I made cocktails using Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila and found the reposado variety made for more flavorful drinks

Zahra TayebFeb 12, 2022, 16:34 IST

I tried Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila, which she launched last year.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

I made cocktails using two types of Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila — blanco and reposado.
The cocktails recipes included Jenner's favorite margarita and a combo of tequila and red wine.

I'm a huge fan of cocktails so I thought I'd test out Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila to make them for myself and some friends I had round.

Jenner's 818 Tequila comes from Jalisco, Mexico.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

And while I'm no expert, I do enjoy drinking quality tequila — especially when I sip on the odd margarita from time to time.

I'm a big fan of margaritas.pjohnson1/Getty Images

Launched last February, the supermodel treated tequila lovers to three different variations including blanco, reposado, and añejo.

I tried the blanco and reposado variations.Kaylee Richards/Krupa Consulting

One way of determining high-quality tequila is if it says "100% agave" on the label, Deano Moncrieffe, owner of London-based agaveria Hacha, a bar that serves agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal, told Insider. That's one of the first things I noticed on the 818 bottles so I had high expectations.

818 Tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber Agaves.Danny Lehman/Getty Images

One way of determining high-quality tequila is if it says "100% agave" on the label, Deano Moncrieffe, owner of London-based agaveria Hacha, a bar that serves agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal, told Insider. That's one of the first things I noticed on the 818 bottles so I had high expectations.

But before I stepped into full-fledged bartender mode, I tried 818's blanco and resposado variations neat to get a true sense of its flavors.

I compared the two on their own at room temperature.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

According to 818, blanco offers a "sweet agave and vanilla, with undertones of tropical and citrus fruit" taste. I was most excited about the vanilla flavour I was promised, but disappointingly I didn't taste it.

Blanco (meaning "white" in Spanish) is clear in colour.Kaylee Richards/Krupa Consulting

According to 818, blanco offers a "sweet agave and vanilla, with undertones of tropical and citrus fruit" taste. I was most excited about the vanilla flavour I was promised, but disappointingly I didn't taste it.

Instead, I found the blanco to taste mildly tangy which lived up to part of its description. There was also a smooth finish to it which made it surprisingly easy to sip.

I noticed the blanco variety had a slight floral aroma to it.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

Instead, I found the blanco to taste mildly tangy which lived up to part of its description. There was also a smooth finish to it which made it surprisingly easy to sip.

Upon tasting the reposado variety, I was instantly hit with a rich toffee-like scent. Its description also lists "meringue" notes as an aroma, and as a baker myself who on occasion makes the dessert, I completely agree.

The reposado variety had a delicious aroma to it.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

Upon tasting the reposado variety, I was instantly hit with a rich toffee-like scent. Its description also lists "meringue" notes as an aroma, and as a baker myself who on occasion makes the dessert, I completely agree.

After sampling it, it tasted as sweet as it smelt. The reposado had a slight caramel flavour to it which was so distinct it almost reminded me of eating a sticky toffee pudding. It's a good variety for those with a sweet tooth like myself.

The reposado was equally as smooth as the blanco variety which I appreciated.Kaylee Richards/Krupa Consulting

After sampling it, it tasted as sweet as it smelt. The reposado had a slight caramel flavour to it which was so distinct it almost reminded me of eating a sticky toffee pudding. It's a good variety for those with a sweet tooth like myself.

After warming up my taste buds, I started to make some cocktails recommended by 818. I laid out some of my ingredients and got stuck in.

The recipes were pretty simple and easy to make.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

First up was my attempt at making an 818 winter cocktail called "Tequila Honeycrisp," since its still on the chiller side where I'm based in London. It tasted much like autumn as apple and cinnamon flavours touched my palate. These spiced flavors complemented the tanginess I got from the blanco variety.

This cocktail included 818 blanco, lemon juice, spiced apple cider and honey.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

First up was my attempt at making an 818 winter cocktail called "Tequila Honeycrisp," since its still on the chiller side where I'm based in London. It tasted much like autumn as apple and cinnamon flavours touched my palate. These spiced flavors complemented the tanginess I got from the blanco variety.

I love red wine so when I saw a recipe combining it with tequila, I felt obliged to make it. Labelled "818 Better Red," this was another cocktail containing the blanco variety. Refreshing and fruity, this was a unique drink but I'm not sure I'd make it again for its lack of flavor.

This cocktail recipe called for 818 blanco, agave syrup, fresh lemon juice and red wine.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

I love red wine so when I saw a recipe combining it with tequila, I felt obliged to make it. Labelled "818 Better Red," this was another cocktail containing the blanco variety. Refreshing and fruity, this was a unique drink but I'm not sure I'd make it again for its lack of flavor.

I used the reposado variety for the last two cocktails I chose to make. Up first was the "Calabasas Citrus Marg." After taking a sip, I noticed how tropical it tasted. I really enjoyed this cocktail and felt the citrus flavours balanced the sweetness of the reposado to make for a delicious drink.

This cocktail was made with 818 tequila reposado, orange liqueur, and fresh lime and orange juice.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

I used the reposado variety for the last two cocktails I chose to make. Up first was the "Calabasas Citrus Marg." After taking a sip, I noticed how tropical it tasted. I really enjoyed this cocktail and felt the citrus flavours balanced the sweetness of the reposado to make for a delicious drink.

For the finale, I made "Kenny's Favourite Marg." It tasted crisp, sweet and salty — all the flavours of a classic margarita. But I think if I used a Tajin salt rim as the recipe recommended, instead of rock salt, it would've elevated the drink further.

This cocktail was made using 818 reposado, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and a rock salt rim.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

For the finale, I made "Kenny's Favourite Marg." It tasted crisp, sweet and salty — all the flavours of a classic margarita. But I think if I used a Tajin salt rim as the recipe recommended, instead of rock salt, it would've elevated the drink further.

Of course, when you think of tequila, the first thing that often comes to mind is shots. I couldn't let the opportunity pass, so I lined up a couple for me and my friends.

We quickly regretted the decision but couldn't help pour up another few shots.Zahra Tayeb/Insider

Of course, when you think of tequila, the first thing that often comes to mind is shots. I couldn't let the opportunity pass, so I lined up a couple for me and my friends.

Overall, I think Jenner's 818 tequila is good but not the best one I've tried. The reposado variety, however, has a better flavour profile than the blanco, so if you're looking to pick up a smooth, sweet and versatile tequila, it might be the one for you.

Reposado (left) and blanco (right).Zahra Tayeb/Insider

Overall, I think Jenner's 818 tequila is good but not the best one I've tried. The reposado variety, however, has a better flavour profile than the blanco, so if you're looking to pick up a smooth, sweet and versatile tequila, it might be the one for you.

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I made cocktails using Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila and found the reposado variety made for more flavorful drinks

I'm a huge fan of cocktails so I thought I'd test out Kendall Jenner's 818 tequila to make them for myself and some friends I had round.

And while I'm no expert, I do enjoy drinking quality tequila — especially when I sip on the odd margarita from time to time.

Launched last February, the supermodel treated tequila lovers to three different variations including blanco, reposado, and añejo.

But before I stepped into full-fledged bartender mode, I tried 818's blanco and resposado variations neat to get a true sense of its flavors.

According to 818, blanco offers a "sweet agave and vanilla, with undertones of tropical and citrus fruit" taste. I was most excited about the vanilla flavour I was promised, but disappointingly I didn't taste it.

Instead, I found the blanco to taste mildly tangy which lived up to part of its description. There was also a smooth finish to it which made it surprisingly easy to sip.

Upon tasting the reposado variety, I was instantly hit with a rich toffee-like scent. Its description also lists "meringue" notes as an aroma, and as a baker myself who on occasion makes the dessert, I completely agree.

After sampling it, it tasted as sweet as it smelt. The reposado had a slight caramel flavour to it which was so distinct it almost reminded me of eating a sticky toffee pudding. It's a good variety for those with a sweet tooth like myself.

After warming up my taste buds, I started to make some cocktails recommended by 818. I laid out some of my ingredients and got stuck in.

I love red wine so when I saw a recipe combining it with tequila, I felt obliged to make it. Labelled "818 Better Red," this was another cocktail containing the blanco variety. Refreshing and fruity, this was a unique drink but I'm not sure I'd make it again for its lack of flavor.

I used the reposado variety for the last two cocktails I chose to make. Up first was the "Calabasas Citrus Marg." After taking a sip, I noticed how tropical it tasted. I really enjoyed this cocktail and felt the citrus flavours balanced the sweetness of the reposado to make for a delicious drink.

For the finale, I made "Kenny's Favourite Marg." It tasted crisp, sweet and salty — all the flavours of a classic margarita. But I think if I used a Tajin salt rim as the recipe recommended, instead of rock salt, it would've elevated the drink further.

Of course, when you think of tequila, the first thing that often comes to mind is shots. I couldn't let the opportunity pass, so I lined up a couple for me and my friends.

Overall, I think Jenner's 818 tequila is good but not the best one I've tried. The reposado variety, however, has a better flavour profile than the blanco, so if you're looking to pick up a smooth, sweet and versatile tequila, it might be the one for you.