512 Tequila vs 818: What’s the Difference?

Updated March 2026.

512 Tequila and 818 Tequila flagships are both typically 40% ABV / 80 proof on US bottles — one NIAAA standard drink per 1.5-ounce pour. They are not the same liquid. 512 is reported at NOM 1137 (La Cofradia). 818 moved to Grupo Solave in 2021; current lots are widely reported as NOM 1607, with older 1137 bottles still around. Read the four digits. Neither is Casamigos (current 1609; historical 1416).

“Better” is not a CRT score. Both must meet NOM-006 / when labeled tequila. Related: tequila types, silver vs gold, blanco tequila.

Same class, different NOM

512 (typical) 818 (typical)
US ABV 40% / 80 40% / 80
1.5 oz drinks 1.00 1.00
Class 100% agave when so labeled 100% agave when so labeled
Reported NOM 1137 La Cofradia (trade) 1607 Grupo Solave now; 1137 on early lots
Not 818 in a Texas dress Casamigos NOM 1609 / 1416

A 750 mL of either flagship is about 17 standard drinks. Four pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. No 2026 MSRP. Hours to buy the bottle are state law. Pour math: tequila drinks.

Sources

  • CRT NOM on the bottle is primary. 512 NOM 1137: Agave Matchmaker / tequila.net.
  • 818: drink818.com “moved to Grupo Solave” (2021). NOM 1607 VinePair / brand interviews. Early 1137 lots exist.
  • Casamigos is 1609 now / 1416 historically — not used here. 27 CFR 5.148. NIAAA December 2025.

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