The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

As the world’s first premium and most awarded tequila, Jada Brookes looks at 1800 Tequila’s current line-up and its collaboration with artist Daniel Cordas. bitedrinks T here is great significance to the number 1800, it being the year that tequila was first aged in oak casks. The story goes that in 1758, Jose Antonio Cuervo of Jalisco, Mexico be- came the first officially licensed tequila manufac- turer, who King Ferdinand VI of Spain had given the rights to cultivate a portion of land. Soon after, tequila production was banned until 1795, when King Carlos IV lifted the ban. This distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant was initially known as Cuervo 1800 Tequila before it was relaunched as 1800® Tequila in 1975 by the Beckmann family, who are descendants of the founder. It has remained true to its values of passion, hard work and honesty, made the right way without compromise. For over two hundred years, 1800® Tequila has never wavered from its original formula and distillation process, produc- ing 100% quality agave liquid every time. In the shape of an iconic trapezoidal, the bottle is reminiscent of the centuries-old Mayan stone pyr- amids found throughout Mexico. Like fine cham- pagne or Prosecco, 1800® Tequila has variations such as Tequila Silver made from 100% Weber blue agave and aged 8-12 years. The liquid is double dis- tilled, and a unique selection of white tequilas are blended for added complexity and character to cre- ate a smooth, more exciting flavour with hints of sweet fruit and pepper. The luxurious 1800® Añejo also uses 100%Weber blue agave picked at their peak - anywhere from 8-12 years old and is aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 14 months. Its finish is spicy and well rounded with flavours of toasted oak, vanilla and butterscotch. In 1800® Coconut, the signature double-distilled 1800® Tequila Silver is infused with a natural, ripe coconut flavour that is slightly sweet with a medium-bodied tropical taste and great with pineapple juice. 1800® Reposado is matured in American and French oak barrels for six months. Its rich liq- uid has notes of buttery caramel, mild spices and a touch of smokiness, which is imparted by the finishing process and perfectly mixed in a cocktail or on the rocks. A crystal clear añejo tequila with deceptive depth, 1800® Cristalino is presented in a stunning crys- talline bottle. It is also aged in American and French oak barrels for 16 months and then in port wine casks for six months. An expression of the finest craftsmanship, 1800® Milenio go through a long and del- icate ageing process, where the tequila is matured for a short time in French oak Cognac barrels. It creates a balanced, soft, and unique flavour with vanilla, red fruit, and cinnamon notes. For a ready-to- drink experience, try 1800® The Ultimate Margarita made with real tequila and ex- 1800 T equila x D aniel C ordas A rt O n A B ottle