If you’ve spent any time exploring the tequila shelves in Australia, you’ve likely seen the iconic 1800 Tequila bottles sitting right next to the José Cuervo range. Technically, they’re from the same house — both produced by the legendary Tequila Cuervo in Jalisco, Mexico — but each line has its own personality, price point, and purpose. And honestly? When it comes to quality for price, these are some of the best bottles on the market.
At Sonora Potts Point, we’ve put a lot of thought (and tasting!) into what we pour. We focus on premium tequilas that bring great structure, clean agave flavour, and enough complexity to hold their own in a cocktail — or sip straight.
1800: Cristalino & Añejo — Same DNA, Very Different Drinks
Two of our absolute favourites are 1800 Añejo and 1800 Cristalino. Technically, they’re built from the same blend — but you’d never guess that tasting them side by side.
- 1800 Añejo is smooth, rich, and full of caramelised oak and roasted agave notes that make it perfect for sipping — or as we do, using it in our Cadillac Margarita for a luxe upgrade.
- 1800 Cristalino, on the other hand, is filtered to be crystal-clear but keeps the depth of an aged tequila. It’s smooth, elegant, and slightly floral, with none of the harshness you might expect from a clear spirit. We use it as the base for our house Margarita, and it elevates the drink without overpowering it.
You get the complexity of an aged tequila with the freshness of a blanco — it’s a beautiful balance.
José Cuervo: Reserva de la Familia & Platino – Once for the Family Only
Don’t sleep on José Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia range — especially the Extra Añejo and the Platino Blanco.
These tequilas were originally made exclusively for the Cuervo family — not for sale. For decades, they were reserved for private use, only shared at special events or as personal gifts. It took years (and a lot of lobbying from tequila lovers) to finally have these bottles released to the public.
- Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo is rich, smooth, and layered with agave, toasted nuts, and warm spice — a true sipping tequila.
- Reserva de la Familia Platino is an ultra-premium blanco made using the proprietary “Esencia de Agave” method. It’s clean, slightly creamy, and packed with refined agave character. A rare blanco that stands tall on its own.
This range proves that Cuervo isn’t just the world’s biggest tequila name — they’re still capable of producing some of the most soulful, traditional expressions around.
Bonus Pick: Maestro Dobel Reposado
Another hidden gem in the Cuervo portfolio is Maestro Dobel Reposado. Aged just long enough to bring mellow oak character, but still showcasing bright, vibrant agave — it’s a great bottle whether you’re sipping neat or building out a next-level Paloma or Margarita.
We love it for its smoothness, versatility, and unbeatable value. It’s a great pick for anyone looking to step up from standard mid-tier bottles.
Why We Pour These Tequilas at Sonora
At Sonora Potts Point, we’re all about flavour, sustainability, and thoughtful curation. We work with premium tequilas that make our cocktails sing, but we also want our guests to explore what tequila can be — not just what they’ve had in the past.
The 1800, José Cuervo Reserva, and Maestro Dobel lines bring serious quality at reasonable prices, making them some of the best choices in Australia for both new explorers and seasoned agave lovers.
Come try them in one of our signature cocktails — or sip them straight at the bar.
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