The 4-Digit Number To Look Out For On Bottles Of Tequila

There's a four-digit number on every bottle of tequila called the NOM — short for Norma Oficial Mexicana — assigned by the Mexican government as part of their official regulation.

Tequila can only be legally produced in five Mexican states, and must be made from blue weber agave. The NOM reinforces that the bottle has been inspected for such standards.

Furthermore, the four-digit code traces to the producer, lending you insight into the spirit's creation. Simply look up your tequila's NOM online to see where it comes from.

By plugging the number into a dedicated site like Tequila Matchmaker, you can find the production steps, barrel options, and even the water source for every NOM.

Furthermore, this search is the quickest way to check if a tequila is 100% agave. However, know that two tequilas having the same NOM doesn't mean their palates are identical.