Since 1758

A History Of The World's Oldest Tequila Brand

Jose Cuervo has been making tequila for over 250 years with the same experience, craftsmanship, and recipes that have been handed down generation through generation. Scroll down to explore key moments in the brand's rich history.

Begin The Journey

1700s

In Mexico, a legend is about to be born.

In 1758, José Antonio de Cuervo y Valdés was given a writ of land ownership by King Fernand VI to plant agave on his lands for producing tequila.

1795



King Carlos IV issued a royal decree in Spain granting Jose Maria Guadalupe Cuervo y Montana the first license to produce and distribute tequila.

1795



King Carlos IV issued a royal decree in Spain granting Jose Maria Guadalupe Cuervo y Montana the first license to produce and distribute tequila.

Casa Cuervo could never have imagined that the hundreds of agave plants they were cultivating would eventually multiply to millions of plants with the passage of time.

1800s

Exported To The United States

Jose Cuervo barrels made it to California from San Blas in 1852

Glass Bottles To Go Anywhere

Jose Cuervo® was the first tequila brand to bottle tequila individually, making it easier to transport the tequila to meet booming demand in Mexico and across the border.

Glass Bottles To Go Anywhere

Jose Cuervo® was the first tequila brand to bottle tequila individually, making it easier to transport the tequila to meet booming demand in Mexico and across the border.

Award Winning,
As Always

First-place medal given to Jose Cuervo Tequila at the second Exposición de Las Clases Productoras, exhibition held in Guadalajara in May 1880.

1940s

The Margarita:
It's more than just a girl's name.

Those in the know, know there is never a substitute for Jose Cuervo.

Those in the know, know there is never a substitute for Jose Cuervo.

The Tall Tale

The tale takes place in 1938 at Tail O' the Cock Restaurant in Los Angeles. There, head bartender Johnny Durlesser noticed a pretty lady at the bar one night, and then again another night. The third time he saw her at his bar, he wanted to make a drink to impress her. He grabbed the Cuervo, added a touch of sweet just like her... and the rest is history.

The Original
Recipe:

1 1/2 oz White Cuervo® Tequila
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice.

Shake well and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.

Certificates Of
Excellence

Around the world and back again, Jose Cuervo® has been chosen as the most distinguished name in tequila.

1970s

Tequila Gets Destination Of Origin

Just like Champagne can only be made in France, or Scotch can only be made in Scotland, as of 1974, in order for a spirit to be called "tequila" it had to be made in certain states of Mexico.

Tequila's Newest Groove

Cuervo was the brand of choice when the tequila sunrise became wildly popular. The drink's rise to fame was attributed to the major rock and roll bands who sipped it on their private jets and immortalized it in song.

Tequila's Newest Groove

Cuervo was the brand of choice when the tequila sunrise became wildly popular. The drink's rise to fame was attributed to the major rock and roll bands who sipped it on their private jets and immortalized it in song.

The Official Bottles Of Tequila

Putting The Beach On The Map

Cuervo was the first major brand to sponsor beach volleyball, and is widely credited with popularizing the sport.

Today, Cuervo Is Still The
Number One Tequila In The World.

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