1800 Tequila: A Brand Guide

By: Michael Prentice

1800 logo
  • Founded: 1975
  • Owner: Becle (sometimes known as Grupo Cuervo)
  • US Distributor: Proximo Spirits (Owned by Becle)
  • Owner Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico
  • Cases sold: 2.1 million
  • Bottles sold: 25 million
  • Value of retail sales 2022: US$835M
  • Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM): NOM-1122
  • Distillery: La Rojeña, Tequila, Jalisco
  • Region: Lowlands

1800 is the fifth highest selling tequila brand in the world.

1800 tequila sales have grown solidly over recent years with 2.5 million cases sold in 2022. A case is made up of 12 bottles. This represents a growth rate of 22.5% over 2021. 1800 tequila has a market share of about 5.4%.

Chart with sales volumes for 1800 tequila
Sales of 1800 tequila have grown strongly to 2.5 million cases.

1800 Tequila Brand History

1800 claims to be the #1 super-premium tequila in the US, the world’s first premium tequila, as well as the world’s most awarded family of tequilas. 1800 is named after the first year that tequila was aged in oak casks, not when the brand was founded.

1800 tequila is part of Becle, or the Cuervo Group, who founded the brand in 1975. The Beckmann family are descendants of Jose Cuervo and currently own 87% of Becle. Becle is the world’s largest seller of tequila.

1800 tequila is produced from La Rojeña distillery in the center of the town of Tequila. La Rojeña was established in 1795 and is the oldest continually running tequila distillery in the world. It also produces tequila for at least 20 other brands, including Jose Cuervo and Gran Centenario.

1800’s trapezoid bottle shape references Mayan pyramids and an image of a pyramid is included in the brand’s crest. The crest also contains a ribbon with the brand values, “trabajo, pasion, honestidad”, in English – work, passion, honesty. The initials of the owner, “JB” for Juan Domingo Beckmann, are also included in the crest, along with a cross.

1800 Cristalino Tequila Bottle

1800 Tequila Product Range

1800 tequilas come under two product lines, Classics and Luxury. Classic variants include blanco, reposado and añejo. The Luxury line has a cristalino and an extra añejo called Milenio. All 1800 tequilas are 100% agave.

A coconut infused tequila is also in the classic line, although this doesn’t technically qualify as tequila, but rather a spirit made with tequila. 1800 also has a product line of ready to drink flavored margaritas at 19.9 proof, or 9.95% alcohol by volume. Branded “The Ultimate Margarita”, flavors include black cherry, blood orange, mango, strawberry, peach, pineapple, raspberry, jalapeñe lime, watermelon as well as the traditional lime margarita.

How Much is 1800 Tequila? Price Guide

How Much is a Shot of 1800 Tequila at a Bar?

A shot of 1800 blanco, reposado or añejo costs about $10 at a bar or restaurant in the US in 2024. The price can range from $6 to $12 with the añejo generally being the most expensive.

A shot of 1800 Cristalino costs around $13. 1800 Milenio costs $45 per shot.

This is based on a review I made of tequila menus from 19 bars and restaurants in different states across the US.

A standard shot is 1.5 ounces, but bars can serve 1 to 2 ounce shots which can impact the price of shot of 1800 tequila.

How Much is a Bottle of 1800 Tequila?

1800 tequila costs between $30 and $40 per bottle in 2024 for a 750ml bottle of the base range in the USA. The extra añejo 1800 Mileneo costs $222 per bottle.

  • 1800 Silver (blanco) costs $29 per bottle on average
  • 1800 Reposado costs $30 per bottle on average
  • 1800 Añejo costs $43 per bottle on average
  • 1800 Cristalino Añejo costs $58 per bottle on average
  • 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo costs $222 per bottle on average
Bottle of 1800 Milenio Tequila

Further Questions About 1800 Tequila

Who owns 1800 tequila?

1800 tequila is owned by Becle of Mexico. Becle is sometimes referred to as Cuervo Group or Casa Cuervo and also owns Jose Cuervo.

Does 1800 tequila have additives?

Yes 1800 tequila has additives. Aged expressions are likely to have more additives than the blanco. Additives include caramel coloring, glycerine, sweetener and oak extract.

Where is 1800 tequila made?

1800 tequila is made at NOM-1122 at La Rojeña Distillery by Casa Cuervo in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

What 1800 tequila is the best?

1800 Milenio extra añejo is the best 1800 tequila, with the highest ratings and the highest price. 1800 Mileneo is aged for over three years.

What type of tequila is 1800?

1800 tequila is made from 100% agave. The tequila is made using an autoclave at high pressure. This is efficient but removes some of the agave flavor. Additives are used to add flavor back. 1800 makes blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas, including a cristalino añejo and an extra añejo. They also make flavored tequila.

Does 1800 tequila go off?

An unopened bottle of 1800 tequila will never go off, provided it is stored away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Once opened 1800 should be drunk within a couple of years.

Is 1800 tequila gluten free?

Yes, 1800 tequila is gluten free. Like all tequilas (including mixtos) 1800 contains no gluten.

Is 1800 real tequila?

Yes, 1800 is real tequila made from 100% agave. However the use of modern methods including a high pressure autoclave mean that many would not call it a “true tequila”.

Is 1800 tequila Kosher?

Yes, 1800 tequila is approved as Kosher.

What is 1800 tequila ABV?

All 1800 tequilas sold in the US are 40% ABV (80 proof). In Mexico they are 35% to 38%. Almost all tequila sold in the US is 40% ABV.

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