If you’re a tequila fan, then you’ve probably heard of the rivalry between two popular tequila brands: 512 and 818. Both brands have been making waves in the tequila industry for their unique taste and quality. However, choosing between the two can be quite challenging, especially if you’re new to the world of tequila.
Table of Contents
History of 512 Tequila and 818 Tequila
photo credit: tequila512now.com
512 Tequila’s History
512 Tequila is a brand that was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2012. The name “512” is a nod to the area code of Austin. The company was founded by three friends who wanted to create a high-quality tequila that was made with traditional methods. They worked with a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico, to create their first batch of tequila.
512 Tequila is made using 100% blue Weber agave that is grown in the highlands of Jalisco. The agave is slow-roasted in brick ovens, which gives it a unique flavor. The tequila is then double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in oak barrels for six months to a year.
photo credit: drink818.com
818 Tequila’s History
818 Tequila is a brand that was founded by Kendall Jenner in 2021. The name “818” is a reference to the area code of the San Fernando Valley in California, where Jenner grew up. The tequila is produced in Jalisco, Mexico, at the Mieles Azules distillery.
Jenner worked with a master distiller to create a tequila that was smooth and easy to drink. The tequila is made using 100% blue Weber agave that is grown in the highlands of Jalisco. The agave is slow-roasted in brick ovens and then crushed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented and distilled in copper pot stills.
Production Process
512 Tequila’s Production Process
512 Tequila is made using 100% blue agave from the central lowlands in Jalisco, Mexico. The agave is cooked in horno stone ovens, and a roller maceration is used for juice extraction. The juice is then fermented and distilled to create the smooth and flavorful tequila that 512 is known for. The brand uses volcanic spring water for distillation, which gives the tequila a unique taste.
512 Tequila is available in three expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The Blanco is unaged and has a crisp, clean taste with notes of agave and citrus. The Reposado is aged for six months in oak barrels, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste with hints of vanilla and caramel. The Añejo is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex taste with notes of chocolate and coffee.
818 Tequila’s Production Process
818 Tequila follows a similar production process, using 100% blue agave from the Jalisco region. The agave is also hand-harvested and cooked in brick ovens. The juice is then fermented and distilled to create the smooth and flavorful tequila that 818 is known for. The brand uses a unique distillation process that involves a combination of copper pot stills and column stills.
818 Tequila is available in three expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The Blanco is rested in oak barrels for a short period of time, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste with notes of vanilla and caramel. The Reposado is aged for eight months in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex taste with notes of oak and spice. The Añejo is aged for three years in oak barrels, which gives it a deep and complex taste with notes of chocolate and tobacco.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to tequila, taste is everything. Both 512 and 818 tequilas have unique flavor profiles that set them apart from one another. In this section, we’ll compare the taste of 512 and 818 tequilas.
818 Tequila Taste
818 tequila has a smooth and velvety texture that makes it a pleasure to sip on its own or mix into cocktails. The flavor profile of 818 tequila is characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. This combination creates a well-balanced tequila that is both sweet and savory. The 818 Blanco has a nose of cream soda, vanilla, and agave. On the palate, it has notes of cream soda, vanilla, and black pepper. The alcohol content of 818 Blanco is 80 proof (40% ABV).
512 Tequila Taste
512 tequila has a distinct flavor profile that is quite different from 818 tequila. It has a nose of cooked agave, citrus, and pepper. On the palate, it has notes of cooked agave, vanilla, and caramel. While it lacks the standout qualities of 818 tequila, it is still a high-quality tequila that is worth trying. The alcohol content of 512 Blanco is 80 proof (40% ABV).
Which Tequila is Better?
If you prefer a tequila with a smooth and velvety texture and notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, then 818 tequila is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a tequila with a distinct flavor profile that is characterized by notes of cooked agave, citrus, and pepper, then 512 tequila is the way to go.
Price Comparison
Both tequilas are of high quality and are priced similarly, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
818 Tequila
The price of 818 tequila is on the higher side, with a 750ml bottle costing around $50. However, it is important to note that this tequila is made from 100% blue Weber agave and is produced in small batches, which contributes to its premium price point.
512 Tequila
On the other hand, 512 tequila is slightly more affordable, with a 750ml bottle costing $32.00. This tequila is also made from 100% blue Weber agave and is produced in small batches, but it is not as well-known as 818 tequila.
Conclusion
Both 512 and 818 tequila are priced similarly and are of high quality, but 818 tequila is slightly more expensive due to its premium ingredients and production process. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and budget. If you are looking for a premium tequila and are willing to spend a little extra, 818 tequila may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a slightly more affordable option that still delivers on quality, 512 tequila is a great choice.
Both tequilas are high-quality and offer a great drinking experience. So, the next time you are in the mood for tequila, why not try both and see which one you prefer?
Related Posts
If you’re a fan of comparing different spirits, you might be interested in reading more about other comparisons. Here are a few articles that might pique your interest:
- Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black: Which One Should You Choose?: Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Black Label are two of the most popular blended Scotch whiskies in the world. This article compares the two to help you decide which one is right for you.
- Eagle Rare vs Angel’s Envy: Determining the Reigning Champion: Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy are two bourbons that are often compared to each other. This article takes a closer look at both to determine which one comes out on top.
- Proper No. Twelve vs Jameson Irish Whiskey: Which One Should You Choose?: Proper No. Twelve and Jameson are two of the most popular Irish whiskey brands out there. This article compares the two to help you decide which one to try.
- Ardberg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Which Is the Better Whiskey?: If you’re a fan of peated scotch whisky, you might be interested in this comparison of Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, two popular Islay whiskies.
- Old Forester Statesman vs. 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbons: Which One Reigns Supreme?: Old Forester is a brand that continually introduces quality and excellent spirits, and this article compares two of their most popular bourbons.
