An Introduction to Jose Cuervo
A Long History
Jose Cuervo is a brand that’s practically synonymous with tequila. Established as far back as 1758, Cuervo has spent the last few centuries mastering and perfecting the craft of producing some of the world’s most delicious tequila. Founded by José Antonio de Cuervo y Valdés when he was given land ownership by the Spanish King Fernand VI, Cuervo quickly paved the way with new distillation machinery that helped produce over ten thousand barrels of tequila in only one year.
Jose Cuervo eventually found its way to the United States when the tequila arrived by train to California from San Blas, Mexico in 1852. Jose Cuervo is now produced in La Rojeña, which is the oldest (and still active) distillery in all of Latin America, having been founded in the year 1812. Cuervo tequila has gone on to win several awards for its fantastic taste and smooth finish.
Jose Cuervo Prices List
Type | Size | Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver | 375ml | $13.99 - $16.99 | 80 |
750ml | $16.99 - $18.99 | 80 | |
1.75L | $27.99 - $29.99 | 80 | |
Jose Cuervo Especial Gold | 750ml | $16.99 - $18.99 | 70 |
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver | 750ml | $25.99 - $29.99 | 80 |
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado | 750ml | $25.99 - $29.99 | 80 |
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia | 750ml | $129.99 - $199.99 | 90 |
Prices Compared to Other Tequila Brands
Sauza
Sauza tequila is actually very similar in price to Jose Cuervo, but Jose Cuervo is slightly more expensive. They’ve also been in the tequila distilling game for a similar amount of years. Sauza’s cheapest bottle, the Sauza Signature Blue Silver (750ml) retails between $13.99 - $19.99, which is comparable to Jose Cuervo’s Especial Silver (375ml) that runs between $13.99 - $16.99. All in all, Jose Cuervo offers more products than Sauza, offering a bit more variety and tequila that is aged for much longer.
Milagro
Milagro is a tequila brand that is very comparable to Jose Cuervo. Most of their tequila products run within the same ranges, and they offer a wide selection that can rival Jose Cuervo’s selection. A standard 750ml bottle of Milagro Silver can retail between $21.99 - $27.99, which is the same price range as Jose Cuervo’s Especial Silver (1.75L).
DeLeon
DeLeon is a premium tequila brand, and this reflects in both their tequila’s quality and price. In comparison to Jose Cuervo, whose tequila products are reasonably priced, DeLeon is significantly more expensive. Their cheapest bottle, the DeLeon Platinum (750ml) can be bought from retailers from anywhere between $27.99 - $29.99. This is a similar price range to Jose Cuervo’s 1.75L Especial Silver. Overall, DeLeon is a much pricier brand.
Patron
Patron is similar to DeLeon in that it’s another premium tequila brand. As such, Patron’s tequila prices are significantly higher than what’s offered by Jose Cuervo. The older bottles of Patron, like the Patron Gran Burdeo, can be sold for as high as $$419.99 - $499.99, nearly four times more expensive than Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia.
What should you mix with Jose Cuervo?
El Espejo
There’s something incredibly satisfying about an exceptionally made and fruity orange drink that still has all the benefits of alcoholic fun. In a mixing glass, add all of the ingredients and stir to mix thoroughly. Strain the ingredients into a coup glass and garnish with a beautifully bright and vibrant orange peel twist. This cocktail is simple, classy, and sure to impress your dinner guests!
The Last Punch
The more the merrier! This recipe is definitely intended to be shared with friends and family at your next get together. In a large bowl or pitcher, add the ingredients together and fill to the brim with ice to chill the cocktail. You can garnish with deliciously sweet maraschino cherries and lime wheels to not only add to the flavor, but the overall aesthetic of the drink. Bright, beautiful, and bubbly, the Last Punch is definitely all you’ll ever need!
Tequila Sunrise
You can’t go wrong if you go classic! The tequila sunrise is a delicious and fruity alternative to drinking tequila straight. In a tall glass over ice, pour in the grenadine so that it coats the bottom of the glass. Add the remaining ingredients and top off with Sprite (or any other sweet fizzy drink, for that matter) to add a light bubbliness to the flavor. Feel free to garnish with as many Maraschino cherries as you’d like. After all, the more the merrier!
Just wondering. I have a 1999 bottle of Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia and I haven’t opened it yet. Is it getting any better or is it degrading.
Once the Tequila is removed from the barrel it may, (or may not,) be housed in at the distillery, it is then bottled and boxed for shipping to distribution centers, so at that point the ‘aging’ process of the liquid/s inside would no longer be taking place.
However, the unopened bottle you describe as having from 1999 would be the artist edition featuring the work of Mexican artist Leonardo Gutierrez on the red wooden box, as the family commissions a different artist each year to design the artwork.
While the Tequila inside the bottle isn’t getting necessarily ‘better’, it can degrade over time due to the environment it is stored in.
It is also collectible to both Tequila aficionados, as well as collectors of Mr. Gutierrez’s artwork and those who collect anything and everything ‘Cuervo’.
Keeping it, ( or any high dollar collectible spirits, wine, or beer,) away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight over any prolonged period of time is key to keeping it true to what the family’s Master Distiller intended for the Tequila to taste like.
( I would have added ‘air exposure’ as well, but you stated the bottle was still unopened. )
I hope this answers your question.
Cheers ! – Louis