Tequila’s story begins with the ancient people of Mexico. The Aztec, Chichimecan, Otomi, Toltecan and Nahuatl tribes all consumed beverages derived from the Agave plant. A member of the lily family, Agave was known as the “Tree of Miracles” and was used to make mats, clothing, rope and paper.
The European influence was brought about by the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Soon after destroying the Aztec empire, the Spanish began to run out of their homegrown beverages and turned to the native brews. Pulque was one of the native drinks created from the Agave plant. The conquerors distilled the indigenous drink and made a stronger derivative. The Spanish also created a Tequila wine.
As with most inventions, money quickly became the focus of the Conquistadors. In 1600 Tequila became North America’s first commercially produced alcohol. Don Pedro Sanches de Tagle, or the “Father of Tequila,” managed the first Tequila factory. 1758 marks Jose Antonio Cuervo’s, by mandate from the King of Spain, attainment of the first Tequila license. Tequila was first exported to the U.S. in 1837 and via the North American railroad system, quickly became a popular drink.
Today, there are more than 500 brands of Tequila available. The USA and Mexico are the world’s largest Tequila consumers.
For a more detailed account of the history of Tequila check out Earth Bar.
