Not all tequila is treated equal. Some stay true to time-honored traditions, while others take shortcuts. For those who care about what’s really going into their glass, there’s a simple way to separate the authentic from the artificial: turn the bottle around and look for the NOM.
A NOM — short for Norma Oficial Mexicana — is a four-digit number regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT). Think of it as a tequila’s official birth certificate. It not only identifies the exact distillery where the tequila was crafted, but also guarantees that every step of production adheres to the strict standards defined by the Mexican government.
It’s how you know your tequila is genuinely made in Mexico, authentically derived from Blue Weber agave, and fully compliant with certified tequila regulations.
Point Blank’s NOM: 1424
At Point Blank Tequila, our NOM is more than a number — it’s a statement of integrity and authenticity. NOM 1424 represents our home: Destiladora Agave Azul, a family-owned tequila production company located in San Juanito de Escobedo, Jalisco, the very heart of tequila country.
Led by Don Jose Garcia and his children, Destiladora Agave Azul grows and harvests only the finest Blue Weber agave, hand-selected at peak maturity by skilled jimadores. From there, our master distiller, Zandra Gomez Santiago — recognized as the 2024 Best Woman Distiller from the Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition — oversees every stage of production of Point Blank Tequila, from slow brick oven cooking to natural fermentation and careful aging.
Sustainability is central to the process, with agave waste converted into organic fertilizer and recycled materials used for every bottle, label, and closure. The result is tequila that is clean and completely additive-free — crafted with honesty, care, and respect for the land.
It’s this commitment to excellence — from traditional craftsmanship to sustainable innovation — that also earned Destiladora Agave Azul the prestigious “Made in Mexico” certification, a federal mark of authenticity and quality. On August 27, 2025, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the CRT, selected just 16 tequila companies to receive this inaugural distinction, placing Destiladora Agave Azul among an elite group of producers.
At the heart of it all is NOM 1424. A number that doesn’t just certify our authenticity — it defines who we are. So much so, that the workers at Destiladora Agave Azul wear it on their uniforms with pride, like a badge of honor. Because for us, NOM 1424 isn’t just about where our tequila comes from — it’s a symbol of how great tequila is made.
Why Does the NOM Matter?
It’s important to understand what a NOM does — and doesn’t — guarantee. The number itself verifies authenticity and origin, ensuring the tequila was made in Mexico under CRT regulations. Every authentically certified tequila must carry a NOM number on the label.
The CRT assigns this code to each licensed distillery, and brands that claim to be “100 percent agave tequila” or “mixto tequila” are required to display it. If a bottle lacks a NOM, it’s not genuine tequila under Mexican law, which makes checking this number the simplest way to confirm legitimacy.
A NOM number can be searched online using resources like the CRT registry where you can discover the brands produced at a given distillery, as well as production methods and history. This gives extra transparency for consumers and enthusiasts, allowing deeper understanding of a tequila’s origins.
But here’s the distinction: while a NOM proves authenticity, it does not automatically mean a tequila is additive-free. Many distilleries use the NOM system while still allowing additives such as flavorings, coloring, or sweeteners.
That’s what sets Point Blank apart. At NOM 1424 — Destiladora Agave Azul — our tequila is crafted with zero additives, no dyes, and no shortcuts. When you see NOM 1424 on a Point Blank bottle or a worker proudly displaying this number on a uniform, you know you’re tasting the purest expression of agave.
The Origins and Oversight of NOMs
Introduced in the late 1970s, NOMs were established to protect tequila’s Appellation of Origin, a move designed to preserve not just quality, but culture. Overseen by the CRT, the NOM system enforces:
- Agave sourcing and maturity requirements
- Traditional production methods
- Clear labeling and certification practices
Today, NOMs are the gold standard in verifying tequila authenticity. Each code is traceable through the CRT’s registry, giving curious consumers and industry professionals alike insight into where and how a tequila was made.
When checking a label, the four-digit NOM is often found on the back of the bottle, usually after the abbreviation “NOM” or near the phrase “Hecho en Mexico.” You may also see “CRT,” signifying inspection by the industry’s governing body. For full confidence, also look for “100% agave” or “100% de agave azul Weber” to ensure that no non-agave sugars are used in production.
Key label elements to check include:
- The word “Tequila” (protected by law)
- NOM number (traces authenticity and production)
- Type of tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Anejo.)
- Proof or ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
- “Hecho en Mexico” statement
- Producer/bottler name
- Batch or lot identified
The Power of Knowing Your NOM
For tequila lovers and connoisseurs, a NOM provides more than just transparency — it offers peace of mind:
- Authenticity: Your tequila is the real deal, produced in certified regions with 100% agave. The presence of a NOM number means the tequila has passed government inspections for origin, content, and method. It confirms that the tequila was made from Blue Weber agave in approved Mexican states and not a counterfeit spirit.
- Traceability: You can identify the distillery behind the bottle and discover other brands it produces.
- Quality Indicator: Today, there are more than 3,000 tequila brands on the market, but they all come from fewer than 200 licensed distilleries. That means many NOMs are tied to dozens of brands, often reflecting large-scale operations. Smaller NOMs, like 1424, represent fewer brands and are more often associated with small-batch methods that prioritize craftsmanship and authenticity over mass production.
Why It Matters to Us — and to You
At Point Blank Tequila, we aren’t just putting a number on a label. We’re putting truth in a bottle.
Every drop is made with 100% Blue Weber agave, sustainably sourced, and handcrafted — no additives, no shortcuts, no secrets. Every bottle carries a promise that what you’re drinking is real, rooted in Mexico, and refined to perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, learning to read a NOM is like learning to read tequila’s DNA. And when you see NOM 1424, know that you’re not just drinking tequila — you’re drinking the essence of San Juanito de Escobedo, the mastery of Zandra Santiago, and the legacy of Point Blank’s unwavering commitment to craft.
Because at Point Blank, truth is in every drop.
