Código 1530: Mexico's Best-Kept Tequila Secret

Código 1530: Mexico's Best-Kept Tequila Secret Just Landed in SA

So here's the deal—South Africa just got access to something tequila lovers have been missing out on. Código 1530, an ultra-premium tequila that's been making waves internationally, finally hit our shelves this month.

This isn't your average tequila for quick shots with salt and lime. We're talking about a spirit that was literally kept as a private family recipe for over a century before going commercial in 2016. That's some serious gatekeeping, and honestly, it makes sense once you understand what goes into each bottle.

The Backstory

Código 1530 comes from Jalisco, Mexico—the actual birthplace of tequila. The brand sticks to a pretty hardcore philosophy: "Nothing Added, Nothing Taken Away." That means no additives, just pure 100% blue Weber agave that's slow-cooked in stainless steel ovens and fermented with their own proprietary yeast.

What sets them apart is their aging process. They use Napa Valley Cabernet French white-oak barrels, which gives the tequila this smooth, refined character you don't get with standard production methods.

Four variants just dropped locally:

Blanco – The purist's choice. Unrested, bright, and clean with that natural agave sweetness coming through.

Rosa – Aged for a month, this one's light and floral with a subtle pink tint. Think of it as the rosé of tequila.

Reposado – Six months in the barrel gives you those caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes. Smooth and full-bodied.

Añejo – The heavyweight. Eighteen months of aging creates something deep, rich, and complex—the kind you sip neat.

This stuff isn't just hype. The Añejo scored Double Gold at the 2023 Tag Global Spirits Awards and 2022 SIP Awards. The brand itself nabbed Tequila Producer of the Year at the 2019 Bartender Spirits Awards. The Blanco picked up gold at the 2016 San Francisco Spirits Competition. These aren't participation trophies.

Where To Find It

Código 1530 is now at fine spirits stockists nationwide, arriving just in time for year-end celebrations. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home bar or want to bring something special to the table, this is a solid move.

Check them out at Codigo1530.com or follow @codigo1530_africa on Instagram for the local scene.