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Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from blue agave. It is primarily produced in the area around the city of Tequila in the Jalisco region of Mexico. This beverage is typically drunk as a shot or shooter but can be used for a variety of mixed drinks and as a base for cocktails.
This article will focus on the Código 1530 tequila brand and will examine the history behind the brand and its many variations.
A Brief History of Código 1530 Tequila
In 2007 Ron Snyder, who is the former CEO of Crocs, moved to Cabo San Lucas which is a town in Mexico. He formed a friendship with a local, Frederico Vaughan, and they bonded over their love of fine things.
Frederico introduced Snyder to a bottle of tequila that has been distilled by a local family. This tequila was made using a generations-old recipe that had been handed down through the family.
Snyder eventually created a group of people who decided to bring the formerly unknown tequila to the market.
Código 1530 focuses on traditional practices to produce their tequila, using a similar approach as those who treasure a coveted family recipe. This tequila is produced without veering from the traditions prevalent in the Los Bajos region.
The name, Código 1530, has a deeper meaning than expected. In 1530, Amatitán (which is a municipality in Mexico) was recognized as a city of New Galicia, granting those who live there a sense of independence and identity.
Código comes from the term “Los Códigos” which refers to the old-world customs and codes that shaped the society the family originated from.
Agave is handpicked to ensure that the sugar content meets the family’s high standards. No added sweeteners or colors are added to the tequila, to ensure it is as natural and as close to traditional as possible.
The fully aged agave used to produce this tequila is cooked in stainless steel ovens after which it is fermented using an organic family baker’s yeast.
Once the beverage has been fermented and the natural sugars have been converted into alcohol, it is then distilled twice in handmade stills made by the family who has owned the distillery for generations.
Prices, Variations & Sizes of Código 1530 Tequila
Código 1530 Blanco is unrested (it never ages in a barrel) so that the full flavor of the agave it is made from comes through. It is twice distilled in stainless steel pot stills and has selling alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% (80 proof). The tequila has tasting notes of citrus, and an earthy, mineral touch to it.
Their Rosa tequila is aged in uncharred Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak wine barrels for 1 month which gives the tequila a natural color and a long finish. With tasting notes of bright agave and soft red wine, this tequila can be bought at an ABV of 35% (70 proof).
With an aging time of 6 months in Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak wine barrels, the Reposado has subtle notes of flavors from whiskey as well as a strong agave taste. There are additional notes of toasted caramel, vanilla, and subtle cocoa powder which makes this a tasty tequila. A bottle of this Reposado is sold at an ABV of 40% (80 proof).
The Código 1530 Añejo is aged for 18 months and has a refined-tasting profile of oak, vanilla, fruit, and spice. Made from 100% agave, this tequila has an ABV of 40% (80 proof). Meanwhile, the Código 1530 Origen is aged for 6 years which helps develop the tasting notes of caramel, sweet oak, spice, and vanilla. It has an ABV of 40% (80 proof).
Next, the Código 1530 Blanco Still Strength Estate Harvest is made from agave harvested from Código fields. It has tasting notes of pumpkin seeds, rosemary mint, and clove which complement the aromas of maple and vanilla. This tequila has an ABV of 45% (90 proof).
The tequila named after one of the co-founders, George Strait, has an ABV of 40% (80 proof). This Código 1530 George Strait Añejo has notes of oak and vanilla, with a hint of spice on the finish. At an ABV of 44% (88 proof), the Código 1530 Barrel Strength Añejo has notes of subtle vanilla and dark chocolate, with touches of toasted oak.
The brand’s Playboy Rare Hare Añejo is aged for over 2 years with notes of ripe cherries, pepper, vanilla beans, and fresh figs with a long finish and hints of vanilla and caramel. This tequila has an ABV of 40% (80 proof).
Finally, the priciest offering from Código 1530 is the 13-year-aged Añejo which has notes of sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and exotic spices. This tequila is considered an extra Añejo with an ABV of 40%.
| Item | Average Price | Size per Bottle |
| Código 1530 Blanco | $50 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Rosa | $65 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Reposado | $70 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Añejo | $115 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Origen | $290 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Blanco Still Strength Estate Harvest | $75 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 George Strait Origen Tequila | $350 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Barrel Strength Añejo | $165 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 Playboy Rare Hare Añejo Tequila | $950 | 750 ml |
| Código 1530 13-year-aged Añejo Tequila | $3 500 | 750 ml |
Aside from the tequila variations available from the brand, Código 1530 has two Mezcal available as well. Their Código 1530 Artesanal Mezcal is available for $75 while the Ancestral Mezcal is available for $215.
Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage made from agave. It differs from tequila, as tequila can only be made with blue agave while mezcal can be made from more than 30 different agave plants.
3 Alternatives to Código 1530 Tequila
123 Organic Blanco Tequila (Uno) is a good comparison to Código 1530 Blanco. This tequila has tasting notes of lemon peel, minerals, and black pepper with intense aromas of fresh agave.
It is made from agave that has grown for more than 10 years to ensure it is at peak maturity and is slow-cooked in stone ovens to release the juices. This tequila can be bought for $52 at an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% (80 proof).
Mijenta Reposado is a good option if you are looking for an alternative to Código 1530 Reposado. It is aged for up to 6 months in American white oak barrels and European acacia casks which give the beverage a long finish and a full expression.
This tequila has tasting notes of pear and cherry which complement the orange blossom flowers and cacao nibs. A bottle of this tequila can be bought for $65 with an ABV of 40% (80 proof).
Solento Organic Añejo Tequila is a good alternative to Código 1530’s variation. This tequila has notes of ok and buttery maple and it is aged for 18 months in American oak barrels.
The brand recommends that you drink this tequila neat or on the rocks, taking slow sips to savor the flavors of the beverage. A bottle of this tequila can be bought for $75 at an ABV of 40% (80 proof).
How to Drink Código Tequila Price
Tequila is typically drunk as a shooter for lower-quality tequilas. However, with good tequila, it is best to savor it and sip it slowly either neat (no ice) or on the rocks (with ice). Código 1530 provides a host of cocktail recipes that bring the flavors of the tequila out and can make for a delicious beverage.
Firstly, a Código Collins can be made using the Código 1530 Blanco tequila. In a shaker with ice, combine 1,5 ounces of tequila, ½ ounce of lime juice, 1.4 ounces of lemon juice, ¼ ounces of Agave Nectar Water, and 1,5 ounces of grilled pineapple juice. Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients and strain into a tall glass. Top it up with a splash of soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint and a piece of grilled pineapple.
Using the Código 1530 Reposado Tequila, you can make a Hard Marmalade. Combine 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of grapefruit juice, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 0.05 ounces of agave nectar in a shaker with ice. Shake to combine the ingredients and strain into a glass over ice. garnish with an orange twist and enjoy.
Finally, using the Código 1530 Añejo, you can make an Añejo Old Fashioned at home. Add 2 ounces of tequila, ½ ounce of agave nectar, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 dash of orange bitters into a mixing glass. Top it with ice and stir slowly to chill the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Código 1530 Tequila?
Country singer, George Strait, bought into the Código 1530 brand and now has a tequila named after him (Código 1530 George Strait Origen Tequila). His co-founder is Frederico ‘Fede’ Vaughan who acts as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the brand.
Where is Código 1530 Tequila made?
Código 1530 Tequila is made in a distillery in Amatitán in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The tequilas are aged in French Oak Cabernet wine barrels that are sourced in the Napa Valley region of California. Amatitán is the town this brand originated from.
Is Código 1530 tequila good?
BBS Good Food reviewed Código 1530 tequila in 2021 and said that it could be ‘the new king of tequila’. A review like this reflects the deep flavors and smooth profile of the tequila. It is therefore considered to be a good and tasty tequila with notes of rich berries.
