Tequila, Mexico’s best known drink is, like the country’s history, a combination of two worlds: Agave –a raw material native to Mexico– and distillation –a European process– gave birth to the mezcal wine of tequila which today is known around simply as tequila.

The first tequila was made in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that authorities started charging taxes on it and allowed it to be officially produced.

Tequila has given Mexico a privileged place in the world. For many, the drink is intrinsically tied to the concept of being Mexican. For others, this liquor is part of any good cellar.

The region that gave it its name, located in the state of Jalisco, was located on the road between Guadalajara and the port of San Blas, one of the main centers that distributed goods to the north of the country. Its international commercialization began in the 1940s when the United States began buying large quantities of the Mexican liquor to compensate the shortage of whisky from Europe. Since then Tequila has become a fundamental player of the country’s economy and is currently one of Mexico’s main exports.

According to the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), this industry has sustained growth of 9% in the last 12 years. Of the more than 284 million liters produced in 2007, about 48% or 135 million liters were exported. In 2008, production grew 10% to 312 million liters, of which 137 million were exported. Despite the current worldwide financial situation, it’s estimated that exports will grow 2% in 2009.

One of the most important factors to tequila’s international commercialization is its Guarantee of Origin (DOT), obtained in 1974. The Guarantee of Origin establishes the requirements needed before a drink can be called tequila. It has to be created with Agave Tequilana Weber, which is cultivated in an area of about 3.6 million hectares that covers the state of Jalisco and some areas in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Tequila has to be totally made there and use the raw material of that area. The country grants the use of the name only to those companies that comply with the requirements established by DOT.

In 2005 the country’s government issued the official rules (NOM -TEQUIL A) that regulate the naming of the drink. Thanks to these regulations, buyers of tequila from around the world are guaranteed they will drink a unique product of high quality.

In agreement with the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry, DOT is recognized by the 24 countries that signed the Lisbon Agreement; by the 46 countries Mexico has commercial agreements with; and indirectly by all the member nations of the World Trade Organization that recognize intellectual property rights in commerce.

Currently, the drink’s main export destination is the United States –108 million liters in 2008. It is followed by the European Union –17 million liters in 2008. This prestigious industry, made up of more than 130 companies with more than 1,000 certified brands is, without a doubt, one of Mexico’s main prides.

Control and Regulation

The Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) was created by the industry in 1994. The CRT makes sure that tequila is produced according to the specifications of NOM -Tequila and issues certifications to authentic products. It has offices in Washington, Madrid, Brussels and Shanghai. From these international locations, the council makes sure that the Guarantee of Origin is respected throughout the world and that the name “tequila” is only used by certified products.

Types of Tequila

Under the NOM -TEQUILA regulations, tequila is separated into two categories and five different classes. Categories refer to the type of sugar used in the creation of the drink.

Main Tequila Exports by countries in 2007, totaling 135 million liters of 40%

Alcohol by Volume:

Source: Tequila Regulatory Council