Tequila NOM Guide
TLDR: NOM is the distillery ID on every 100% agave tequila label. It tells you where it was made. Use it to spot brand families, compare production choices, and avoid mystery sourcing.
Jump to: What is NOM | Where to find it | How to use it | Common myths | FAQ
What is NOM?
NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) is the four-digit number assigned to a licensed tequila distillery by Mexico’s CRT. It appears on the label of any 100% agave tequila and identifies the exact facility where that batch was produced.
Prefer additive-free tequila? Read our additive-free guide or shop the additive-free collection.
| Label field | What it means | Why it matters | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOM #### | Distillery ID (one number per facility). Multiple brands can share one NOM. | Reveals who actually made it. Lets you compare across brands from the same plant. | Back label, near “Hecho en México.” |
| CRT seal | Indicates CRT compliance with tequila standards. | Confirms it’s certified tequila (not mixto unless stated) and legally produced. | Back label or neck. |
| 100% de agave | Made entirely from blue Weber agave (no mixto sugars). | Purity and transparency; often preferred for sipping and quality cocktails. | Front label callout. |
| Category | Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo (aging rules set by NOM-006). | Impacts flavor, oak use, and best use cases (sipping vs cocktails). | Front label near ABV. |
Where to find NOM on the bottle
- Look on the back label for “NOM ####.” It’s often close to the CRT logo.
- Same brand, different NOM? That means production moved (or a special bottling was made elsewhere).
- Same NOM, many brands? That distillery contract-produces for multiple labels—compare styles before you buy.
How to use NOM when buying tequila
- Shortlist by distillery. If you like one bottle from a NOM, sample others from the same plant.
- Cross-check style. Production choices (brick ovens vs autoclaves, roller vs diffuser, fermentation) vary by distillery and impact flavor and texture.
- Cocktail planning. For margs and Palomas, prioritize bright, clean blancos from consistent NOMs.
Common myths
- “NOM tells quality.” Not directly. It’s an ID, not a grade. Use NOM to track producers; judge quality by taste and method.
- “One brand = one NOM forever.” Brands can change NOMs, or use multiple for different SKUs.
- “Same NOM means identical tequila.” Recipes, agave sourcing, and aging can differ widely under one roof.
FAQ
Does NOM guarantee additive-free?
No. NOM identifies the distillery. Additive use is legal within limits for some categories. If you want “clean” profiles, favor transparent producers and check brand disclosures.
Do mixtos list NOM?
Yes, but prioritize 100% agave for clarity of origin and flavor.
Last updated: 2025-08-21
