History of Tequila in Timeline

Tequila is a distilled spirit originating from the area surrounding Tequila, near Guadalajara, and the Jaliscan Highlands, both located in Jalisco, Mexico. It's made primarily from the blue agave plant. The spirit's production is heavily regulated by Mexican law.

1936: First Tequila Distillery in the United States

In 1936, the first tequila distillery in the United States opened in Nogales, Arizona, founded by Harry J. Karns.

1974: Tequila Becomes Appellation of Origin

In 1974, tequila became Mexico's first appellation of origin (AO).

1974: Government Declares Tequila as Intellectual Property

In 1974, the Mexican government declared the term "tequila" to be its intellectual property.

1978: International Registration for Protection

In 1978, tequila was internationally registered for protection under the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration.

1990: Important Laws since 1990

The important laws since 1990 regarding tequila production, identified as NOM-006-SCFI-1993, NOM-006-SCFI-1994, NOM-006-SCFI-2005 and NOM-006-SCFI-2012.

1993: Important Laws since 1990

The important laws since 1990 regarding tequila production, identified as NOM-006-SCFI-1993, NOM-006-SCFI-1994, NOM-006-SCFI-2005 and NOM-006-SCFI-2012.

1994: Important Laws since 1990

The important laws since 1990 regarding tequila production, identified as NOM-006-SCFI-1993, NOM-006-SCFI-1994, NOM-006-SCFI-2005 and NOM-006-SCFI-2012.

1997: Protected Designation in the European Union

Since 1997, Tequila has been a protected designation of origin product in the European Union.

2002: Official Tequila Glass Approved

In 2002, the Consejo Regulador del Tequila approved an "official tequila glass" called the Ouverture Tequila glass, made by Riedel.

2003: Mexico's Bottling Proposal

In 2003, Mexico proposed that all Mexican-made tequila be bottled in Mexico before export, aiming to guarantee quality.

2004: Flavored Tequila Allowed

In 2004, the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico decided to allow flavored tequila to be called tequila, with the exception of 100% agave tequila.

2005: New Tequila Standard (NOM) Issued

In 2005, a new Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM-006-SCFI-2005) for tequila was issued.

2005: Important Laws since 1990

The important laws since 1990 regarding tequila production, identified as NOM-006-SCFI-1993, NOM-006-SCFI-1994, NOM-006-SCFI-2005 and NOM-006-SCFI-2012.

January 17, 2006: Agreement Allowing Bulk Import of Tequila into the United States

On January 17, 2006, the United States and Mexico signed an agreement allowing the continued bulk import of tequila into the United States, along with creating a "tequila bottlers registry".

July 2006: Most Expensive Bottle of Tequila Sold

In July 2006, a one-liter bottle of limited-edition premium tequila was sold for $225,000 in Tequila, Jalisco. The manufacturer received a certificate from The Guinness World Records for the most expensive bottle of tequila spirit ever sold.

2006: Introduction of Extra Añejo Tequila

In 2006, the NOM-006-SCFI-2005 introduced a class of tequila called extra añejo or "ultra-aged", which must be aged a minimum of three years.

2006: UNESCO World Heritage Site Declaration

In 2006, the region near Tequila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is named the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

2009: Tequila Brands Statistics

As of 2009, statistics showed that over 100 distilleries in Mexico produce over 900 brands of tequila, with over 2,000 brand names registered.

December 13, 2012: Publication of NOM-006-SCFI-2012

On December 13, 2012, the most recent revision of tequila laws, NOM-006-SCFI-2012, was published.

2012: Tequila Standard Updated (NOM-006-SCFI-2012)

In 2012, the latest version of the tequila standard (NOM-006-SCFI-2012) was released, updating standards for the silver class of tequila, aging time for the ultra-aged class, and other regulations.