Snake In Tequila: How And Why They End Up In Bottles

Finding a snake in a bottle of tequila may seem bizarre, but it’s not unheard of. In fact, some brands even use it as a marketing gimmick. If you’ve ever wondered how on earth a snake gets into a sealed bottle of tequila, you’re not alone.

Read on as we unravel the mystery of the snake in the tequila bottle.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Some tequila brands intentionally add snakes to bottles as a marketing tactic. This is done by placing a live snake in the bottle before sealing, allowing it to drowned in the tequila.

However, snakes have also been found in bottles unintentionally when they fall into tanks of fermenting agave and get trapped.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the origins of the snake in the tequila bottle, from ancient mythology to modern marketing ploys. We’ll look at some of the most common tequila brands known for using snake bottles.

We’ll also provide tips on how to spot a fake snake tequila bottle and dive into the controversy around this practice from animal rights groups.

The History and Mythology Behind the Snake in Tequila

The Legend of the Snake God Nagar

An ancient Mesoamerican legend tells of a mystical snake god named Nagar who fell in love with Mayahuel, the goddess of the maguey plant. When Mayahuel’s grandmother, the earth goddess Tzinteotl, found out about their forbidden love affair, she killed Mayahuel.

The grieving Nagar found solace in the fermented sap of the maguey—the first tequila. According to the myth, Nagar can sometimes be found at the bottom of a tequila bottle.

This legend highlighting the role of snakes in Aztec mythology provides insight into why some tequila bottles contain snakes today. Some distillers intentionally place a snake in the bottle as a nod to this mythology. They view it as paying respect to the Aztec roots of tequila in Jalisco, Mexico.

The snake has become a symbolic cultural icon representing the storied history of tequila.

Snakes as a Symbol of Rebirth in Aztec Mythology

Beyond the Nagar legend, serpents held special meaning in Aztec mythology as creatures associated with rebirth. When an Aztec god died or the world was destroyed in mythology, a snake would help in the process of recreating the god or world.

According to mythology, the god Quetzalcoatl was known for transforming into a snake to reinvent himself.

Some tequila makers intentionally place snakes in bottles to represent rebirth. When someone drinks a shot with a snake inside, it symbolically brings renewal. While an unpleasant surprise for the unknowing drinker, for others it carries profound meaning.

The snake transforms the tequila drinking experience into one of mythic proportions.

So whether to honor the legend of Nagar, represent themes of regeneration, or simply carry on cultural traditions, the snake in the tequila bottle is a storied and meaningful icon in Mexican spirits. It brings mythology to life with each surprising sip. ¡Salud!

Tequila Brands Known for Using Snakes in Bottles

Scorpion Mezcal

Scorpion Mezcal has become one of the most iconic tequila brands for putting animals in their bottles. True to their name, select bottles of their Joven Mezcal contain a real scorpion inside that is actually edible.

The scorpion is said to represent the characteristic boldness and smoothness of the smoky agave spirit, making it a novelty for tequila fans. According to their website, the venom is removed from the scorpions before bottling through a trademarked process.

La Vibora Tequila

La Vibora translates to “the snake” in Spanish, clearly emphasizing their trademark animal ingredient. Their reposado and añejo tequila varieties contain a large coiled rattlesnake immersed in the distilled blue agave alcohol.

The company highlights on their website that the snakes meet strict quality guidelines – they must be found in the wild, already deceased, then preserved through taxidermy before bottling.

El Jolgorio Tequila

While less known than Scorpion’s Mezcal, El Jolgorio’s tequila pays homage to old Mexican traditions by including a viper snake in their Espadin agave bottles. According to reviews, the bottle is more novelty than quality when it comes to taste.

Yet it still fascinates tequila fans who want a spirit reflecting Mexico’s rich culture. Here is a comparison of the three tequila brands:

While tasting liquor with an animal floating inside may not appeal to everyone, using snakes and scorpions in tequila has become a distinguishing trademark for all three of these fascinating Mexican spirits.

How Snakes End Up in Tequila Bottles

Intentionally Placed as a Marketing Gimmick

Some tequila brands intentionally place snakes in bottles as a marketing tactic to attract attention and stand out on liquor store shelves. This gimmick plays into the popular association between tequila and Mexico, where certain kinds of rattlesnakes are native species.

Brands such as Caballito Cerrero fill empty tequila bottles with a small snake curled up inside along with the tequila. They may use a preserved rattlesnake, snake skin shed, or plastic model. This is simply for show – the snake does not actually flavor the tequila in any way.

But it does make for shocking social media posts and news headlines when someone pours out a shot and finds an unexpected reptilian drinking buddy.

While some consumers are intrigued and delighted by the novelty of a snake tequila, others consider it cruel or unappetizing. Controversy and conversation are exactly what these spirit brands are going for. Outrage and morbid curiosity translate to free advertising and viral attention.

Accidentally Falling into Fermentation Tanks

In more rare and unintentional cases, actual live snakes have ended up drowned in tanks of fermenting tequila juice. Snakes may slip into the large outdoor tanks, attracted by the sweet agave smell or small creatures feeding on the plant matter.

However, they cannot escape from the high tank walls and meet an unfortunate demise by drowning in the alcoholic broth.

Agave plants used to make tequila are grown and harvested in western Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco. This hot climate also happens to be a habitat for 36 different species of rattlesnake, including dangerous crotalus basiliscus.

Local tequila production facilities must take precautions to control pests, just like any agricultural industry.

Despite safety measures, a wayward snake will occasionally find its way into an outdoor fermentation vat. Their decomposing bodies can contaminate entire huge batches. While this does not happen often, when it does, it results in incredibly expensive waste for the distillery.

It also generates unpleasant headlines, such as the 2020 incident when a patron accused Jose Cuervo of selling tainted batches.

Ultimately, finding a snake coiled up in your shot glass makes for an entertaining bar story. But behind the scenes, quality control experts at major tequila houses work constantly to keep reptiles far away from the distilling equipment.

Tequila is still best served without any twisted lime garnish, no matter how colorful its history may be.

How to Spot a Fake Snake Tequila Bottle

Look for Brand Consistency

Genuine tequila brands strive for consistency across their product lines. Look at the bottle shape, label design, fonts, colors, images, and themes. Do they match what you’d expect from the brand? For example, Jose Cuervo tequila bottles often feature the iconic Jose Cuervo family crest, along with bold red and gold colors.

If something looks off, that’s a red flag.

Double check that the label includes the NOM number, which verifies the distillery where the tequila was produced. You can look up legitimate NOM numbers on the Tequila Matchmaker website. Fake bottles likely won’t have an authentic NOM or will use a made-up number.

Inspect the Bottle and Cork

Examine the bottle for flaws that indicate a cheap imitation. Real tequila bottles should be free of air bubbles, drips, uneven seams and other imperfections. The glass should feel substantial in your hands, not lightweight and thin.

Pop open the cork and give it a sniff. Authentic corks smell neutral, while low-quality fakes often give off a strong paint or chemical odor. Also, real tequila corks fit snugly and securely, unlike loose-fitting knockoff corks.

Research the Brand

Do some quick research before buying bottle from an unfamiliar brand or store. Search the brand name plus words like “fake,” “authentic,” or “counterfeit.” You’ll likely find forum discussions exposing fake brands. Tequila Matchmaker and Difford’s Guide also include lists of legitimate tequila brands.

You can even email the brand yourself and ask if they distribute to the area where you’re shopping. Major tequila brands work hard to combat fraud, so they’ll likely appreciate the tip off if their product is being counterfeited.

Controversy and Criticism Around Snake Tequilas

Animal Cruelty Concerns

Many animal rights groups like PETA have raised concerns over the treatment of snakes used in some tequila productions. They argue that inserting snakes into tequila bottles while alive and letting them drown is an inhumane practice.

Some tequila brands have faced backlash over videos showing snakes being crammed into tiny liquor bottles.

However, major tequila brands that produce “snake tequilas” have countered that they ethically source their snakes. For instance, Jose Cuervo partners with licensed snake farms that humanely cull snakes when necessary and utilize snakes that have died of natural causes.

They say snakes are never housed in cramped containers and are inserted only after passing away peacefully from euthanasia. Still, animal activists claim there is no humane way to produce novelty liquors using animal carcasses.

PETA Boycotts and Petitions

Groups like PETA have initiated high-profile boycotts and petitions targeting brands like Jose Cuervo over snake tequilas. For example, in 2017, PETA supporters sent over 11,000 complaint emails to Jose Cuervo urging them to stop production.

PETA has called the use of snakes in liquor products “cruel” and “callous,” although Jose Cuervo denies those claims.

Through protests and media campaigns, PETA seeks to sway public opinion and pressure brands into halting snake tequila lines. They hope consumer backlash and falling sales will incentivize companies to change policies around sourcing snakes and other animals.

However, brands like Jose Cuervo maintain ethical practices, and novelty snake tequilas remain popular, especially in the United States and Mexico.

Conclusion

While the idea of finding a snake coiled up in your tequila may not seem appetizing, the story behind the serpent in the bottle has deep roots. For some brands, it provides a way to pay homage to the legendary origins of tequila in Aztec and Mayan mythology.

For others, it’s an undeniably smart, if controversial, marketing tactic. Whatever your stance on the practice, learning the history and process behind the snake in the tequila bottle provides fascinating insight into an age-old Mexican tradition.