Whether the heart is brick-oven-baked or pressure-cooked in stainless steel affects tequila's flavor, as does the way the heart's juices are extracted--by press or grinder.

FORBES: Mexican Invasion

Happily, however, it has become a favourite spirit in the United States, which accounts for over half the world's tequila consumption.

ECONOMIST: Protectionism, or quality control?

At 9.3 million cases a year in the U.S., tequila is well behind vodka at 45.9 million and rum at 21.8 million, but it's gaining on those two other spirits.

FORBES: Mexican Invasion