Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Love my Cimarron. Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. Thank you! Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. This tequila gets its name from the year of its creation, so yeah, you've got a spirit with a more than 200-year history. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. You dont get the same distinct flavor profile as some of the other bottles on our list, but for a refreshing, straightforward Blanco, this one is a no-brainer to pick up. The Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or NOM) is assigned by the Mexican government and certifies that the bottle youre holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. JAJA is proudly additive free. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. I understand that this is an opt-in program, so may other brands may be additive free, but they have opted not to be added (IDK what they would not. :-). The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Have you heard anything from their distillery? Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. What do you think about that do you agree? dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. Ive been out of the tequila world for many years, but loved the NOM look up to be able to see other tequilas that may have a similar profile. Danos also won the Gold Medal in the 2019 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition, and the Double Gold and Gold in the 2018 SIP Awards. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . This tequila is complex and full-bodied, and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well.
What are the additive-free tequila brands - American Post 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated!
The 11 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - The Spruce Eats Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are both listed as an additive-free distilleries, but their respective XAs are not marked as Additive-free. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . The tequila now will seem darker, and although it's still a dirty trick, if it has no additives in it, its still a lot better than paying extra money for a rested or aged tequila with fake colors and flavors added. Not with the usual agave spirit you know and lovethe NA spirits brand has launched an alcohol-free tequila, the first of its kind.
The 8 Best Cheap Tequilas of 2022 - The Spruce Eats 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. Are tequilas marked organic additive free? Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned.
The 30 Best Tequilas for 2022 | VinePair WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. When El Bandido Yankee Tequila founders made the decision to delve into the rich and storied world of handcrafted tequila, they knew one thing for certain: Their tequila would be authentically crafted the right way with zero additives. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. Each tequila decanter is handcrafted by indigenous artisans in a small village in Mexico who create beautiful patterns on the ceramic surface of each bottle. The ultra-premium highlands tequila uses all the beverage buzz words, like small batch production, and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. But beyond the hype, its a smooth, easy to drink option; naturally sweetened with the rich aroma of mature agave plants, with a clean finish. Because it is such an IMPORTANT part of Tequila today, here is just the 'Additive Section' and my Personal list of 'Additive-free brands' from my recent, longer and more detailed article titled- "AGING OF TEQUILA - BARREL TECHNIQUES, ADDITIVES, ADDITIVE-FREE BRANDS, AND A FEW OTHER THINGS TO KNOW.". Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. The reason caramel coloring is used, is to add a rich and darker color to make it appear that the aging was longer than it actually was. It's simply sneaky in many ways, to alter or attempt to make 'better' an 'unbalanced' or 'rough' sub par spirit, or to make it look or taste more aged than it is. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. Your email address will not be published. The pictures ABOVE and BELOW are courtesy of Grover Sanschagrin of 'Taste Tequila' whose excellent recent Video/Report is linked HERE- http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. These are some images taken during our additive free visits. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. I am totally independent & honest. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged with vegetal earthy notes that work well in a margarita, paloma, or old-fashioned, though Jessica Fallon, general Manager of Ladybirds in Houston, Texas, says she prefers drinking it on the rocks. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila.
Tequila Brands to Avoid and Why - outsider.com 9. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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. The popularity of tequila has exploded in recent years, and as the spirit has evolved, so, too, has the number of brands on the market. Maybe it's time brands realize we are fed up with additives, and overly sweetened tequila, which is sometimes referred to as "Americanized" Tequila, as well as fake coloring. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. What a great resource you have put together. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Below, we're sharing everything you need to know to find your perfect tequila, plus our picks for the best tequila brands, chosen by master distillers, bartenders and industry experts. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . JAJA is proudly additive-free. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! These additives aren't illegal, per se. Its aged in a sequence of Islay Scotch, Spanish brandy and Spanish sherry oak barrels for five years before being blended by the brands master distiller. The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. 1.
Best Tequilas 2023 - The Luxury Editor Grover and Scarlet, It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. 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. Using a few drops of caramel coloring is one thing, but this additive problem seems to go much further, using these additives to cover up mistakes, a low quality product, or mask deficiencies in the final product. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. who cares? Thank you!
Additives in Tequila & My Personal List of Additive-free Tequila Brands Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). Fortaleza Blanco. Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. You just need to know what to look for. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Aejo cristalino is aged at least one year in white oak barrels then is filtered to remove its color and specific components to make it mellower, while conserving the sensory qualities of an aejo tequila we want to preserve, says Martinez. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila.
In 2020 we launched our Tequila Matchmaker Additive-Free program for brands and distilleries that want to be super transparent about their production processes and their non-use of additives. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. Consider that mission achieved, plus they've built quite the celeb following! A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? Do you believe that?
Tequila Gran Diamente Is An Award-Winning, Top-Shelf Spirit It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish.
Tequila Matchmaker Heres a rundown of each one: This is tequila in its purest form without aging and is clear in color, says Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for Tequila Cazadores. 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. The female-owned and led brand was co-founded by CEO Bertha Gonzlez Nieves, the first female maestra tequilera certified by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. It's almost too easy to not do it, being legal to a certain extent, and too hard to ever get caught. To compensate for a light hue, it seems a large number of suppliers are placing caramel color into their aged reposado tequila or anejo tequila, although I know a good amount of quality brands, that although impossible to prove, appear not to use any additives, including colorings.
Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve 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. This 'adulteration' let's the tequila taste like something it's not, and adding sweeteners for example, will 'mask' the use of young agave plants that would have low brix (sugar) levels. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. Youll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brle, toast and rich vanilla. Aejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy. I love your reviews? This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. Popular Brands. There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. ABV: 46.3%. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. Whether youre at an A-list after party or just chilling at home, nothing beats a Casamigos and soda for a refreshing, celeb-approved drink. Tequila Casa Del Sol. $68 at Reserve Bar. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. Had to give it away. 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." If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 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. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. As I asked for their word on 100% additive free (including the legal 1%), let it be understood that misleading consumers is as far as I'm concerned, a reflection on these brands, and THEY are the ones that should look bad. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Why? This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. 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. 1. Some brands I have mentioned or will mention, say they are 100% additive free, and although I do like and drink their products, I will not add them to my 'personal' list below, because I am not 100% sure. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 This works as a great party idea too. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. "Additives are designed to soften the rough edges of a tequila, to add a flavor that is not present in tequila when it is distilled.", explained David Alan, director of business education and mixology of PATRN to Vine Pair. .because as much as there are definitely trustworthy and talented owners like German Gonzalez and Adolfo Murillo, and I trust them just as much, the average brand that 'contracts', (meaning renting space at someones else's distillery), often have to go by practices at that distillery, and they can't be at the distillery 24/7. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. In other words. to deceive us. If that's all they ever did, I guess it's livable, although I'd prefer an 'off color' myself, and being completely additive free. Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. They roast their agave in brick ovens for three days before shredding it to extract the juices for fermentation, and then they distill the tequila in handmade copper pot stills made by a local artisan. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. 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. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. I'm told it's possible a brand who contracts at a distillery may not even be aware if there are additives in their own tequila. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. At the time, that was enough for us. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. What Features Should You Look for in Tequila? Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Buy Santo Mezquila $49.99. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits?
Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar.
The 14 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - Liquor.com March 3, 2023 I do this as my passion, & nothing else. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. Although trusting people is always a gamble, we really do have some very knowledgeable contract-brand owners, that know exactly what is in their products, have integrity, and are way more involved than some others. Tasha . I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Hi Luis. As you can't always believe Company Reps or Ambassadors who may not know for sure, I have personally contacted many Brand Owners, Executives or Master Distillers. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. They are a reality, and remember it's legal, but only up to 1% of total volume, on additives of: caramel color, oak extract, glycerin and "sugar-based syrup" (like agave nectar), but not necessarily ONLY from agave. Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these 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. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. Remember they are saving time and money using them. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. EXTRACTION: Tahona. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. Sugar-based Syrup. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice!
The List: Additive-Free Tequila Brands | TasteTequila Unless the distillery owns the brand, the brand may have no definite idea what's in their bottle, and they have no choice but to trust the distillery. Total Wine. Find which tequilas are right for you. They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. It's funny because if you were, or still are a whiskey/scotch, bourbon, cognac, or brandy drinker, I feel you are more likely to 'accept' overly oaky aromas and flavors as normal, as you enjoy this profile.
How to Avoid Those GMO Booze Blues - FoodPrint Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List, ArteNOM 1579- NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123, Patron - NOM 1492-(no additives but "Americanized"). Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. That's why we are proud to offer wines from Hermann J Wiemer, one of the most celebrated wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Patrn Tequila, $56+, Casamigos has an A-list history: The brand was launched by friends George Clooney and Rande Garber (husband to Cindy Crawford), who worked with a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico over the course of many years to get the taste just right. Whether you decide to sip Dulce Vidas blanco, reposado or aejo neat or include them in your favorite cocktails, youll be sure to enjoy their pure taste. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube.
The Best Bottles of Tequila for Cinco de Mayo - InsideHook The best tequila brands use only the heart of the pia (the heart of the agave) and a slow pressing method using a tahona, which is a large stone disc used to crush the juice from the pias after they have been roasted and/or steamed, she says. Thank you for your time and commitment. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Your email address will not be published. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. I have tried without success to find out a little more about this particular offering which a number of my friends and myself are now drinking . Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? Thanks, Marcos Higareda of 'DesMaDre' said "we do not use ANY additives, never used and never will use caramel coloring, and it's all natural color, taste and aromas from natural barrel aging." It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. Casa Del Sol. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. View more. 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. Trending Aejo tequila can often be recognized by its rich, caramel color, and it must be aged for at least one year (though most are aged three years) to bear the Aejo name.
27 Best Tequila Brands for Shots, Margaritas, Sipping - Parade