1800 Cristalino Anejo 750ML

1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila 750ml is a crystal-clear añejo tequila bottled at 40% ABV, charcoal-filtered to remove color while preserving full oak-aged complexity. Scored 90 points by Tastings.com in 2024, this expression stands out for its distinctive three-stage maturation that includes a Port wine cask finish — a technique still uncommon in the cristalino category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Jalisco, Mexico  |  Añejo Cristalino  |  Distillery: La Rojeña

Production & Heritage

1800 Cristalino Añejo is produced at La Rojeña Distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco — widely recognized as the oldest active distillery in Latin America, with origins dating to 1812. The liquid begins with 100% Blue Weber agave, handpicked at peak maturity, then undergoes a three-stage aging process: 16 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, followed by an additional 6 months of finishing in Port wine casks. After maturation, the tequila passes through a delicate charcoal filtration that strips away the amber hue of a traditional añejo while retaining the layered richness developed during barrel aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with cherry and vanilla before settling into subtle oak and a gentle lift of citrus. There is an underlying warmth that hints at the Port cask influence without overpowering the agave character.

Taste: The entry delivers a clear cherry sweetness that quickly transitions into caramel, honey, and cooked agave on the mid-palate. French and American oak contribute nutty, toasted elements, while the Port cask finish adds a soft, vinous depth. A delicate thread of black pepper emerges toward the peak, providing welcome contrast to the sweetness.

Finish: Clean and elegant, with lingering toasted oak and refined sweetness that fades gradually. The overall impression is luxuriously smooth, with a final whisper of citrus and warm spice.

How to Drink 1800 Cristalino

Sipping neat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the Port cask influence and layered oak character. The crystal clarity and smooth profile also make it highly versatile in cocktails. A Cristalino Margarita lets the caramel and cherry notes play against fresh lime without the heavy color of a standard añejo. A Paloma benefits from the tequila's citrus undertones, pairing naturally with grapefruit soda. An Old Fashioned variation works well here — the Port-cask sweetness reduces the need for added sugar, and a single orange peel garnish ties the flavors together.

Best For

• Introducing añejo complexity to someone who prefers clear spirits
• Hosting an agave spirits tasting flight alongside blanco and reposado expressions
• Gifting a tequila enthusiast looking to explore the cristalino subcategory
• Mixing premium cocktails that call for aged tequila without the darker color

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1800 Cristalino taste like? 1800 Cristalino Añejo leads with cherry and vanilla sweetness, transitions through caramel, honey, and cooked agave, and finishes with toasted oak and a subtle hint of black pepper. The Port wine cask finish adds a soft, vinous richness that distinguishes it from most cristalino tequilas.

How does 1800 Cristalino compare to Don Julio 70? Both are charcoal-filtered añejo tequilas bottled at 40% ABV, but 1800 Cristalino incorporates a 6-month Port wine cask finish that adds cherry and vinous depth not present in Don Julio 70. 1800 Cristalino generally sits at a lower price tier, making it a strong value alternative with a distinct flavor profile driven by its three-stage aging process.

Is 1800 Cristalino good for sipping neat? Yes — the charcoal filtration and extended oak aging produce a smooth, approachable añejo that drinks well on its own. The Port cask influence provides enough complexity to keep neat sipping interesting without any harsh edges.

Where is 1800 Cristalino made? 1800 Cristalino Añejo is produced at La Rojeña Distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. Founded in 1812, La Rojeña is considered the oldest active distillery in Latin America and is the historic home of the 1800 tequila brand.

What foods pair well with 1800 Cristalino? Grilled shrimp with mango salsa complements the tequila's citrus and caramel notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the Port cask sweetness. Aged Manchego cheese highlights the nutty, toasted oak character. Pork carnitas with a citrus glaze bridge the agave and fruit-forward elements. Vanilla flan echoes the honey and vanilla flavors in the finish.

What sizes does 1800 Cristalino come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is 1800 Cristalino worth the price? 1800 Cristalino Añejo positions as a mid-range cristalino tequila that punches above its price tier thanks to the Port wine cask finish and dual-oak aging — details more commonly found in premium-priced competitors like Maestro Dobel Diamante. Its 90-point score from Tastings.com reinforces its standing as a strong value within the category.

Why 1800 Cristalino?

The three-stage maturation — American oak, French oak, and Port wine cask finishing — is the defining production detail that separates 1800 Cristalino from the growing field of cristalino tequilas. That Port cask step introduces cherry and vinous undertones rarely found in this subcategory, giving the liquid a flavor dimension that goes beyond the standard vanilla-and-caramel añejo template. Backed by a 90-point rating from Tastings.com and produced at one of Mexico's oldest operating distilleries, this expression delivers genuine añejo depth in a visually striking, crystal-clear format. For drinkers drawn to the idea of aged tequila complexity without the heavy appearance, it represents one of the more compelling and well-priced options available.