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spirit

Tequila

Agave, regulated, sometimes adulterated

100% blue agave tequila is congener-light. "Mixto" (51% agave) is cut with sugar-cane spirit and additives that can hit harder.

Typical ABV
38–55%
Base
Blue Weber agave
Distillation
Pot or column, 2x
Aging
Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo
Category hangover index
4/10
Moderate
Chemistry profile
Congeners
Low
Histamines
Low
Polyphenols
Low
Sulfites
Very Low
Tannins
Low
Sugar
Low
Additives
Moderate

Tequila has a reputation for both wild nights and oddly clean mornings. The split is real: 100% agave tequila is one of the lower-hangover spirits, while cheap mixto is essentially sugary fuel additive water.

What changes the chemistry

  • 100% agave vs mixto
  • Diffuser vs traditional cooking
  • Undisclosed additives (glycerin, caramel, oak extract) up to 1%
  • Aging adds congeners + tannins
Common allergens: agaveoak
See the healthiest tequila ranked