Q: What is the significance of the worm in tequila bottles.

A: There is absolutely no significance to the worm in tequila bottles because tequila bottles do not have worms.

The drink that has worms in and is often confused with tequila is mezcal, a related but different beverage produced in Mexico. The grub in question is the agave worm (gusano rojo) and there are several theories about its presence in the bottle. One of these is that the worm guarantees the strength of the distilled spirit. Another is that the worm is supposed to endow special powers and is said to have hallucinogenic properties. The addition of the worm to bottles of mezcal dates from the early 1950's and while consumption of it has become somewhat of a young man's rite of passage, it is, in essence, a marketing ploy. Today, you'll find one mezcal listed at BC Liquor Stores: Gusano Rojo Mezcal (SKU #286591 — $39.95). Yes, it has a worm.