Updated August 2026.
Tequila is not “Mexican whiskey.” Tequila (CRT / ) is an agave Denomination of Origin spirit, 35–55% ABV, with a NOM on the bottle. Whiskey is a grain distillate stored in oak (corn whiskey excepted) and bottled at ≥40%. A 1.5-ounce 80-proof pour is one NIAAA standard drink either way. Most US bottles of both print 40%.
Reposado/añejo oak time is a CRT class, not a bourbon new-charred-oak rule. Bourbon must be US and ≥51% corn. Related: tequila, whiskey, bourbon vs whiskey.
Two rulebooks
| Rule | Tequila | Whiskey |
|---|---|---|
| Place | CRT zone, Mexico | Wherever that type’s law says (bourbon = US) |
| Base | Blue Weber agave (100% or mixto ≥51%) | Grain mash |
| Barrel | Required only for aged classes | Oak (except corn whiskey) |
| ABV | 35–55%; US often 40% | ≥40% |
| Age words | Blanco / reposado / añejo / extra añejo | “Straight,” NAS, 12-year, etc. |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks. Four pours are four drinks. A 50% sipping tequila or barrel-proof whiskey is more ethanol in the same jigger. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Pour math: tequila, whiskey.
Sources
- CRT / 27 CFR 5.148 tequila; 27 CFR 5.143 whisky / bourbon.
- NIAAA (December 2025). No invented tasting winner or MSRP.
- (27 CFR 5.143)