Updated March 2026.
Top-shelf tequila is a shelf tag, not a CRT class. Mexico’s file uses blanco, joven, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo. 100% agave and mixto are the two sugar paths — Especial Gold is mixto 51/49 on cuervo.com facts, NOM 1122. Typical US bottles print 40%. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. Don Julio 1942 is añejo, not extra. Read the NOM.
Related: what is reposado, José Cuervo line, celebrity tequila.
Shelf vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Top-shelf | — |
| CRT types | 1.00 at 40% |
| Cuervo Especial | 1.00 |
| Don Julio 1942 | 1.00 at 40% |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- NOM-006; 27 CFR 5.148. cuervo.com facts: Especial 51/49, NOM 1122; Especial Gold 40% joven (prior this project). Don Julio 1942 is añejo.
- Casamigos 1609/1416; 818=1607; Clase Azul tequila 1595. Typical US 40% NIAAA December 2025.