1800 Gambles on High Proof Tequila Trend With Duo of 45%-ABV Bottlings

(Photo: 1800 Tequila)

On Tuesday, 1800 Tequila expanded its catalog with a duo of high-proof expressions bottled at 45% ABV. It’s the latest in a string of releases from Proximo Spirits — the famed owner of Jose Cuervo — doubling down on gourmet tequila trends reverberating across the industry.

1800 High Proof is now available in Blanco and Reposado varieties, both bottled at 90 proof and sold exclusively in 375-milliliter formats. The Blanco is described as a blend of “special selection white tequilas,” while the Reposado is aged for an undisclosed period in a mix of new American and French Oak. Each clocks in on the affordable side of the spectrum, costing $18.99 and $19.99 for the Blanco and Reposado, respectively.

“With over 250 years of tequila-making tradition behind us, we are proud to continue evolving our portfolio while staying true to our roots,” Alex Coronado, master distiller and head of production, remarked in a news release. “These new high proof expressions reflect the craftsmanship passed down through 11 continuous generations of maestro tequileros – bringing forward the richness of agave, enhanced aromatic complexity, and a more intense tasting experience.”

Few buzzwords have dominated the tequila discourse in recent years quite like “high proof” and “still strength.” Due in part to tax policies south of the border, tequila was rarely bottled above 40% ABV until relatively recently. Though it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly when that changed, most agree that it coincided with the breakout popularity of Fortaleza Still Strength, a cult-hit bottling that reinvigorated interest in stronger spirits among the additive-free, tequila-savvy crowd.

Flash forward to 2025, and the category is stuffed to the brim with competitors. Our personal favorites include Alto Canto, Cachasol, Viva Mexico and LALO 2025, all of which manage to reimagine the concept with remarkably different flavor profiles.

1800 High Proof is one of the first attempts at high-proof tequila from a bona fide juggernaut like Proximo Spirits. Widely recognized as the largest manufacturer and seller of agave spirits worldwide, Promixo owns Jose Cuervo, 1800, Gran Centenario, Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino and 400 Conejos Mezcal.