Updated July 2026.
Maguey is not a separate plant from agave. Maguey is the common Spanish name for agave. Tequila is NOM-006 blue weber in the CRT zone. Mezcal is NOM-070 100% agave, 35–55%, and may use several agave species. Smoke is process talk, not a legal type. Typical US bottles print 40%. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink.
Related: mezcal vs agave, mezcal taste, tequila taste.
Name vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Maguey | — |
| Tequila | From labeled ABV |
| Mezcal | From labeled ABV |
| Typical US bottle | 1.00 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Pour math: agave drinks.
Sources
- NOM-006-SCFI-2012 tequila; NOM-070-SCFI-2016 mezcal 35–55%, 100% agave.
- 27 CFR 5.148. Typical US 40%. NIAAA December 2025.
- NOM-006 blue weber + CRT
- NOM-070 100% agave, 35–55%