The NOM, or Norma Oficial Mexicana, is a crucial factor in assessing the quality of Tequila. Represented by a four-digit number, it indicates the distillery where the Tequila is produced. By checking the NOM on the bottle, you can ensure the validity and class of the Tequila. The NOM is assigned by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), on behalf of the Mexican government. It allows Tequila connoisseurs to verify that the Tequila was created in Mexico and provides insight into the level of effort and care put into each bottle. With over 1,400 registered brands but only around 140 approved distilleries in Mexico, the NOM serves as a valuable tool for selecting high-quality Tequila.
Why is a NOM important?
NOM gives insight into the quality of tequila. It ensures that the tequila has met all of the Mexican government’s criteria and requirements. Tequila consumers are cautious of megadistilleries that often use additives and diffusers to differentiate their brands. Even if bottles share the same NOM, it does not guarantee that they will taste the same. For example, Espolon shares a NOM with Cabo Wabo, and Herradura and El Jimador are distilled at the same site. Knowing a tequila’s NOM can be helpful in deciding whether to try it or avoid it.
Regulations
According to Mexican law, Tequila must contain 51% Blue Agave sugars, with the rest from cane sugar juice. It must be aged for 14-21 days, made with natural ingredients, and have a minimum alcohol content of 38%. Tequila can be bottled with an ABV of 35% to 55%, commonly around 35-38%. In the US market, it must have a minimum of 40%, 43% in South Africa, and 37.5% in Europe. NOMs can indicate which bottles to avoid, but they can also guide discovery and help find the finest Tequila for our palates. Explore other brands with the same NOM to find alternatives.
Aceves Spirits have three generations of tequila experience and are ready to help you build your private tequila brand from the ground up. Our three generations of expertise allow us to advise you throughout the entire spirit development process so you can begin your project and execute it with excellence.