This is a closeup image of an Agave plant in the historic city center of Oaxaca, Mexico. This particular Agave was grown for decorative purposes.
Food - Drink
Why Tequila Can't Be Made Outside Of Mexico
By LENA BECK
two shots of tequila
The tequila industry continues to grow and in 2021, the global market was worth nearly $10 billion, with tequila drinkers residing all over the world. However, despite the popularity of tequila all over the world, tequila only comes from Mexico, and true tequila is strictly regulated by a council to ensure it is of the highest quality and made with the best practices.
workers harvesting blue agave
Tequila is regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), a council that ensures high quality and consistency throughout the profession. According to the CRT, tequila has to be made from at least 51% blue agave, or agave tequilana, and must be produced in one of the five Mexican regions of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Michoacan.
shots of gold tequila
Any agave-based spirit that is made outside of these five states in Mexico or does not have the appropriate blue agave concentration is not a true tequila. To check your tequila, look out for the CRT "Norma Oficial Mexicana," or NOM, a four-digit code that references the distillery; if your bottle lacks a NOM or is labeled "agave spirit," it’s not a true tequila.
bottles of 100% blue agave premium tequila
Second, look for the percentage of blue agave present in the spirit since true tequila requires at least 51% blue agave to be called tequila, while premium tequilas will have a higher percentage of blue agave, typically 100%. Lastly, you'll know you've found the real deal when you open the bottle and taste the rich, artisanal flavor.