1800 Cristalino Añejo is the clarified añejo expression from 1800 Tequila, produced at the historic La Rojeña Distillery (NOM 1122) in Tequila, Jalisco, owned and operated by the Beckmann family under Casa Cuervo, one of the oldest active distilleries in Latin America. The tequila begins with 100% Blue Weber agave handpicked at peak maturity from the Jalisco highlands, then aged 16 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels. After the barrel aged liquid is married together, it rests for an additional 6 months in Port wine casks, a finishing step that remains uncommon in the cristalino category and gives this expression a flavor dimension most competitors do not have. Finally, it passes through a meticulous charcoal filtration process that strips the color while preserving all the depth developed during aging, resulting in a crystal clear spirit that drinks with the silky smoothness of a blanco and the complexity of a fully matured añejo. Bottled at 40% ABV in a distinctive faceted crystalline bottle, this expression earned a Silver Medal at The Tequila and Mezcal Masters 2024 and 90 points from Tastings.com.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
1800 Tequila |
| Distillery |
La Rojeña Distillery, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1122) |
| Producer |
Casa Cuervo / Proximo Spirits |
| Type |
Añejo Cristalino Tequila |
| Agave |
100% Blue Weber Agave (Jalisco Highlands) |
| Aging |
16 months in American and French Oak Barrels |
| Finish |
6 months in Port Wine Casks |
| Filtration |
Charcoal Filtered to Crystal Clear |
| Distillation |
Double Distilled, Stainless Steel Pot Stills |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Mexico |
| Region |
Jalisco |
| Awards |
Silver Medal (Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2024), 90 pts (Tastings.com) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Crystal clear with a subtle silvery shimmer.
Nose: Subtle oak, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, white chocolate, and toasted wood, with faint white pepper and a touch of citrus.
Palate: Smooth and silky, with white chocolate and caramel agave notes, vanilla, honey, yellow bell pepper, oak, and a layered Port cask influence.
Finish: Long, silky, and crisp, with lingering butterscotch agave, mild black pepper, cinnamon spice, and a faint saltiness.
FAQ
What is cristalino tequila? Cristalino is aged tequila (typically añejo or extra añejo) that has been filtered, usually through charcoal, to remove all color while keeping the flavor compounds developed during barrel aging. The result looks like a blanco but drinks like an añejo, blending the visual clarity of a young tequila with the depth of an aged one.
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 Don Julio 70, aged in standard American white oak, does not have. Don Julio 70 leans lighter and more citrus forward; 1800 Cristalino leans into warm caramel and spice from its dual oak and Port cask approach.
How should I drink 1800 Cristalino? Designed to be sipped. The charcoal filtration creates an exceptionally smooth, approachable texture, while the Port cask finish adds enough complexity to hold interest neat or over a single rock. It also works beautifully in upscale tequila cocktails where you want añejo depth without the brown color, such as a tequila Old Fashioned or a refined Paloma.
Where can I buy 1800 Cristalino Añejo online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
