818 Tequila is a relatively new player in the tequila market, having been launched by Kendall Jenner in 2020. Despite its short time in the industry, 818 Tequila has already made a name for itself, with many people curious to know if it lives up to the hype.
The brand is named after the area code of Calabasas, California, where Jenner grew up. The tequila is made from 100% Weber Blue Agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and is available in three varieties: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The Blanco is unaged, while the Reposado and Añejo are aged in American oak barrels for 6 and 18 months, respectively.
In this article, we will provide a detailed review of 818 Tequila, analyzing each variety and providing insights into their taste, aroma, and overall quality. We will also explore the brand’s unique marketing strategy and discuss whether it is worth the price.
Table of Contents
The Celebrity Tequila Trend
The trend of celebrities launching their own tequila brands has been on the rise in recent years. It seems like every other day, a new celebrity is announcing their own tequila brand. From George Clooney’s Casamigos to Nick Jonas’ Villa One, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, and Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, the list goes on.
Celebrities entering the tequila market is not a new phenomenon. Michael Jordan launched his own tequila brand, Cincoro, in 2019, and Adam Levine’s Santo Mezquila has been on the market since 2017. However, the trend has gained momentum in recent years, with more and more celebrities jumping on the bandwagon.
One reason for this trend may be the increasing popularity of tequila. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, tequila sales have been steadily increasing over the past decade. In 2020, tequila was the fastest-growing category of spirits in the US, with sales up 17.4% compared to the previous year.
Another reason may be the potential for financial gain. A successful celebrity tequila brand can be incredibly lucrative. In 2017, George Clooney and his partners sold Casamigos to Diageo for $1 billion. Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila has already received rave reviews and is poised to be a hit in the market.
However, not all celebrity tequilas have been well-received. Some have been criticized for being overpriced or for lacking authenticity. It remains to be seen whether the trend will continue or if it will eventually fizzle out.
Regardless, the celebrity tequila trend shows no signs of slowing down. With more and more celebrities entering the market, consumers have an increasingly wide range of options to choose from. Whether these brands will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, they are certainly making waves in the tequila world.
818 Tequila Brand Overview
818 Tequila is a premium tequila brand that was founded by Kendall Jenner in 2020. The brand takes its name from the area code of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, which is where Kendall grew up. The 818 area code is known for its vibrant and diverse community, and the brand seeks to embody that same spirit in its tequila.
The tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave that is grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The agave is harvested by hand and roasted in traditional brick ovens before being distilled in copper pot stills. The result is a smooth and flavorful tequila that is perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
818 Tequila offers three different expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The Blanco is unaged and has a crisp, clean taste with notes of citrus and agave. The Reposado is aged for eight months in American oak barrels, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel. The Añejo is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, resulting in a rich and complex tequila with notes of chocolate and spice.
The brand has received positive reviews from tequila enthusiasts and critics alike, with many praising its smoothness and flavor profile. In addition, the brand has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, using recycled glass for its bottles and partnering with local farmers in Jalisco to promote sustainable agave farming practices.
Overall, 818 Tequila is a high-quality tequila brand that offers a range of expressions to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or just looking to try something new, 818 Tequila is definitely worth a try.
Key Ingredients of 818 Tequila
Blue Weber Agave
The blue weber agave is the main ingredient in 818 Tequila. This type of agave is known for its sweet and fruity flavor, which gives the tequila a unique taste. The agaves used in 818 Tequila are grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, where the soil is rich in minerals and the climate is ideal for agave cultivation. The agaves are harvested by hand and cooked in traditional brick ovens to extract their juices.
Sweet Agave
The sweet agave used in 818 Tequila is a special variety of blue weber agave that is known for its high sugar content. This gives the tequila a natural sweetness that is not overpowering. The agaves are slow-roasted in traditional brick ovens to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
Vanilla Flavor
818 Tequila has a subtle vanilla flavor that comes from the aging process. The tequila is aged in American oak barrels for at least 18 months, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste. The barrels are charred on the inside, which imparts a slight smoky flavor to the tequila.
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruit is used in the production of 818 Tequila to balance out the sweetness of the agave. The tequila has a hint of citrus flavor that comes from the addition of lime and grapefruit juices. This gives the tequila a refreshing and crisp taste that is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails.
In summary, 818 Tequila is made from high-quality blue weber agave that is slow-roasted to bring out its natural sweetness and flavor. The tequila is aged in American oak barrels for at least 18 months, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste with a subtle vanilla flavor. Citrus fruit is used to balance out the sweetness of the agave and give the tequila a refreshing and crisp taste.
Tasting Notes
Tequila Blanco
The 818 Tequila Blanco has a clear, colorless appearance with a bright, fresh aroma of citrus and agave. On the palate, it has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of ripe agave and a hint of vanilla. The finish is clean and crisp, with a pleasant lingering aftertaste of fresh lime juice.
Añejo Tequila
The 818 Tequila Añejo has a rich, amber color with a complex aroma of oak, vanilla, and caramel. On the palate, it has a smooth and velvety texture with flavors of key lime pie, roasted agave, and a hint of cinnamon. The finish is long and warm, with a subtle sweetness and a touch of smokiness.
Overall, the 818 Tequila range offers a high-quality and well-balanced selection of tequilas. The Blanco is perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails, while the Añejo is a great choice for sipping and pairing with desserts. Both tequilas have a smooth finish and showcase the natural flavors of agave, making them a great addition to any tequila collection.
818 Tequila in the Market
818 Tequila is a relatively new player in the tequila space, having been launched in 2020. Despite its recent entry into the market, the brand has already gained a significant following, thanks in part to its celebrity founder, Kendall Jenner.
While some may be skeptical of a celebrity-backed tequila brand, 818 Tequila has received positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. In fact, it was recently named the “Best Tequila” at the 2021 World Tequila Awards.
One of the things that sets 818 Tequila apart from other tequila brands is its unique production process. The tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, which is grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The agave is slow-roasted in brick ovens for three days, which gives the tequila its distinctive flavor profile.
In terms of taste, 818 Tequila Blanco is smooth and slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla and citrus. It’s a great sipping tequila, but also works well in cocktails.
Overall, 818 Tequila is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality tequila. While it may not have the name recognition of a brand like Casamigos Blanco, it’s definitely worth trying for tequila enthusiasts and novices alike.
Public Perception
Public perception of 818 Tequila has been positive overall, with many social media users praising the brand’s high-quality tequila and sleek packaging. The brand has also received attention due to its founder, 26-year-old model Kendall Jenner, who has used her platform to promote the product.
On social media, users have posted photos and reviews of the tequila, with many praising its smooth taste and unique flavor. Some have also commented on the brand’s commitment to sustainability, with its bottles made from recycled glass and its distillery using solar power.
Despite some initial skepticism due to Jenner’s involvement, many have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the product and have recommended it to others. The brand has also received attention from celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, who have posted about the tequila on their own social media accounts.
Overall, the public perception of 818 Tequila has been positive, with many praising the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the quality of its product. While some may have been initially skeptical due to Jenner’s involvement, the brand has managed to win over many fans with its unique flavor and sleek packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between 818 Tequila Blanco and Reposado?
Blanco is an unaged tequila, while Reposado is aged for at least two months in oak barrels. The aging process gives Reposado a golden color and a smoother taste than Blanco.
Is 818 Tequila smooth?
Many people find 818 Tequila to be smooth and enjoyable. However, taste is subjective, and some may find it too strong or harsh.
Why is 818 Tequila being sued?
818 Tequila is being sued by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico for allegedly misleading consumers into believing that the tequila is made in Mexico when it is actually produced in California. The case is ongoing.
Is 818 actually good tequila?
Opinions vary on the quality of 818 Tequila. While some enjoy the taste, others find it to be mediocre and overpriced.
Should I Buy 818 Tequila?
Some reasons not to buy 818 Tequila include its high price point compared to other tequilas of similar quality and the ongoing lawsuit regarding its country of origin.
What are the best tequilas similar to 818 Tequila?
Some tequilas that are similar in taste and quality to 818 Tequila include Don Julio, Patrón, and Casamigos.
