Quick Facts
| Type | Añejo Cristalino |
| Aging | Aged in American and French oak barrels |
| Distillery | Casa Cuervo, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Price | $45–$60 |
| Best For | Beginners & Cocktails |
Pros
- Most accessible price in the premium cristalino segment
- Smooth and approachable for beginners
- Agave-forward character stays true to tequila roots
- Excellent for mixing
Cons
- Less complex than premium options
- Shorter finish than top-tier cristalinos
- Oak influence subtle rather than rich
Expert Tasting Notes
Nose
Sweet agave, vanilla, and light oak with fresh citrus and floral notes
Palate
Smooth and approachable — caramel, light vanilla, sweet agave, and a touch of spice
Finish
Medium length with sweet agave and gentle oak fade
Expert Review
1800 Cristalino is the gateway cristalino — the bottle that introduces most consumers to the category. It's produced by Casa Cuervo (the same house behind Jose Cuervo) and aged in a combination of American and French oak before filtration. At $45–60, it undercuts most premium cristalinos while delivering a genuinely smooth and approachable experience. The agave character stays prominent — more so than in heavier-aged competitors — making it ideal for those who want the cristalino format without straying too far from traditional tequila flavors.
— Cristalino Tequilas Expert Panel
Signature Cocktail: 1800 Cristalino Margarita
Shake 2 oz 1800 Cristalino with 1 oz fresh lime juice and 0.75 oz agave syrup. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass. The agave-forward clarity makes this the cleanest-tasting margarita in the cristalino family.
More cristalino cocktails →1800 Cristalino vs. Other Cristalinos
Don Julio 70
Don Julio 70 is richer and more complex; 1800 Cristalino is $35 cheaper and better suited for mixing or everyday sipping.
Full comparison →Maestro Dobel Diamante
Maestro Dobel is more complex and slightly pricier; both are excellent value, but Diamante's multi-aged profile has more layers.
Full comparison →Casamigos Cristalino
Casamigos offers noticeably more richness and caramel depth at a $15–20 premium over 1800 Cristalino.
Full comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1800 Cristalino good for beginners?
Yes. It's one of the most approachable cristalinos at a price that doesn't intimidate. The agave-forward profile is familiar to tequila drinkers while the filtration makes it noticeably smoother than standard añejos.
Who makes 1800 Cristalino?
1800 Cristalino is made by Casa Cuervo in Jalisco, Mexico — the same house behind Jose Cuervo. The brand name references the year tequila was first aged in oak barrels.
How does 1800 Cristalino compare to Don Julio 70?
Both are cristalino añejos, but Don Julio 70 is significantly richer, more complex, and has a much longer finish. 1800 Cristalino is $30–40 less expensive and is a better everyday sipper or mixing base.
Is 1800 Cristalino the cheapest cristalino?
It's among the most affordable in the premium segment at $45–60. Some brands like Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino go lower, but 1800 Cristalino hits the sweet spot of quality and accessibility.