Cristalino tequilas are having a moment. Not only are they the number one selling ultra-premium style of Tequila in Mexico, as well as doubling their growth in the Tequila-loving US market, all the growth (and consumer interest) in the spirit globally is coming through Blanco 100% Agave and Cristalino Tequilas.
With Tequila outstripping American Whisky to become the number two highest selling spirit in the US, and on track to overtake vodka this year, Cristalino Tequila is something that your customers are going to be interested in and asking for as its footprint expands internationally.
So, what is it exactly? While not yet fully certified under the CRT (Consejo Regulador Del Tequila), the Cristalino style has several governing standards that control its creation:
The tequila must be barrel aged to the standard of at least a Reposado (2-12 months in barrel), and it cannot be a Blanco (unaged Tequila) that has been simply relabelled.
The Tequila must carry the age statement of the legal style it adheres to – for example 1800 Cristalino is, under CRT law, an Añejo-style Tequila and is referred to as such on the label.
Finally, the filtering process must not fully remove the characteristics obtained from time in the barrel. ie: over-filtering to strip away the aromas and flavours created during the barrel aging process is not permitted.
Stelios Papadopoulos, 1800’s Global Tequila Specialist, says that the success of the style comes down to its broad appeal. “Cristalino-style tequilas are now the highest selling ultra-premium Tequilas in Mexico, and we have seen volume sales of this new style double in the US since 2020. And its success is really being driven by its appeal to both light and dark spirits drinkers – it’s smooth, it’s flavoursome and it’s versatile.”
Having already launched in the US and Europe, 1800 Tequila, the world’s most awarded tequila brand, is launching 1800 Cristalino in Australia. The exceptionally crafted, crystal-clear Añejo Tequila offers the ultimate drinking experience for your customers who are new to Tequila – or returning after trying it once as a shot at 3am and not enjoying it – as it captures the smoothness of a Blanco with the complexity of an Añejo. This makes it an ideal premium upsell for white or dark spirit drinkers looking to experiment with something new.
“The exceptionally crafted, crystal-clear Añejo Tequila offers the ultimate drinking experience for your customers who are new to Tequila – or returning after trying it once as a shot at 3am and not enjoying it – as it captures the smoothness of a Blanco with the complexity of an Añejo.”
1800 Cristalino is crafted using 1800’s 220-year-old Añejo recipe, which is first aged for 16 months in both new American and French Oak barrels. The liquid is then married together and finished in Port wine casks for an additional six months, creating a finish unique to 1800 Cristalino. Lastly, the liquid is transformed through a careful filtering process to leave a smoother tequila that magnifies the flavour and aromas offered from the barrels while maintaining the herbal and sweet notes from the agave.
Commenting on the launch Papadopoulos, believes it will be a hit with both tequila fans and those who are new to the category, usually drinking vodka or whisky. “As our new ultra-premium offering, we’re thrilled to launch 1800 Cristalino to our 1800 Tequila range in Australia. Beautifully layered from bottle to serve, 1800 Cristalino offers a truly spectacular sipping experience.”
Packaged in an elegant crystalline bottle – designed to be eye-catching, even on a back bar – 1800 Cristalino is the perfect addition for bars looking for a striking, quality tequila that is ideal to serve neat, on the rocks, or to upsell customers into an elevated version of a classic Tommys Margarita. With Margaritas consistently in the top five cocktails ordered by Australians, offering your customers a premium upsell is a no-brainer.
1800 Cristalino is now available for bars, hotels and on-premise venues to stock – contact your local Proximo Spirits Representative for more information.
THE LAUNCH OF CRISTALINO BY 1800 TEQUILA FEATURED ON THE COVER OF OUR SEPTEMBER EDITION OF AUSTRALIAN BARTENDER MAGAZINE #271. HITTING BARS NOW.