There are few liquors as closely associated with a party (or Mexico) as tequila. The drink has a long and storied history, dating back to the 16th century when it was first distilled from the agave plant. Jose Cuervo is arguably the most renowned brand of tequila in the world, and its story is one of innovation, determination, and success. We’ll take a closer look at the history of Jose Cuervo and how it became the most popular tequila in Mexico and beyond.
Jose Cuervo can trace its roots back to 1758 when Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo was granted permission from the king of Spain to cultivate and harvest the blue agave plant in the Jalisco region of Mexico, a first in the region. This was a significant moment in the history of tequila, as up until this point the agave plant had only been used for ornamental purposes. The Cuervo family wasted no time in putting the agave plant to good use, founding the Taberno de Cuervo and using the plant’s water-retaining properties in a distilling process that produced high-quality tequila.
The blue agave plant produces a spiky leaf crown and a round, soft center (the piña). The leaves are trimmed off and the core is cooked and crushed to produce juice, which is fermented and distilled into tequila. The clear tequila is then diluted with water to reduce the alcohol content to around 40%. Pure tequila is made entirely from the blue agave plant’s sap, whereas tequila referred to as “mixto” only needs to be a minimum of 51 percent blue agave to be considered tequila. It can be made from different types of agave plants, but the most common variety is blue agave. Tequila is typically clear, but can also be colored gold or amber depending on the type of agave used and the distillation process.
It wasn’t long before Jose Cuervo became a household name in Mexico. The brand’s tequila was prized for its smooth taste and high quality, and it quickly became the go-to choice for celebrations and special occasions. In the years since, Jose Cuervo has only continued to grow in global popularity, cementing its place as the undisputed king of tequila. During the Prohibition era, when alcohol was banned in the United States, tequila first gained a following among American drinkers. It was brought into the southwestern US states from Mexico by bootleggers and has only grown in international popularity since. During World War II, tequila’s presence in the US was cemented when many distilleries switched to local, war-related production methods and there were limitations on European imports, further opening the door to Mexican imports.
Today, Jose Cuervo is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The brand’s tequila is still renowned for its smooth taste and high quality, and it remains the first choice for many when it comes to demonstrating prestige or celebrating special occasions. Jose Cuervo’s success story is one of innovation, determination, and above all else, a commitment to producing the best possible tequila. It’s a story that’s sure to be remembered for many years to come.
