Jose Cuervo Tequila

Jose Cuervo is one of the most iconic and globally recognized tequila brands, noted for its long history and significant impact on the spirits market. Jose Cuervo's portfolio includes a wide range of products, from blanco tequilas to añejos and extra añejos, each designed to satisfy the diverse preferences of global consumers. Additionally, it has pioneered the creation of new tequila categories, such as reposado, setting industry trends and establishing new quality standards. Jose Cuervo's success is not only measured in terms of sales, but also in its ability to maintain and promote Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Jose Cuervo Tequila Catalog

The Tequila Jose Cuervo portfolio encompasses a wide range of options, each designed to satisfy different preferences and occasions, the varieties of Tequila are:

Jose Cuervo Tradicional ®

The Jose Cuervo Tradicional line is distinguished by its meticulous production and its fidelity to traditional tequila making techniques, making exclusive use of 100% Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul to guarantee purity and superior quality. This range includes tequilas that have undergone specific distillation and aging processes, maintaining rigorous quality control standards. The varieties of Jose Cuervo Tradicional are:

CRISTALINO (Jose Cuervo ® Tradicional ®)

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino is a sophisticated blend of Tradicional® Reposado, aged in new American oak, and Reserva de la Familia® Extra Añejo, matured in French and American oak barrels. Through an advanced filtration process, the liquid's color is removed while its flavors are intensified, resulting in a clear and exceptionally smooth tequila. Presented in an elegant bottle, this Cristalino is ideal for those looking to share an experience of refinement and distinction, with an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof).

Jose Cuervo's Traditional Cristalino combines diverse aging and advanced filtering, intensifying the aromatic and taste nuances. This technique ensures a unique tasting experience, reflecting Jose Cuervo®'s commitment to innovation and tequila tradition.

Sensory Characteristics of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino Tequila

• Aroma: Pure notes of agave and tropical fruits with subtle hints of oak.
• Flavor: Agave, quince, melon and mango, complemented with delicate notes of vanilla and spices.
• Finish: Long and pure.

Composition of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Available Presentations: 750 ml.

Price of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino

The price of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino currently (2024) is $40.99 USD on the official website (cuervo.com) and $590.0 MXN for Mexico at La Castellana® online store and La Europea®, in 750 ml presentation.

PLATA (Jose Cuervo ® Tradicional ®)

Created more than 200 years ago, Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata has received multiple awards throughout its history, most notably the Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This recognition underscores its quality and the consistency maintained in its production. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata, through its fidelity to traditional methods and refined production technique, continues to delight both experienced connoisseurs and new aficionados. This tequila not only represents a high quality beverage, but also encapsulates more than two centuries of craftsmanship and dedication to excellence.

Sensory Characteristics of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata

• Aroma: Presents a herbaceous aromatic profile of blue agave with subtle citrus notes.
• Flavor: Balance between spice and sweetness, with a firm structure and fruity overtones.
• Finish: Concludes with a sweet and refreshing finish.
• Process and Technique: A special bottling process is used to preserve its flavor and finish even at freezing temperatures. This method ensures that the tequila maintains its organoleptic characteristics intact, both on the nose and in the mouth, thus maintaining its authenticity.

Composition of Jose Cuervo Traditional Silver

• Alcoholic Graduation: 38%Alc. Vol. and 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Available Presentations: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L, 950 ml and 695 ml.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver Price

The price of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata currently (2024) is $32.99 USD for 1 liter on the official website (cuervo.com) and $470.0 MXN online at La Castellana® and La Europea®, in 950 ml presentation.

REPOSADO (Jose Cuervo ® Tradicional ®)

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado is an aged tequila, made from 100% Agave tequilana Weber Azul. This tequila is distilled in an artisanal way from selected agaves and matured in charred oak barrels, which gives it a very "tequilero" character. Visually, it has a light straw color and stands out for its herbaceous agave essence. Aging in charred oak barrels imparts additional complexity to the tequila, highlighting notes of vanilla and spices that integrate harmoniously with the typical agave and tropical fruit character. This rigorous production process ensures that each bottle of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado offers a rich and sophisticated tasting experience, obtained through traditional techniques and knowledge passed down through generations. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado is produced in small batches, following a family tradition that dates back more than 200 years. The agave used is harvested from the family property, which is the largest holder of agave in all of Mexico. The alcohol content of this product is 40% (80 proof).

Organoleptic Characteristics Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado

• Aroma: It has an agave essence with herbaceous notes, complemented by hints of oak, vanilla, caramel and toast.
• Flavor: The taste profile includes cooked agave and stewed tropical fruits, backed by lingering notes of vanilla, clove, cinnamon and toffee.
• Finish: Warm and spicy.

Composition of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado

• Alcoholic Graduation: 38%Alc. Vol. and 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Presentations Available: 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L, 950 ml and 695 ml.

Price for Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado is currently (2024) priced at $35.99 USD for 1 liter on the official website (cuervo.com) and at $470.0 MXN online at La Castellana® and La Europea®, in 950 ml presentation.

AÑEJO (Jose Cuervo ® Tradicional ®)

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo is a tequila made from 100% Agave tequilana Weber Azul, aged in charred American oak barrels and finished in single malt Irish whiskey barrels. This tequila represents the pinnacle of the Jose Cuervo Tradicional line. Tradicional Añejo follows an artisanal methodology developed by Jose Antonio de Cuervo, which includes cooking the agave in clay ovens and distilling in copper stills. With an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof), this tequila benefits from additional aging in Irish whiskey barrels, which gives it a unique complexity and smoothness. This careful aging process in American and Irish oak barrels culminates in a product that stands out for its sensory richness and sophistication. Additional aging in Irish whiskey barrels adds an extra level of complexity and depth, elevating the tequila's taste profile to new heights. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo not only celebrates a century-old tradition, but also reaffirms its position as a benchmark in the tequila industry worldwide.

Organoleptic Characteristics Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo

• Aroma: Notes of cooked agave, vanilla and toffee.
• Flavor: A complex and smooth blend of vanilla, dried fruit and spice accents.
• Finish: Long and silky.
• Cuervo's distillery, La Rojeña, established in 1795 in Jalisco, Mexico, is the oldest active spirits distillery in Latin America. Jose Cuervo was a pioneer in the commercial production of tequila worldwide.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo Composition

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Available Presentations: 750 ml and 375 ml.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo Price

The price of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo currently (2024) is $38.99 USD for 750 ml on the official website (cuervo.com).

Jose Cuervo Especial ®

Within the Jose Cuervo Especial ® category, the following tequila variants are included, each carefully crafted to offer distinctive flavor profiles:

SILVER (Jose Cuervo ® Especial ®)

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver is a tequila made from blue agave grown on the family estate in Jalisco, Mexico. This tequila is double distilled to achieve a smooth, crisp and clean sensory profile. Its aroma is fresh, with subtle agave notes that highlight its purity. With an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof), this tequila presents an equally crisp and clean character on the palate, accompanied by soft blue agave nuances and a warm, velvety finish. Jose Cuervo Especial Silver is especially appreciated in the preparation of margaritas, establishing itself as the perfect starter for parties and events. Its growing popularity in America positions it as one of the fastest growing tequilas, living up to its reputation as the number one tequila in the world. This tequila stands out not only for its quality and flavor, but also for its versatility and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both cocktails and on its own. The double distillation and agave origin ensure that each bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial® Silver meets the highest standards of excellence, resonating with the brand's rich tequila tradition.

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver® Organoleptic Characteristics

• Aroma: Hints of agave, with a fresh and clean profile.
• Flavor: Its flavor is clear and crisp, with subtle agave notes.
• Finish: Concludes with a warm, smooth finish.

Composition of Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Presentations Available: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L.

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Price

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver is currently (2024) priced at $22.99 USD for 750 ml on the official website (cuervo.com).

GOLD (Jose Cuervo ® Especial ®)

Recognized as the world's leading tequila brand, Jose Cuervo Especial Gold is a golden blend of young tequilas. This light golden-colored distillate has a sweet aroma with pleasant notes of agave. In addition to its sweet and subtle agave flavor, hints of oak and vanilla are perceived. Jose Cuervo Especial Gold is distinguished by a well-balanced, short and smooth finish. With an alcohol content of 40% (80 proof), it offers a refined sensory experience.

Organoleptic Characteristics Jose Cuervo Especial Gold

• Aroma: Sweet agave notes with pleasant hints.
• Flavor: Sweet flavor with subtle hints of agave, oak and vanilla.
• Finish: Well balanced, short and smooth.
• Throughout history, and today, Jose Cuervo Especial Gold has been the preferred choice for Margaritas, whether frozen or on the rocks. Jose Cuervo's mastery of tequila making has ensured its continued popularity.

Composition of Jose Cuervo Especial Gold

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Presentations Available: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 1.75 L.

Jose Cuervo Especial Gold Price

Jose Cuervo Especial Gold is currently (2024) priced at $22.99 USD for 750 ml at the official website (cuervo.com).

Jose Cuervo 250th Anniversary (SPECIAL EDITION)

The Special Edition of Jose Cuervo ® is launched to commemorate highly significant events, and on this occasion celebrates the 250th anniversary of the brand. This ultra añejo tequila, made from 100% blue agave, has been created from a meticulous selection of raw materials to honor the tradition and history of Jose Cuervo. This limited edition commemorates the historic birth of tequila production and eleven generations of Cuervo family tradition. In honor of the 250th anniversary, Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario is an extra añejo tequila of exceptional rarity, 100% blue agave, blended from the finest tequilas in the family reserve and aged using a unique double barrel method. Initially aged in new French and American oak barrels, the liquid is eventually rested in Spanish sherry casks as a "salute" to the Spaniards who introduced New World distilling techniques to the ancient mezcal wine process, which led to the production of modern tequila. The Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario not only celebrates a remarkable 250-year history, but also encapsulates the distillery's expertise and legacy, offering a unique and truly special tasting experience. Each bottle is accompanied by an elegant oak gift box and a sequential number engraved on the glass, certifying the rarity and authenticity of the product.

Organoleptic characteristics of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario

• Aroma: Notes of lightly toasted oak, vanilla, almonds, walnuts, chocolate and some spices such as cloves and intense cinnamon.
• Taste: Exceptionally smooth and velvety, harmonizing perfectly with a pleasant and balanced alcoholic touch, revealing a multitude of flavors that invite further tasting.
• Finish: Sweet, with subtle notes of agave, oak and vanilla.

Composition of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Available Presentations: 750 ml.

Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario Price

The price of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario currently (2024) is $67,569.00 MXN of 750 ml in the official website (elpalaciodehierro.com).

Other Jose Cuervo ® products

Jose Cuervo ® has other varieties of products, including the RESERVA DE LA FAMILIA ® tequila brand and tequila-derived beverages classified as MARGARITAS.

Production of Jose Cuervo Tequila

The tequila production process is an intricate web of well-structured phases, beginning with the harvesting of the blue agave piñas (Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul) and culminating in the maturation of the liquid. This complex cycle is carried out by essential professionals such as the jimador and the hornero. Since 1795, Jose Cuervo® has perfected these processes at its La Rojeña distillery. The fundamental stages of production are described below:

Agave Harvest:

The process begins with the jimador, who performs the "jima," cutting the leaves (pencas) and shaping the heart of the agave (piña). The Piñas, which can weigh between 20 and 90 kilos, are harvested at optimum maturity, when the polysaccharide content is at its maximum and suitable as raw material.

Cooking and Sugar Extraction:

The Piñas are cooked in 16 ovens with capacities of 30 to 90 tons, for 36 to 40 hours at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. This stage is crucial for the development of the tequila's flavors.

Milling:

After cooling for 8 hours, the Piñas are extracted, crushed and pressed to release the juice, which is transferred to the fermentation tanks.

Fermentation:

In this phase, the cooked agave juice is fermented by adding a natural yeast that metabolizes the sugars and generates alcohol.

Distillation:

The fermented liquid undergoes two distillations in copper stills. The first distillation, which lasts 1 to 3 hours, produces "tequila ordinario." The second distillation, lasting 2 to 6 hours, transforms ordinary tequila into "Tequila Blanco."

Maturation:

Tequila Blanco can be matured in French and American oak barrels. The duration of aging modifies its organoleptic properties, resulting in different kinds of tequila: Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo, which are differentiated by their smoothness and complexity.

This meticulous process ensures that Jose Cuervo® maintains its legacy of quality and tradition in the production of this iconic Mexican beverage.

History of Jose Cuervo

• Since 1758, Jose Cuervo has been producing tequila for more than 250 years, applying manufacturing techniques, artisanal skills and recipes meticulously passed down through the generations. 
• In 1758, Jose Antonio de Cuervo received royal authorization from the King of Spain to settle in Tequila, Mexico, and begin the exploitation of the blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul). In 1795, his son, José María Guadalupe de Cuervo, obtained the first official license for the production and commercialization of tequila, laying the legal foundation for the industry.
• La Rojeña distillery, inaugurated in 1812, is the oldest operating distillery in Latin America. Jose Cuervo introduced the concept of individual bottling of tequila, a significant advance that optimized logistics and facilitated commercial expansion in both domestic and international markets. At the La Rojeña distillery, Jose Antonio de Cuervo transformed hundreds of agave plants into millions, achieving large-scale production that enabled the export of barrels to California in 1852. Cuervo also implemented advanced distilling machinery for his time, setting records as the first brand to bottle tequila individually.
• In 1938, at the Tail O' The Cock bar in Los Angeles, bartender Johnny Durlesser combined Cuervo with other ingredients to impress a female customer, giving rise to the Margarita cocktail. By 1940, the Margarita had established itself as an icon in the cocktail world.
• In 1974, Mexico legally defined tequila as a spirit that must be produced exclusively in certain regions of the country, similar to the appellations of origin of Champagne in France or Scotch in Scotland.

Note: The brands mentioned in this article, Jose Cuervo®, Tradicional® and Cuervo Especial® belong to TEQUILA CUERVO, S.A. DE C.V. and CASA CUERVO, S.A. DE C.V.