Explore the History of Tequila with Altos

The origins of tequila, Mexico’s most iconic beverage, date back over four centuries. Its history begins with the blending of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic culture and the arrival of Spanish conquistadors around 1538. By the early 17th century, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle, often referred to as “the father of tequila,” began producing mezcal de tequila on a large scale, establishing the first significant tequila distillery.

Tequila Facts and History

As with many ancient cultures, tequila’s origin is intertwined with traditional legend. According to the story, on a stormy day, Mayahuel, the goddess of fertility, struck an agave plantation with lightning. This created a great fire, releasing a sweet juice from the agave hearts that captured the attention of the natives. They found that its aroma improved through fermentation, leading them to consider this nectar a divine gift from Mayahuel.

The blue agave plant, central to tequila’s history, was utilised by indigenous people not only for creating a fermented beverage but also for crafting everyday tools. In the 16th century, Spanish settlers introduced European distillation techniques to this traditional drink, transforming mezcal into what we now know as tequila.

During the colonial period, the Spanish government prohibited tequila production to favour imports of Spanish beverages. However, tequila continued to be produced clandestinely until the 17th century when its production was officially sanctioned. Taxes on tequila production even contributed to the economic development of Jalisco.

Historical records show that the first documented export of tequila occurred in 1873, headed by José Antonio de Cuervo, founder of Tequila José Cuervo. Tequila gained international recognition at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, paving the way for its commercialisation in the United States. By the 1970s, tequila consumption had spread widely across the country.

Origin of the Word Tequila

The etymology of the word “Tequila” has several interpretations, many of which are rooted in the Nahuatl language. Two widely accepted explanations are:

• Tequis: Meaning “cutting.” The region around the Tequila volcano was rich in obsidian, known as tecatlis at the time. This volcanic glass was carved into tools for hunting and cooking, leading the area to be called Tecuila and, eventually, Tequila.
• Téquitl: Meaning “work” or “occupation,” combined with Tlan, meaning “place.” This interpretation translates to “the place where tasks are performed,” again referring to the Tequila region.

Historically, the drink was not always called tequila. It was referred to as vino de mezcal or mezcal tequila. It was Don Cenobio Sauza who is credited with giving the liquor its definitive name, “tequila,” which has since become synonymous with Mexico’s national spirit.

From which Country is Tequila Originated?

The Certificate of Origin for tequila, established in 1974, limits its production to specific regions in Mexico:

• Jalisco
• Part of Nayarit
• A sector of Michoacán
• A zone in Guanajuato

To protect tequila and its heritage, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) was created in 1994. Additionally, UNESCO declared the “agave landscape and ancient industrial facilities of Tequila” a World Heritage Site in 2006.

Why Olmeca Altos Tequila?

Olmeca Altos Tequila is produced in protected areas under the Certificate of Origin, ensuring its high quality. We craft our tequila using 100% blue agave, cultivating the artisanal tradition of over 400 years.

¿Our goal? To preserve the historic processes that have made tequila one of the most consumed beverages in the world, while caring for the environment that allows us to produce it.