(Photo : Unsplash/Johann Trasch)

If you're a lover of sustainable products whose go-to spirit is tequila, then you are in for a treat.

Tequila has come a long way from being a low-class drink to becoming one of the most notable spirits of choice anywhere. Variety labeled it this year's "spirit of choice in Hollywood."

This luxury Mexican spirit is produced under strict government regulations in just five Mexican regions. It is made of 100% Weber blue agave plants, which takes five to twelve years to mature. It's also predominantly found in the Jalisco region. Once ripened, the agave hearts are cooked and crushed to extract liquid. The extracts are then fermented, distilled, and aged for a minimum of 14 to 21 days.

Today, there are an estimated 1,300 brands of tequila.

Tequila is definitely a versatile spirit. Some prefer it neat. Some like to take it 'on the rocks.' It's also good and refreshing as an icy drink.

Many movers and shakers in the distilling world have begun initiating plans to keep their businesses sustainable and eco-friendly. These businesses not only focus on regulating production, but also how it handles the byproducts it generates.

Tequila's biggest byproduct is spent agave fiber. These fibers are usually treated and turned into fertilizers for farmers. The expansion of the tequila industry calls for new and improved ways to use the material to reduce plastic usage. 

The Tequila industry's regulatory organization, the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) has maintained a sustainability initiative since 2016. According to The Daily Beast, the CRT aimed to reduce its carbon footprint by 10% next year from usage levels in 2014. 

They are also projecting the emissions to go down another 15% by 2030. 

Well-known brands Jose Curvo and Herradura have already paved the way for sustainability in the tequila industry. They've installed systems that turn the remnants after distillation into methane, which is a great source of fuel used to power boilers and stills. 

Another premium brand, Patron, has committed to decrease the carbon footprint of its sustainable tequila production. The brand practices responsible farming. They also fund studies with a top agricultural research center to ensure the sustainability of the Weber Blue Agave plant. 

Patron composes 100% of its leftover agave fibers which creates more than 5,500 tonnes of natural fertilizer a year. The fertilizer is used at the hacienda's vegetable garden which provides food for the 1,600 staff members who work there. 

Casa Noble, a boutique tequila distillery, produces its sustainable tequila in small quantities. Casa Noble reuses its wastewater after it goes through its water treatment facility. 

They have been certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers(CCOF) and is the first tequila distillery to receive the honor.

Founder of Casa Noble Jose "Pepe" Hermosillo told Ask Men: "We built our own water treatment facility on the Casa Noble estate, which allows wastewater to be treated and made safe for composting. This commitment to not introducing or even be in contact with any synthetics during the long life of the agave or the tequila-making process has set an industry and consumer standard."

Sustainable tequila tastes just as good as any other tequila. So when you're drinking after a long, long day, remember to toast and say salud to the companies that take the initiative to keep our planet happy and healthy.