Tequila History & Heritage by Ignite International

Tequila is an agave-based spirit known for its wide range of sweet, bold, and complex flavors. It's a bar cart staple for cocktail lovers that can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or with various mixers. If you're obsessed with spicy margaritas or flavorful palomas and want to learn more about the origins of tequila, you've come to the right place.

The IGNITE team has spent countless years perfecting our approach to deliver a one-of-a-kind taste you won't get from other tequilas. From the production process to the exquisite taste – our tequila was designed to satisfy your taste buds.

Here's everything you need to know about the origin of IGNITE tequila and how we got our name in the industry.

Where Does Ignite Tequila Come From? Exploring Its Origins

Tequila originates in the town of Tequila outside of Jalisco, Mexico. The creation of tequila can be traced back to the 16th century, and it was first mass-produced by the Cuervo family in the 1600s. Now, there are over 3,000 different tequila brands on the market. 

For tequila to be considered tequila, it must be made from blue agave plants harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. It must also follow a strict production process using traditional methods. The multi-step production process typically takes place in Jalisco and is overseen by the Tequila Regulatory Council. 

The Legacy of Ignite International’s Tequila Production

IGNITE tequila is deeply ingrained in tradition. Our tequila was created by a family steeped in the history of tequila production. Its matriarch created the Reposado category and is renowned for her contribution to tequila as a whole. 

The start of IGNITE tequila goes back five generations to Bruno Barba’s great-grandmother, who started the business and had the vision to make the best tequila. This experience in farming agave from the idyllic hills of Jalisco and the artistry that goes into producing our bottles give our tequila its incredible smoothness.

The secret behind the pure, smooth taste has been passed down for generations. Over the years, we have fine-tuned and improved our approach to produce a full-bodied taste for our Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo tequilas.

How the Reposado Category Was Created

Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for six months to two years. It is inspired by the European techniques used to create whiskey. Aging the tequila in barrels helps give it a smokier flavor and a golden yellow hue. Many of the flavors found in reposado tequila include chocolate, cinnamon, and tobacco. This is much different than the bright, crisp taste of Blanco tequila. Many individuals enjoy drinking Reposado neat or over ice. However, it can also be enjoyed with simple mixers like club soda or grapefruit juice.

From Agave to Bottle: The Craftsmanship of Tequila

Tequila follows a traditional multi-step production process. After the agave is harvested, the agave piñas are roasted in an oven for one to two days. Once the roasting phase is complete, the agave juice is removed from the piñas and transported to a fermentation tank. Tequila Blanco is bottled immediately after the fermentation process is complete. While Reposado and Anjeo are moved into an oak barrel to be aged. Unlike whiskey, which is sometimes aged for decades, most tequila is aged only six months to two years before being bottled. 

At IGNITE, we also use premium oak barrels to age our Reposado and Anejo tequila to perfection. These barrels help us achieve a unique balance of bold flavors. 

What Makes Ignite Tequila Unique? A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

IGNITE tequila is the gold standard for the industry. All spirits are made with premium-quality ingredients and the finest agave in the lowlands, so you can guarantee every sip will be as great as the last. 

Explore our tequila collection today.

What is tequila made of?

Tequila is made from the heart of a Weber blue agave plant. The heart of the plant is called the piña. 

Where does tequila originate from?

Tequila originates from the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. 

Where does tequila come from?

Tequila must come from Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas. The tequila production process is overseen by the Tequila Regulatory Council in all five of these authorized states.

When was the tequila beverage established?

The first known traces of tequila date back as late as 250-300 AD, but tequila was first mass-produced during the 18th century by the Cuervo family. The Cuervo family went on to create Jose Cuervo, one of the most popular grocery store brands of tequila to this day.