HISTORY 1700s 1800s 1940s 1970s Today 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. THE ORIGINAL CUERVO CREST 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 NEW DISTILLATION MACHINERY Sold 10,000 barrels of tequila in one year. WHERE JOSE CUERVO IS PRODUCED La Rojeña, founded in 1812, is the oldest active distillery in Latin America. 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. THE TALL TALE 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. 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. PRODUCTS COCKTAILS TEQUILA FACTS TERMS OF SERVICE PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US COOKIES SETTINGS DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION DRINK RESPONSIBLY CONNECT WITH CUERVO JOSE CUERVO® trademarks owned by Becle, S.A.B. de C.V. © 2021 Proximo, Jersey City, NJ. Please drink responsibly. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies