1800 Cristalino Anejo 375ML

1800 Cristalino Anejo 375ML is a charcoal-filtered añejo tequila bottled at 40% ABV in a 375ml format, made from 100% Blue Weber agave. This expression earned a Silver Medal at The Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2024 and 90 points from Tastings.com, distinguishing itself through a rare Port wine cask finish uncommon among cristalino tequilas.

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

Production & Heritage

1800 Cristalino Anejo is produced at La Rojeña, one of the oldest active distilleries in Latin America, owned and operated by the Beckmann family under the Jose Cuervo umbrella. The liquid begins with 100% Blue Weber agave handpicked at peak maturity from the Jalisco highlands, then undergoes a distinctive two-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 this extended maturation, the tequila is meticulously charcoal filtered to strip away color while preserving the layered complexity developed during aging — the hallmark of the cristalino style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Subtle oak leads into soft vanilla and warm spice. A faint sweetness from the Port cask influence lingers beneath, giving the nose unexpected depth for such a visually clear spirit.

Taste: The entry is smooth and agave-forward, with sweet caramel and vanilla arriving on the mid-palate. As it develops, a touch of nut emerges alongside warm baking spices, and a hint of citrus brightens the peak, balancing the richer oak-driven flavors.

Finish: Medium in length with a silky, crisp texture that reflects the charcoal filtration. The Port wine cask influence resurfaces at the close, leaving a gentle warmth and lingering sweetness.

How to Drink 1800 Cristalino

The Port cask complexity rewards sipping neat at room temperature or over a single large ice cube, which opens the vanilla and citrus notes as it dilutes slowly. For cocktails, the crystal-clear appearance and añejo depth make it versatile: try it in a Paloma, where the citrus notes complement grapefruit soda; in a Cristalino Negroni, substituting gin for a richer, agave-driven take on the classic; or in a Tommy's Margarita, where the caramel and vanilla add a luxurious weight that elevates the simple lime-agave syrup template.

Best For

• Introducing a tequila drinker to the cristalino category
• A half-bottle tasting alongside other añejo expressions
• Bringing a premium spirit to a dinner party without committing to a full bottle
• Gifting a tequila enthusiast who appreciates cask-finished spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1800 Cristalino taste like? 1800 Cristalino delivers sweet caramel and vanilla from its oak aging, balanced by citrus brightness and a touch of nut, with a silky, crisp finish influenced by Port wine cask maturation.

How does 1800 Cristalino compare to Don Julio 70? Both are cristalino-style añejos filtered to clarity, but 1800 Cristalino uses a Port wine cask finish that adds a distinct sweetness and richness that Don Julio 70 — aged in standard American white oak — does not feature. Don Julio 70 tends toward a lighter, more citrus-forward profile, while 1800 Cristalino leans into warm caramel and spice from its dual-cask approach.

Is 1800 Cristalino good for sipping neat? Yes — the charcoal filtration creates a smooth, approachable texture, while the Port cask aging adds enough complexity to hold interest on its own without mixers.

Where is 1800 Cristalino made? 1800 Cristalino is produced at La Rojeña distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, one of the oldest continuously operating tequila distilleries in the country, situated in the heart of Mexico's tequila-producing region.

What foods pair well with 1800 Cristalino? Dark chocolate truffles complement the vanilla and caramel notes; grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa echo the citrus brightness; aged Manchego cheese mirrors the nutty undertones; churros with cajeta sauce align with the caramelized sweetness; and pork carnitas benefit from the warm spice and oak-driven depth.

What sizes does 1800 Cristalino come in? 1800 Cristalino Anejo is available in a standard 750ml bottle as well as this 375ml half-bottle format, making it accessible for sampling or smaller gatherings.

Is 1800 Cristalino worth the price? 1800 Cristalino positions as a mid-premium cristalino tequila, and the Port wine cask finish — unusual in this price tier — adds genuine production complexity that justifies its standing among more widely available competitors like Don Julio 70.

Why 1800 Cristalino?

The defining feature here is the Port wine cask finish, a production step that remains uncommon in the cristalino category and gives this expression a flavor dimension most competitors simply don't have. Backed by a Silver Medal at The Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2024 and 90 points from Tastings.com, the liquid has earned recognition beyond its brand name. The dual aging in both American and French oak before the Port cask stage creates a layered añejo character that survives the charcoal filtration intact. In a category increasingly crowded with filtered añejos, 1800 Cristalino stands on a genuinely differentiated production method.