Updated July 2026.
Neither class is stronger. NOM-006 tequila and NOM-070 mezcal both allow 35–55% ABV. Typical US bottles in either category print 40% A still-strength tequila such as Fortaleza Still Strength at 46% / 92 (NOM 1493) is an example, not a crown. Mezcal is not tequila. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink.
Related: mezcal taste, tequila taste, strongest tequila.
Rule vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Tequila band | From labeled ABV |
| Mezcal band | From labeled ABV |
| Typical US bottle | 1.00 |
| Fortaleza Still Strength | 1.15 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: tequila drinks.
Sources
- NOM-006 and NOM-070 35–55%. 27 CFR 5.148. Fortaleza Still Strength 46%/92 NOM 1493 (prior official).
- Typical US 40%. NIAAA December 2025. No strongest crown.
- NOM-006 35–55%