Let’s be honest—most tequila labels look like a cryptic puzzle. NOMs, CRTs, aging categories… it’s enough to make your eyes glaze over before your first sip.
But if you care about what’s actually in your bottle (and not waking up with regret), it pays to know what you’re looking at.
Don’t worry—we’ll make this fast, painless, and maybe even a little fun.
1. 100% Agave vs Mixto (Run!)
If the label doesn’t say “100% de agave” or “100 Blue Agave”, put it back. Seriously.
That means it’s a mixto, aka a blend of agave and mystery sugars. Not only are mixtos lower quality, they’re more likely to give you that cheap-tequila headache.
Look for: “100% de agave” or “100% Blue Agave”
Avoid: Anything that doesn’t clearly say that.
2. NOM Number (Your Tequila’s Birth Certificate)
NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana, and every legit tequila has a NOM number printed on the label—usually something like “NOM 1445.”
This 4-digit code tells you where your tequila was made. Same distillery = same NOM, even if different brands are produced there.
Want to stalk your tequila’s origin? Plug that NOM into a tequila database like tequilamatchmaker.com.
Fun Fact: Some NOMs produce dozens of brands. Others, like ours, produce just one or a few—and that’s a good thing.
3. CRT Stamp (It’s the Real Deal)
Look for the tiny logo from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT). This verifies your tequila is certified and meets the rules of production.
It’s like the tequila world’s version of FDA approval—but cooler-and more strict.
4. The Type: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino
This one’s actually useful for picking your vibe:
- Blanco: Pure, unaged, clean—agave in its truest form. Great for sipping or mixing.
- Reposado: Aged 2–12 months. Think mellow, smooth, a little oak, hints of caramel or vanilla.
- Añejo: Aged 1–3 years. Rich, bold, luxurious.
- Cristalino: Charcoal-filtered and looks like a blanco. All the flavor, none of the color.
Tip: The darker the tequila (usually), the more aged it is.
5. Proof & ABV (How Strong Is It?)
Most tequila clocks in at 40% ABV (80 proof). Some are a little stronger, but anything way lower? Skip it—it’s either a liqueur or a mistake.
6. Made in Mexico (Or You’ve Been Lied To)
Tequila can only be made in specific parts of Mexico—mainly Jalisco. If it says anything else (like “Product of California”), it’s not tequila.
That’s like calling boxed wine “Champagne.”
Bonus: Other Red (or Green) Flags
- Additives? Most labels won’t say, but you can research it. If it’s overly sweet, vanilla-y, or artificial tasting—it probably has ‘em.
- Celebrity Name? You might be paying for hype, not quality… just saying.
- Cool Bottle, No Info? Sleek design doesn’t always mean what’s inside is worth it.
The Takeaway
A tequila label isn’t just decoration—it’s a cheat sheet to help you find the real stuff. The smooth, clean, quality-made spirit that’s worth your money and your liver. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to separate the good from the gimmicky.
And if you’re holding a bottle that checks all the right boxes?
Salud. You just graduated to tequila snob (the fun kind).
