From Dan Aykroyd’s spotless Crystal Head Vodka to Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s delicate Mezcal of Dos Hombres, it’s not unusual for celebrities to advertise their alcoholic beverage. This time it’s American media figure Kylie Jenner who owns a brand: 818 Tequila
It’s Background
In February of 2021, Kylie Jenner introduced her line to the world. She was raised in the 818 area code, which is the San Fernando Valley. It’s made in the Los Valles region of the Mexican state of Jalisco using agave (ideally the blue kind, although this is never specified officially) that has been distilled twice. Succulent agave is a South American native. Envision a cactus that contains aloe. It takes agave at least seven years to attain full maturity.
Weber Blue agave is the most sugar-rich agave kind. At its most fundamental level, Blue Weber possesses herbal spice aromas and citrus.
The Production of Tequila 818
Large stone mill wheels, known as tahonas, are used to smash the cooked agaves that have been harvested by hand. This process can take up to two days. After 70 hours of fermentation, the agave juice is distilled twice in alembic stills and aged in white oak barrels. There are three distinct ages of tequila, or “expressions,” that result from the aging process:
- Blanco (“white” or “silver” in Spanish).
- Añejo (‘old’).
- Reposado (‘to rest’).
- Reposado 818, of course
It has a smooth, even finish and is not as harsh on the throat as white tequila because it has been aged for anything from two to eleven months. In addition, the yeast will have had more time to metabolize the agave sugar, resulting in a milder hangover.
Is The Color Aged or Just a Blend of Añejo?
The longer the wine is aged, like champagne, the darker it becomes. One year of aging (the bare minimum for Añejo status) turns the tequila a shade close to caramel brown. A typical Añejo’s age is three years.
Something To Keep In Mind
A gold label is not necessarily indicative of high quality. Instead, it serves as a warning to the consumer that they are purchasing a “mixto,” which is a low-quality, artificially-colored tequila to which various flavors—such as coconut or strawberry—have been added at a lower price. Cocktails are the only thing that ever gets served in a mixtape.
The problem with products that have artificial sweeteners added to them is that they hide the fact that they contain 80-proof alcohol, leading to excessive consumption. For this reason, it’s best to stick with tequilas that say “100%” on the bottle, as these are the only ones that use pure agave nectar in their production.
Comparing 818 Tequila Variants
Understanding the subtleties of different 818 Tequila variants is key to fully appreciating what each has to offer. The particular attributes of each variant, from the foundational Blanco to the masterfully aged Eight Reserve, are detailed below.
We offer a few distinctive features of each and find the one that suits your palate the best. Utilizing this guide can significantly enhance your 818 Tequila experience, providing a detailed insight into what makes each variant stand out in a crowded market.
| Variant | Taste | Aroma | Body & Color | Finish | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 818 Blanco | Agave sweetness, vanilla, citrus | Chamomile, lemongrass, slightly floral and mineral undertones | Light-bodied, bright silver | Smooth, bright, and crisp | Aged in oak |
| 818 Reposado | Roasted agave, caramel, vanilla | Vanilla, honey, meringue, fruity accents | Medium-bodied, pale gold | Smooth, sweet, with caramel and pecan notes | Aged in oak for at least 2 months |
| 818 Añejo | Vanilla, agave, herbal undertones | Caramel, roasted nuts, toffee, chocolate, citrus | Full-bodied, amber | Silky, rich | Aged in oak for over a year |
| 818 Eight Reserve | Cooked agave, vanilla, cinnamon, fruit, praline | Vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, honey, roasted nuts, citrus, black cherry | Full-bodied, bright amber | Silky, with a spicy fruit aftertaste | A blend of añejo and extra añejo, aged in oak for 8 years; packaged in a hand-made ceramic decanter crafted by Pachucan artisans |
818 Tequila Pricing Overview
When considering which 818 Tequila variant to purchase, an important factor to take into account is the price point. The different options cater to a range of budgets, offering a spectrum of choices to potential buyers. We here to the prices you can expect to encounter when purchasing different volumes of 818 Tequila, facilitating a direct and uncomplicated way to gauge the cost associated with each variant.
We have offered this to help you with a more informed purchase, be it for oneself or as a gift, guiding a selection that meets both taste preference and budget constraints. It simplifies the decision-making process, presenting the price information in a clear, concise manner for the benefit of all readers.
| Variant | Volume | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 818 Blanco | 750ml | $45 |
| 818 Reposado | 750ml | $59 |
| 818 Añejo | 750ml | $69 |
| 818 Eight Reserve | 750ml | $200 |
How to Enjoy 818 Tequila
Let’s take stock of our options before I go into the various tequila-drinking methods.
When a bottle of reposado or even an Añejo is only a few dollars extra, there’s no reason to drink Blanco unless someone else is buying it.
Although there is just a moderate cost distinction, the quality improvement is substantial. When it comes to tequila, age is of the utmost importance. We’re talking about a radical improvement in flavor, aroma, and visual appeal. So, let’s examine how to drink this magical agave elixir:
Taking a Sip
- Ice is not a good addition. It’s the same as if you were to wet it down.
- It won’t have the same flavor, the same body and mouthfeel, and some of the fragrances will be lost in the process.
- Also, don’t put it in the fridge. It’s best consumed at room temperature.
- Take little sips rather than gulping it down.
- Salt-and-lemon Shooter
- Wrap a lemon slice around your thumb and forefinger.
- Put some salt on the skin in the crease between your forefinger and thumb and lick it.
- Take a bite off of the lemon wedge, lick the salt off your lips, then down the shot of tequila.
- Repeat.
It’s Margaritaville Time With 818 Tequila!
- Put ice in a cocktail shaker until it’s about half full.
- Mix in 1 ounce of orange liqueur, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Do a quick one-minute shake.
- Sift into a glass.
- Sprinkle salt around the edge.
- Repeat.
Alternatives to 818 Tequila
818 Tequila faces competition from several well-established names. If 818 doesn’t sound like your drink of choice, there are always alternatives available to you:
Casamigos Blanco
- Co-founders: George Clooney and Rande Gerber
- Price:
- Blanco: $45 for 750ml
- Reposado: $50 for 750ml
- Añejo: $55 for 750ml
- Tasting notes: Agave, citrus, and vanilla flavors
- Aging process: Stainless steel barrels
- Backstory: The idea to venture into the tequila business stemmed from Clooney and Gerber’s substantial tequila consumption, which required them to obtain an import license due to the volume they were purchasing annually.
Santo Mezquila
- Founder: Sammy Hagar (also associated with Cabo Wabo Tequila and Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum)
- Price: $53 for 750ml
- Specialty: A blend of mezcal and tequila, offering a distinct flavor profile that is richer than tequila but less smoky than mezcal.
- Industry experience: Sammy has 30 years in the alcohol business, with the notable success of Cabo Wabo launching in 1991.
Teremana Small Batch Tequila
- Founder: Dwayne ‘The Rock Johnson
- Price:
- Blanco: $33 for 750ml
- Reposado: $35 for 750ml
- Tasting notes: Naturally sweet with a mature agave aroma; regarded for its smoothness and clean finish.
- Name Origin: Draws from Johnson’s Polynesian heritage, with “Tera” meaning ‘of the earth’ and “Mana” representing the Earth Spirit.
El Bandido Yankee Tequila
- Founders: NFL’s Jim Bob Morris and Hall of Famer Chris Chelios
- Price:
- Blanco: $39 for 750ml
- Reposado: $44 for 750ml
- Aging process: The reposado variety is aged in re-charged oak bourbon barrels, enhancing its flavor.
- Community Engagement: The brand allocates 1% of its profits to support local communities involved in its production through the A.C.R.E.D. initiative.
That being said, Kylie Jenner has delivered a product that stands toe-to-toe with other reputable brands in the market. With a range that spans from the light and sweet Blanco to the robust and aged Eight Reserve, there’s a flavor profile for a wide array of preferences. The effort to offer a fair price point across the collection is notable, ensuring accessibility for many tequila enthusiasts.
