There are several different kinds of Tequila, and most are categorized according to how long they’re aged. The three main types of tequila are silver or Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. In 2006, a new category called Extra Añejowas created. Here is a breakdown on how long each style is aged: Silver is a suitable choice for Tequila shots due to its affordability and the fact that it is made entirely from agave. Cuervo Reposado and Gran Centenario Reposado are the natural alternatives as they are made at the same distillery; barrel management provides enough contrasts to make them different, though. Reposado ("rested" in Spanish) Tequila is aged for two to 12 months in an oak container, giving it time to turn a pale golden color. Tequilais a distilled blue agave spirit that only comes from one place on earth: Mexico. A Tequila Reposado is aged in oak for two to eleven months before bottling.

On the palate, it resembles Cognac, dominated by oak and nuanced with raisins, chocolate, caramel, and spice, with agave taking a subdued role. Once opened, tequila can remain good for a long time if properly stored in a cool and dry place with the lid tightly sealed. Once harvested, the agave piñas (hearts) are cooked in stone or stainless steel ovens to convert the starches into sugars. The cooked agave is then crushed, and the juice extracted is fermented. Distillation follows, typically in pot stills, which can help to retain more of the agave character in the final spirit.When it comes to storing Tequila, it’s important to keep it away from sunlight and heat as they can affect the flavor and quality of the spirit over time. However, the overpowering oak diminishes its balance, making it more akin to a French cognac than a Tequila. I’m J Highland, and for over 30 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the captivating world of Tequila, Mezcal, and other agave spirits. Reposado is carb-freebut should be consumed in moderation onketobecause it is alcoholic. Does 1800 Reposado use additives? Then there’s the label: The 1800 logo showcases a crest that reads, “Trabajo, Passion, Honestidad.” This translates to “work, passion, honesty.” The crest signifies the brand’s traditional farming and distilling practices, honoring the jimadors that harvest agave at its full maturation, between 8 and 12 years old.

My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch.

All Tequila starts with the blue agave, a spiky succulent that grows throughout the regions where Tequila is made. For a Tequila Reposado, the sweet sap in the heart of the blue agave is fermented, distilled, and then aged for two to 12 months in oak. One distinctive feature of 1800 Tequila is its iconic trapezoidal bottle topped with a stopper that also serves as a shot glass, a nod to the brand's combination of tradition and innovation.