Tequila: Everything You Should Know, and the 13 Best Brands Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. Brands made at their own distillery can be easier to believe, when they proclaim themselves additive-free, as only the owner/distiller controls what goes in the juice. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. I am very happy I found this website and this list. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. Founded by three best friends in Canada, Siempre combines a unique flavor profile (think notes of pepper, sea salt/brine, sweet berries and candied citrus) with a traditional tequila making process using 100% agave. Often it is to 'balance' the batches in appearance, so they are the same color before blending. The Better Mixed Drink Option: Vodka Or Tequila With Coke Zero Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. The company says it sources naturally filtered water from an artesian well located at their distillery, which sits at the base of the Jalisco volcano. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. The Best Tequila Under $50 To Try in 2022 - Next Luxury The experts pointed to a line in the guidelines that read additives "must not be greater than 1% in relation to the total weight of the tequila before it is bottled. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. Your email address will not be published. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and local agave. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. Charring could add smoke, or add some wood quality, but when you can taste a heavy presence of aging, like strong caramel or vanilla, and the color is dark and rich after only a short aging process.. you need to wonder about additives. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. Realize that caramel coloring is not used for adding sweet flavor, but more so, for a darker color to make the aged spirit 'look' more aged, or to change the color of batches to balance them out (consistency), in the stage called 'rectification'. Clase Azuls tequila comes in this instantly recognizable (and supremely collectible) bottle, which you see on the top shelf of high-end bars and restaurants. This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila, adds Sylvi Roy, bar manager at Twelve in Portland, Maine. To be honest, I'm actually more than fine with all this myself, and I see this as a sign of integrity, and makes me appreciate these brands and respect them even more. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. My adviceif it doesn't taste natural or has an abnormal aroma or taste, has overly strong and unbalanced flavors, or is too sweet or has a sweet aftertaste, or is too dark in color for short aging, try one of the more trusted brands below, to see the difference. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Adam Levines Calirosa mashes up classic tequila-making techniques and California wine know-how for a bottle of tequila that tastes as unique as it looks. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. No additives Making tequila requires thoughtful consideration of both legal and technical factors defining the spiritand many choices in the production process can have a tremendous impact on the final distillate. When it comes to flavor, Rodriguez says tequila can range from smooth and mellow, to a warmer and bolder profile. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. This means youll pick up some herbs and light smokiness with a mellow bite, making the Santo Mezquila great for adventurous cocktails or unique tasting on its own. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, ADDITIVES IN TEQUILA & MY PERSONAL LIST OF ADDITIVE-FREE TEQUILA BRANDS, http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. And while there are a number of tequila brands that have launched in recent months, this list runs the gamut from tried-and-true brands, to limited-edition releases that youll be smart to pick up if you see them available online. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? Reposado means rested in Spanish. The brand has been around since 1950. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Additives in Tequila & My Personal List of Additive-free Tequila Brands Im verifying that any blanco I get, say a Calle 23 Criollo, can be assumed to be Additive-free, despite not being marked as such on the Matchmaker site? The margarita has always held a place in our hearts as an excellent sunny-day drinkmainly because it's refreshing and super simple to make. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. Oct 28, 2022. The best Tequilas are not overly-priced, nor do they typically come in extravagant bottles and 99.9% of the time they are not celebrity owned or hyped. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. A new entry into the tequila market, El Bandido Yankee launched in 2021 by former NFL player Jim Bob Morris and restaurateur and NHL Hall of Fame Hockey Player Chris Chelios. Made from 100% pure Weber Blue Agave harvested after 7 to 10 years of growing, this tequila is clean and crisp, and perfect for making margaritas and other mixed drinks. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Despite the brands hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrn En Lalique: Serie 2 going for up to $7,500 online. Tequila Bribn, $26+, If youre looking for a budget-friendly tequila that tastes like it costs way more, then look no further than El Jimador. Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. dried fruit, and vanilla. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? I'm told that some distilleries will use additives because it's cheaper and faster to get things done, and who's to say if this is with or without the owners knowledge? Its a very special blend elaborated with agave that is grown on our property and was aged in a combination of our best hand-selected American oak and new French oak barrels. No Additives. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. Frankly, there is a certain elitist/snobbish feel to the concept of no additives allowed, we wont mention you or discuss your offerings if you dare. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. Each aging process will bring out different flavors in your tequila, and result in unique flavor profiles that often call to mind whiskey or scotch. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. Do you believe that? Clooney, and co-founder Rande Gerber, say they wanted to make, the best-tasting, smoothest tequila that didnt have to be covered up with salt or lime.. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. Why mess with a good thing? The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. Some brands have obviously taken advantage of these powerful concentrated additives, colorings and flavorings to make their brands 'profile' which they have become known for, and don't appear to be stopping. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. The taste is equally flavorful, with added notes of pumpkin spice and clove on the palette before it gives way to a subtle herbaceous and vanilla finish. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. I have been told that unless you get to see the CRT production logs, you'll never know if they have additives, and brands don't even have access to that information, it's something that only the distillery has. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. I want to stay away from additives. 4. View On Drizly View On Caskers. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine This 'cutting corners' can reduce the quality of the tequila. 2- If quality and purity is your concern, as it is for me, go with brands that are known for NOT using additives, or don't seem to care about dark and rich consistent colors, and don't taste overly sweet, artificial, or unnaturally rich. Popular Brands. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. He is correct, anyone can say anything, but I will say, that after tasting all of Felipe's products and talking with him for years, he is one producer I trust solely on his word. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. We feel its a better service to the community that we highlight the non-additive products so that people can familiarize themselves with those products. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? Interestingly, another brand that is 100% additive-free told me "rarely will a distiller commit to never using color, because sometime in the future, there could be a day that some tequila comes off the barrels lighter, and distillers would rather add a couple drops of organic caramel coloring instead of jeopardizing a stock of tequila that has inconsistent color on the shelf." Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn't get much better given its price point. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+, One of the top five selling tequilas in the world, Hornitos is a premium tequila brand crafted with 100% blue agave. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. I find that the extended barrel aging pulls out any astringent qualities that may have been in the originally distilled juice, making this the easiest to sip on its own., The best type of tequila for sipping is the one in which you can taste the complexity given by the best agave source, along with a good elaboration process, providing the smoothness and sweetness you can obtain from the agave, says Martinez. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Although I want to trust all the brands, keep in mind that it's always possible that a distillery may do whatever it takes, so there can be no guarantee. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. So what do you think? This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region, so it wont exhibit the same sweetness or fruit-forward flavors as some of the other picks on our list. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . I say keep it pure and natural. Jose Cuervo has been in the tequila game for more than 250 years and was actually the first tequila brand to bottle the spirit individually. Tasha . Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. 5. It's up to you all to decide what to believe, and although brands can tell me things, it doesn't mean I believe them or that it makes my personal list of additive free brands.