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. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. Give it a try! In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Why? . Lightweight and well balanced, it's a great option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers alike. Roy adds that shes a fan of Patrns Roca collection because the brand uses juice from the tahona rolling process, which pulls only the most flavorful liquid from the pias they roast for almost three days. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet, Another (Celine) Portrait: See Bob Dylan in Fashion Brand's Latest 'Performer' Series, The Best Wireless Range Extenders to Use (and How They Work), Outdoor Buds: These Fully Waterproof Workout Earbuds Are Just $30, NBA 'Investigating,' Team Suspends Ja Morant After Allegedly Flashing Gun on Social Media, See the Beths Deliver Refreshing 'Expert in a Dying Field' Mini-Set on 'CBS Mornings', Netflixs Sex/Life Is Back to Satisfy Your Softcore Desires, Alex Murdaugh Juror Says Cellphone Video, 'Big Liar' Testimony Led to Guilty Verdict. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. These additives aren't illegal, per se. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. The brand offers a blanco, reposado, aejo, aejo cristalino and extra aejo in its lineupand they recently released a limited edition reposado to celebrate their 100th birthday. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. Often it is to 'balance' the batches in appearance, so they are the same color before blending. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. 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 is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Good stuff!! 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. Patron shares a list of distilleries, some of which produce multiple brands of tequila according to their NOM, which have been accredited as verified without additives. 5 Types of Tequila. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. Certain producers like Felipe Camarena wouldn't dream of doing any of this, and Camarena told me "it's about credibility, not about promises from the producer". Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Best Value: Pueblo Viejo Blanco. First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . We like the Maestro Dobel 50, a smooth and complex Extra Aejo Cristalino thats aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels, then twice-distilled in copper pot sills. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. He uses different distillation equipment and different agaves grown at different altitudes, as an alternative, and as long as you have the additional equipment, use your head, and not take the easy way out, this is a perfect solution instead of using additives. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom): Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. On Sale. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. Thankfully for you, we're breaking down store-bought tequila brands and ranking them from worst to best to help you find the perfect bottle for your taste preference and budget. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. 2. The blanco, reposado and aejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. Now available! 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. Other brands, some very popular did not answer me back on giving me their 'guarantee' and 'assurances' that no additives what so ever are used in their products. A distillery can still be verified if they have additive use in their facility they just need to declare which ones are using additives so we can focus on the ones that dont. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. 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'. Roca Patrn Silver ($69) Emphatically agave-scented, this is made with the traditional tahona method, using a two-ton volcanic rock to crush the roasted pias. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. The Aejo variety is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a nice blend of warm agave and oak flavors. Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your Cinco de Mayo margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party. 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. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. SEE OTHER GREAT EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES and HONEST TEQUILA REVIEWS along with REAL TOP TEQUILA LISTS- HERE ON- LONG ISLAND LOU TEQUILA - SEE all the tabs above, and PLEASE LIKE on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. no headache-inducing fillers). Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. My favorite expression in our portfolio is, of course, our new limited edition bottle that we just released to honor the 100-year anniversary of our original reposado recipe from 1922, says Martinez. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. 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. 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. El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) 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/. Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. 6. In other words. to deceive us. We love the Grand Patrn Burdeos (find it here), which is twice-distilled and aged in used American and new French Oak barrels, before being finished in vintage Bordeaux barrels (Burdeos means Bordeaux in Spanish). Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? 15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for, Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of, Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . Smooth. Though we prefer El Bandido Yankee as a sipping tequila (it really is as criminally smooth as the brand says), the flavor has enough bite to make for some beautiful cocktails, too. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. 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." 4. 3. 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. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. Avoid these tequila brands: . Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. 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. 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. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Although it can be hard to taste for sure as these people are pros, and can add them in strategically in a very subtle way, I will say that in my opinion you would be VERY surprised to know the huge percentage of brands that must be using some additive in their tequila. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. The Champagne yeast we use allows the Highland agave to shine, showcasing the cooked agave flavor up front with fruity and floral notes following. Gonzlezs family has been in the tequila business for generations (his grandfather was the legendary Don Julio Gonzlez), so you know he knows his stuff! A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. We deserve to know, don't you think? " This is confusing because earlier in the guidelines, it says that tequilas can have 75 g/L of sugars, which, if you do the math, is WAY more than 1%. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. View On Drizly View On Caskers. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. I say keep it pure and natural. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Many thanks. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . View more. It makes sensewith its sweet, smooth taste, tequila is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in margaritas and other yummy cocktails as well as sipped straight or over ice. Siempre. In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. We want to hear it. $159.99. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Pick Up Some of These Gloves First Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. The tequila has a really smooth, sweet taste with notes of citrus, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and more to give it a unique tasting experience that I really enjoy. Tequila Cazadores,$23+, Tequila Ocho is my personal favorite brand, says Lavenue. What they probably say to themselves is, 'we don't exceed the 1% rule, so there is no need to discuss this at all', and as far as they are concerned .they are NOT using additives. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. 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. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. Like all of Casa Nobles offerings, this one is certified organic, and has a limited number of bottles in select cities around the country. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. High-end tequila is a distinctive and expressive spirit that can be enjoyed in many different ways and this Mexican tipple, especially the aejo category, is now a firm favourite in the premium drinks class. 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. Casamigos is a favorite among the Hollywood crowd, thanks to its co-founder George Clooney, but its actually got a lot of substance to go with its style. Surprise Surprise. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. 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. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. 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. Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. 74.95. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. 4. Another tactic often used to fool the public into thinking that a particular tequila was aged longer or is richer, is to tint the bottle glass to a darkish or amber appearance. "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. While they may be fun for a party or to use in mixed drinks, we recommend skipping these bottles the rest of the time and just drinking tequila straight up. . When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. 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. One way is to get familiar with the products that are on the list, and then the additive-filled stuff becomes much easier to detect. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the . No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first, but will leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium extra aejo, youre sure to love these award-winning spirits for their taste and quality. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . . Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. . Handcrafted using the time-honored tahona process, the Roca Patrn Tequila collection offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile thats an elegant and elevated take on tequila. "We choose to . Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. This 'cutting corners' can reduce the quality of the tequila. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. An incredible effort here! This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . What a great resource you have put together. Answers: Nathan. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Again it's YOU that decides this. EXTRACTION: Tahona. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. Had to give it away. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. The best tequilas in 2023. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. With notes of fresh-cut grass and tropical fruit, you can always have it in a cocktail, but this is a fantastic tequila to pair with dinner, or a good cheese plate. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . The result is a collection of blanco, reposado and aejo spirits that are made from 100% blue agave and perfectly capture summer in a bottle. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 Tasha . Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. What Features Should You Look for in 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. Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. 1. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. It would be a handy reference when shopping. Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? Total Wine. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. 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. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? I love your reviews? August 4, 2021. I do believe it's safe to say that products made by the quality brands mentioned below on my favorites list, seem to be completely additive free. After speaking with these brands and tasting all the tequilas mentioned, the list below are brands that passed my own personal test, and taste 100% additive free.
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