1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. 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. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. 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). 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.". Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Thank you so much for this list! We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. Cons. The ones that have indicated to me that they 'only' use some caramel coloring (even with no flavoring) to avoid differences in color, will not be mentioned below, as that doesn't cut it here. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. There are four total categories of additives according to the Consejo Regulador . Good for them.and Good for us. The problem with additives as I see it, is even though it may be legal at 1%, it's also 'cheating' and unnecessary, and seems many brands don't act like they're using additives, as long as it's only the legal 1%. 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. There are five different types of tequila: blanco, reposado, aejo, joven and extra aejo which are distinguished by the length of the aging process, known as aged expressions.. Tequila Blanco: Also known as silver tequila, this expression is only aged for up to two months and is bottled within 60 days of distillation.The best blanco tequilas will typically taste sweeter . Don Julio. They blame us the consumer, as they say WE need to see the same color consistency each time we purchase a brand, and we would be 'alarmed' if it looked different. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , Fortaleza Blanco. 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. . Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. 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. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? The majority of tequila does have additives. Surprise Surprise. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . This list is awesome! 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. "And nobody is hitting the . Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Thank you for creating it. . Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Blancos are also usually cheaper. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. . It doesn't mean I don't like their product or that it doesn't taste fine, but coloring is an additive. what's not to understand? Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. Do they have additives? Required fields are marked *. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. 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. Reposado means rested in Spanish. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. We want to hear it. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 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 EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave blue tequilanaWeber plant that can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico, explains David Rodriguez, master distiller for Patrn Tequila. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. On Sale. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. Because of how time-consuming it is to create (and how hands-on the distilling and aging processes are), its released in very small batches and comes with a large price tagbut the excellent taste makes it worth the splurge! First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. 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. . Guillermo Erickson Sauza of 'Fortaleza' told me "we don't add any additives, and we don't make tequila for anyone", and I was told that 'Siete Leguas' never uses any flavorings, colorings, or additives, as well as 'Tequila Caballito Cerrero' and San Matias. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. Related Love my Cimarron. 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. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. Patrn, one of most well-known tequila brands in the world, actually offers a diverse portfolio of authentic tequilas that you wont find in nightclubs or seedy bars. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. 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. Do you believe that? Teremana Tequila, $35+, El Cristiano Tequila handcrafts sustainable, additive-free and gluten-free tequilas with only the finest aged Weber blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. Have you heard anything from their distillery? Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. Unfortunately you need to understand the reality of what often goes on with 'Rested' (Reposado), 'Aged' (Anejo) and 'Extra Aged' (XA) Tequilas, concerning ADDITIVES - (SEE Kit ABOVE). Espoln Blanco Tequila. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Although partly owned by Bacardi since 2017, Ilegal remains one of the most sustainable and socially engaged mezcal brands around, having been founded in 2006 by John Rexer to supply his bar in Antigua, Guatemala. They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. 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. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. 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. Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. Don't believe us? Hey, we're all about being social! 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. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. 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. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). We dont have much production information on this product either. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. 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. 1. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! We have to stop thinking a dark and rich color is always the real thing, and start thinking about realistic, clean, additive free tequila, regardless of the color or lack of color. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. 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. 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. 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. All Rights reserved. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. The distillery actually sits on the edge of an extinct volcano, whose porous foundation acts as a natural filter for the spring water used to make their tequila. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. 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. 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. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. So keep in mind the above mentioned brands that 'claim' to be 100% additive free may be just that, and most are high quality and fine tasting brands that I enjoy myself. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. 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." The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. Remember they are saving time and money using them. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. 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. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Tequila Matchmaker is the only rating system smart enough to detect your personal preferences and match you with the tequilas that are right for you. But that said, despite what . We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. Editors picks Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. Grassy and mild, with some pleasant notes of coconut, Espoln Blanco's smoothness and neutrality make it a great tequila for whatever you need, including and especially shots. Check Price. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. 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. 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. Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. 4. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. 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. 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. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. 1- either stick with a producer who makes aged tequilas to YOUR liking, regardless if it's heavy caramel, vanilla, overly smooth and overly sweet, very dark and rich, oily and very oaky without caring if they are obviously manipulated or not. Thanks. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? . I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. 13. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. Frank Mendez of 'Gran Dovejo' said "we are 100% transparent which include being 100% additive free and the idea of creating GD actually came about due to the use of additives and misleading marketing practices found in the industry." The oak extract can add oak aromas and flavors found in oak barrels, helping to confuse you even further in thinking it was aged much longer than it was. Give it a try! Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. 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. We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Sugar-based Syrup. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong, RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands Were Drinking Right Now, Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? Let's discuss it.

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