Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
It all began in Mexico, Latin America, where the origin of best tequilas started, and beer is rarely a choice. Jose Cuervo is a family-owned business that paved the way for all other brands of tequila.
Let us find out how this fine mixture of aromas is made and why the Jose Cuervo price lists are such.
The Beginning of Jose Cuervo Tequila
When you talk about tequila, what commonly comes to mind is Jose Cuervo. In 1758, José Antonio de Cuervo y Valdés started producing tequila from the quality blue agave plant when he was given land ownership by the king of Spain, Fernand VI, in Jalisco, Mexico.
It reached San Blas, California, in the United States and became a favorite spirit since then.
How It’s Made
Ingredients:
- Agave Juice – The extracted agave nectar that was grown for at least 12 years before it is handpicked and pressed.
- Pulque- Still agave juice but was pre-fermented, rested for ten days, converting the sugars to alcohol. It comes out as tequila Blanco which is 80% proof or around 38-40 percent ABV.
- Alcohol – Jose Cuervo uses the natural sugars of the plant, which exist after double distillation.
Popular Tequila Jose Cuervo Varieties
Especial
Jose Cuervo is of premium quality but is under the standard category. In the United States, this brand is a favorite to mix with margaritas. Either the Jose Cuervo Especial Silver bottle or Gold is the most known spirit of this brand.
Considered as a mixed tequila with grain alcohol, it has 40% ABV. The Jose Cuervo Especial Silver tequila is the most affordable, and next is Jose Cuervo Especial Gold.
Platino
The Platino name is just another fancy term for Blanco, but this special offering from Jose Cuervo used a unique process called “Essencia de Agave.” It goes through the same distillation, but it gets stored in steel tanks for 60 days and ages there.
Reserva de Familia
It was not supposed to be shared with the public, but Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia became part of their products in stores when it was introduced to the public during their 200th year anniversary. This bottle is said to be the first Añejo tequila in the world.
Tradicional
Jose Cuervo Tradicional is the original blend of tequila and is made of 100% blue weber agave, distilled and kept in different storage depending if they are Plata, Reposado or Añejo. If aged longer, these are kept in Irish whiskey casks to have that fruity finish or in oak barrels.
Common Jose Cuervo Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Especial Silver | 375ml | 80 | $13.99 – $16.99 |
| 750ml | 80 | $16.99 – $18.99 | |
| 1.75L | 80 | $27.99 – $31.99 | |
| Tradicional Silver | 750ml | 80 | $25.99 – $29.99 |
| Tradicional Reposado | 750ml | 80 | $25.99 – $29.99 |
| Especial Gold | 750ml | 70 | $16.99 – $18.99 |
| Tradicional Añejo | 750ml | 80 | $25.99 – $29.99 |
| Reserva de la Familia | 750ml | 90 | $139.99 – $199.99 |
| Reserva de la Familia Reposado | 375ml | 80 | Around $44.99 |
| 750ml | 80 | $99.99 – $125 | |
| Reserva de la Familia Platino | 375ml | 80 | Around $26.49 |
| 750ml | 80 | $72.99 – $125 |
Compared to Other Brands
DeLeon
Deleon is one of the top brands in the tequila-making industry, and their quality is not questioned as well as the price. The DeLeon Platinum Tequila 750ml is around $27.99 – $29.99, which is near the price range of the 1.75L of Jose Cuervo Especial Silver (1). The aging process of DeLeon is what makes their products costly, and you can tell by the taste of their tequila liquor what makes them different from the rest.
Sauza
Tequilas from Sauza are almost alike with Jose Cuervo’s regarding pricing, but Cuervo’s are still a little bit expensive. They began distilling almost at the same time as Cuervo did, and both know how this business goes. Sauza’s 750ml of Sauza Signature Blue Silver is about $13.99 – $19.99, while Jose Cuervo Especial Silver 375ml is at about $13.99 – $16.99.
Patron
Another premium tequila is Patron, which is why the prices are much higher than what Jose Cuervo has. The Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is the most expensive bottle from their line, while the Patron Gran Burdeo, the most popular bottle from Patron, costs roughly $419.99 – $499.99. These tequilas are marketed in the higher bracket reason why they have such pricing.
Milagro
We can consider Milagro as Jose Cuervo’s direct competition as they are in the same standard category. The price differences are not that far, and they also have a good number of selections.
Milagro Reposado, also called Milagro Gold because of its color, is priced roughly $21.99 – $27.99 is priced just a little bit higher than Jose Cuervo Especial Gold (750ml).
How To Drink It
Jose Cuervo Tequila brand takes pride in its history and how they process their agave spirits, that is why they want drinkers to sip it neat to experience the mix of flavors inside their tequila bottles.
You can also make flavorful beverages, just like the famous Cuervo Margarita. But is Jose Cuervo really 100% agave?
Popular Cocktail Recipes
Reposado Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado
- ¼ ounce Simple Syrup
- Two dashes of bitters
- Blood orange twist for garnish
- Cinnamon Stick (optional)
Procedure:
Place two dashes of bitters along with simple syrup in a rock glass. Put ice. Pour in Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado. Stir. Garnish with an orange twist and place the cinnamon stick. Serve.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila
- 2 ounces orange juice or lime juice
- One teaspoon grenadine
- Ice
- Orange wedges
- Maraschino cherries
- Ice
Procedure:
Place ice, orange juice, and tequila in the glass. Stir. Pour grenadine slowly into the mixture. Stir. Garnish with orange wedge topped with cherry. Serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is good to mix with José Cuervo?
Jose Cuervo Tequila is a perfect mix of any kind of fruit juices like lime. You can make a variety of cocktails, and all of your creations are guaranteed to taste great. People enjoy Cuervo Paloma extra special with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver.
Is José Cuervo real tequila?
Yes! Jose Cuervo is real tequila using 100% blue agave for all their bottles. One can enjoy it neat or with a touch of lime juice. A bottle is available all over the world and can be delivered to your doorstep.
Is Jose Cuervo strong?
Jose Cuervo, like other tequilas, can have varying alcohol content, typically around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it a strong spirit.
Is José Cuervo the oldest tequila?
Jose Cuervo is one of the oldest tequila brands, with roots dating back to the late 18th century. However, the claim of being the absolute oldest may be contested by other historic tequila producers.
What is the most expensive tequila?
One of the most expensive tequilas is “Clase Azul Ultra,” known for its limited edition and luxury presentation.
Is Jose Cuervo a strong alcohol?
Yes, Jose Cuervo is a strong alcohol, as it is a distilled spirit with a standard alcohol content of around 40% ABV.
Is Jose Cuervo considered cheap tequila?
Jose Cuervo is often positioned as a mid-range tequila, offering a balance between quality and affordability. It may not be considered cheap, but it is not as expensive as some premium options.
What is the healthiest tequila?
In moderation, all tequilas can be consumed responsibly. Healthiness may depend on personal preferences and considerations such as additives. Some may prefer tequilas labeled as organic or made with minimal additives.
How do you pronounce Cuervo?
Cuervo is pronounced as “KWEHR-voh.”
Does Jose Cuervo get you drunk?
Consuming any alcoholic beverage, including Jose Cuervo, can lead to intoxication if not consumed responsibly.
Does Jose Cuervo get you drunk fast?
The rate at which alcohol affects an individual varies based on factors like tolerance, body weight, and metabolism. Drinking any alcoholic beverage quickly can lead to faster intoxication.
Is Jose Cuervo good quality?
Jose Cuervo is generally considered a decent quality tequila, with different expressions catering to various preferences. Its reputation falls between entry-level and premium tequilas.
How do you drink Jose Cuervo?
Jose Cuervo can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in various cocktails such as Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises, depending on personal preference.
How to drink tequila?
Tequila can be enjoyed in various ways, including neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Sipping and savoring the flavors is common for high-quality tequilas, while mixing is popular for cocktails.
What type of alcohol is Cuervo?
Cuervo is a brand of tequila, which is a distilled spirit made from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant.
In Summary
The production of Jose Cuervo spirits in La Rojeña has never changed. The tequila products from Jose Cuervo have been consistent, and all their tequila family has its following since each has its distinct flavor.
This type of wine may have an expensive price range attached to its name, but the taste of tequila spirit is one of a kind. Place it in a cocktail shaker and turn it into a margarita or mix it with salt and lime. It will taste great. You have a lot of choices for a bottle of Jose Cuervo Tequila.
Reference:
- https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/47/silver
