inspiration behind the 1800 Tequila bottle is clear. Even the cap mimics the embellished temple roof of Mayan pyramids, otherwise known as "roof-combs." Surrounded by a complex network of buildings, the temple pyramids were usually the tallest structures, rising up as high as 230 feet. Just as the pyramids have endured over time, 1800 Tequila hopes to do the same.

Surprisingly, the Mexican government first recognized tequila as an official product of Mexico in 1974 — only one year prior to the 1800 brand's launch. 1800 Tequila's successful Silver Blanco wasn't released until 2004. It helped pave the way for the premium tequila industry as one of the only high-quality sipping tequilas available to the U.S. market at the time.

Since its release, 1800 Tequila has not only shaken up the tequila world, it's amassed numerous awards as well. In the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition, for example, 1800 Silver was awarded a silver medal. The brand's reposado also took home silver, and if that isn't proof of the brand's quality, its añejo won a coveted gold medal. Most recently, it won a silver medal in the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Beyond being award-winning, 1800 Silver tequila is one of the most widely recognizable options at bars, nightclubs, and event spaces where alcohol is sold. According to The Spirits Business, it's the fifth highest-selling brand in the world, and Proximo Spirits, a subsidiary of the aforementioned Becle S.A.B., has been pivotal in its current success — even going so far as revamping the branding in 2022. The Spirits Business also reports that changing the aesthetic helped 1800 Tequila grow by 22.5%.

1800 Silver has a premium taste that comes from harvesting blue Weber agave plants at peak maturity. Of the many varieties of agave, only a handful are actually used to produce alcoholic beverages. For example, mezcal is made from 30 different varieties, while in contrast, Mexican law dictates that tequila can only be produced from a blue Weber agave plant, and the composition must also be at least 51% plant-derived.

1800 Silver is 100% blue Weber agave, so don't worry, you're in good hands. Although agave is a spikey plant, it certainly creates smooth beverages. Mexico has the perfect climate for the species to flourish. Agave plants respond the best to lots of sun and rain and require loose soil for their root system to grow horizontally. In Jalisco's lowlands, the soil is enriched by lava from the nearby Colima Volcano Complex, which consists of three volcanos — two of which are active. Volcanic soil is fertile because it's infused with nutrients from lava and ash.

On the other hand, Jalisco's highlands and valley regions offer distinct soil compositions as well. In the highlands, the soil is softer and filled with iron and minerals. Whereas agave plants grown in the valley come from rocky soil that's packed with silica and potassium.

1800 Tequila comes from a family that's played a big part in making tequila a household name. While tequila received designation as a Mexican product in 1974, you'll be even more surprised to find that Mexico waited until 1978 before signing an agreement for tequila to be internationally recognized as a product from a specific region in the country. That means that, while some version of oak-aged tequila has existed since the year 1800, it's only been an appellation of origin liquor for much less than that.

But wait, the plot thickens. In 1795, before tequila was bottled, the King of Spain granted a man named José Antonio de Cuervo the right to legally produce the spirit for commercial consumption. According to The Spirits Educator, 1800 Tequila's sibling brand, José Cuervo, was born in 1812 — and is still produced in Latin America's oldest active family-owned distillery — the first tequila brand to register a trademark, and the first to be imported to the U.S.

The Beckmann Family has been in the tequila business now for 11 generations, according to Forbes, which reports that Beckmann Vidal, the chairman of José Cuervo, has a reported net worth of $7 billion in 2021. Family members Juan Domingo and Karen Beckmann Legoretta have a combined wealth of $8.5 billion in 2023, according to the news site.

If you're a newcomer on the tequila scene, a premium blanco like 1800 Silver is a great introduction. If you're feeling adventurous, there are five unique types of tequilas to discover: joven (or gold), reposado (or aged), añejo (or extra aged), extra añejo (or extra aged), and cristalino. Each variety is distinct. If you enjoy whiskey, you may prefer aged tequila. If vodka's your thing, unaged might appeal more.

Joven is a blend of aged and unaged tequila. It carries a mild taste of vanilla with spicy notes that are balanced with fruity accents. Reposado is aged in oak or white oak barrels for at least two months, giving it a complex yet subtle woodsy flavor. Premium brands will age tequila for up to 11 years. Añejo is aged for one year at minimum, and it carries a more robust flavor of French or white oak barrels. Despite its full-bodied flavor, it has a smoother taste than blanco, joven, and reposado.

For an even smoother taste try extra añejo. To achieve its pristine quality, it's aged up to three years. The hue is dark amber-colored, and it tastes of peppery oak with notes of dark chocolate and tobacco. The fifth option is cristalino, a clear tequila that combines the aesthetic of blanco with the rich flavor of aged tequila. Super smooth and great for sipping, it tastes like woodsy honey and vanilla.

As with other liquor varieties, tequila ranges in selection from lower-quality brands to top-shelf ones. One indicator of quality tequila is the taste. Rather than harsh and bitter, a premium taste is smooth and has a noticeable flavor profile. Blanco, for example, has floral notes and agave sweetness, herbal undertones as well, and can sometimes taste piquant and citrusy. Premium blanco tequila is light with an easy-going flavor that makes a great cocktail. If you prefer it without the razzle-dazzle, you can also enjoy it neat.

Another difference between low-quality tequila and premium is their agave content. Cheaper types, also known as "mixtos," are usually only made with the minimum amount of blue agave. Mexican law states that tequila must be made with at least 51% blue agave to be considered the real deal. The remaining 49% commonly consists of fermented ingredients like potatoes, corn syrup, or sugar cane, which dilute the agave flavor. Conversely, premium tequila is always made of 100% blue Weber agave.

The last indicator of a premium experience is the label. The label should literally have the words "100% Blue Agave" on it. Do you know the undesirable ingredients I mentioned above? Apparently, tequila producers that make mixtos don't have to tell you which ingredients they filled the remaining 49% with. Take it from us, for a purer experience, always go with premium tequila.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a bar or liquor-carrying outlet that doesn't offer 1800 Silver. In fact, according to Statista, sales of 1800 Tequila have grown steadily since 2015 and rose by 19% in volume to around 1.8 million 90-liter cases in 2021. That means there's a lotta people hopping on the tequila train — destination inebriation. 1800 Silver is a mid-tier tequila that will satisfy without breaking the bank. Which is to say, the taste won't blow you away like top-shelf varieties, but for the price, it's better than most.

1800 Silver ranges in price depending on the size you purchase. At most places, a small shot-sized 50-milliliter bottle will run you no more than $2.99 on average, while the 750ml costs $24.99. If you're planning a large gathering, the handle-sized bottle is affordably priced at only $36.99 — mystery punch anyone? Obviously, these prices can fluctuate from place to place. Liquor stores tend to charge more than grocery stores, while bars up-charge even more. 1800 Tequila is available in six sizes.

In the slim chance you can't find retailers nearby that carry 1800, a quick Google search will save the day. In addition to its wide availability, you can order directly from the main 1800 Tequila website and even purchase larger orders that exceed 10 bottles.

Margaritas are one of the most popular tequila-infused drinks. When it comes to choosing the right pairing, blanco or reposado are the traditional options. 1800 Silver is the perfect base for a game-changing margarita. Not only is it a value-buy, which comes in handy when you need to make large batches, 1800 Silver delivers a double-distilled taste that blends well with zesty and sweet ingredients.

Another popular tequila cocktail you can't go wrong with is the Paloma. Colorful and vibrant, the drink is made with blanco tequila, lime juice, sugar, bubbly grapefruit soda, and is often served with a fresh grapefruit wedge. It has a citrusy pep that's perfect for summer weather or anytime you have a taste for something refreshing and sweet. For a fun twist, we suggest trying Squirt and Jarritos in place of grapefruit soda.

Blanco's are usually the best type of tequila for citrus and fruity cocktails. Looking for a taste of tropical flare, try this orange and maraschino cherry-infused tequila sunrise cocktail. Super simple, all you need is five ingredients: blanco tequila, orange juice (we recommend fresh), grenadine, an orange slice, and maraschino cherries for garnish. Next time you invite friends over for cocktails, put your mixologist hat on and make a round of tequila sunrises.

When a libation gives you a deliciously satisfying experience like premium tequila, it's only right that you savor it rather than drink it away. Quality should sometimes be saved for special occasions or, at the very least, a quiet resolve to a long work day. In order to ensure long-lasting flavor, it's important that you store your 1800 Silver properly. The first thing to note about storing alcohol is its susceptibility to light exposure. High temperatures will degrade the flavor of tequila. It's better to store the bottle in a dark place at room temperature.

After you've opened a bottle, it's recommended that you consume it within a year's time. The reason why is due to oxidation. Although tequila technically never expires, exposure to air can impact its taste as well. The effect of sunlight increases after the bottle's been opened, too. If you plan on making margaritas, you can store your 1800 Silver in the freezer. It'll keep it chilled and ready without having to be thawed out. Thanks to components in ethanol, which each require distinct temperatures to freeze, tequila remains liquid when stored in most conventional freezers. However, you choose to store your 1800 Silver, doing it the right way is the way to ensure a quality tequila experience.