Which agave species is used to make tequila under Mexico’s tequila standard?

Agave tequilana Weber var. azul is the agave species and variety used to make tequila under Mexico’s tequila standard.

The plant is commonly called blue Weber agave or blue agave. Producers harvest its mature heart, or piña, after removing the long leaves. Cooking the piña converts stored carbohydrates into fermentable sugars.

Tequila differs from mezcal in part because tequila production is tied to this specific agave variety. Mezcal can be made from many approved agave species, depending on regional rules and labeling requirements.

Blue agave is cultivated commercially in Mexico, especially in Jalisco and other states within tequila’s denomination-of-origin area. The scientific name includes Weber’s botanical attribution and the Spanish word azul, meaning blue.