What is 1800 Tequila?
1800 Tequila is a well-known brand of premium, 100% blue Weber agave tequila, distilled in Jalisco, Mexico. The brand is named after the year 1800, which marks the year tequila was first successfully aged in wood barrels. While the name references history, the product itself is a modern-day staple in bars and liquor cabinets, available in several different expressions. As a tequila, it is, by definition, an alcoholic beverage. The key ingredient, blue Weber agave, is harvested by skilled farmers known as jimadores, then slow-cooked, pressed, and fermented to convert its sugars into alcohol. The resulting liquid is then double-distilled to create the final spirit.
The Alcohol Content of 1800 Tequila
The alcohol content in 1800 Tequila is consistent with most hard liquors, but the precise percentage can vary depending on the specific product. Most standard expressions, such as 1800 Blanco (Silver), Reposado, and Añejo, contain 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is the equivalent of 80 proof. However, the brand offers some products that fall outside this standard range.
For example, the Coconut-flavored tequila has a slightly lower ABV of 35%, while the Select Silver label, introduced in 2008, is a robust 100 proof. This range of alcohol content caters to different consumer preferences, from mixed drinks to sipping neat.
How the Alcohol is Produced
The journey of alcohol in 1800 Tequila begins in the agave fields of Jalisco. The process includes several critical steps:
- Harvesting: The mature blue Weber agave plants are harvested, and the large core, or piña, is extracted.
- Cooking: The piñas are cooked in traditional masonry ovens for a slow roasting that converts complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars.
- Pressing: The cooked piñas are pressed to extract the sweet agave juice.
- Fermentation: The agave juice is placed in stainless steel tanks, where a proprietary yeast strain is introduced to begin the fermentation process, converting the sugars into alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented liquid is then double-distilled in copper pot stills to refine and purify the spirit.
- Aging: For aged varieties like Reposado and Añejo, the distilled tequila is matured in oak barrels to develop richer flavors and a smoother finish.
Comparison of 1800 Tequila Varieties
The 1800 brand offers a diverse portfolio, with each expression having a distinct profile. Here is a comparison of some popular options:
| Type | ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | Proof | Key Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanco (Silver) | 40% | 80 Proof | Crisp agave, sweet fruit, black pepper |
| Reposado | 40% | 80 Proof | Caramel, buttery oak, mild agave, spices |
| Añejo | 40% | 80 Proof | Toasted oak, vanilla, butterscotch, and chocolate |
| Coconut | 35% | 70 Proof | Natural coconut flavor, sweet agave, tropical notes |
| Select Silver | 50% | 100 Proof | Intense agave, herbal, citrus notes |
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "Does 1800 have alcohol in it?" can be definitively answered with a resounding yes. As a premium tequila brand, all of its standard and flavored expressions contain alcohol, with the specific content clearly indicated on the bottle. The primary difference between varieties lies not in whether they contain alcohol, but in the nuanced flavors and aging processes that differentiate a crisp Blanco from a rich Añejo or a tropical Coconut flavor. Understanding the specific alcohol content of each product allows consumers to make informed choices based on their preferences for neat sipping, cocktail mixing, or flavor profile. You can learn more about the brand's offerings directly on the official 1800 Tequila website.
For further reading on the brand and its products, you can visit the official site: 1800 Tequila.
