Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? The Reposado features notes of sweet vanilla, oak, mushrooms, ginger, caramel and citrus, which gives it that perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness with an easy finish and no lingering aftertaste. 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. Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. . But that said, despite what . Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. 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. All Rights reserved. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. These brands are going 'on record' here, as being an ADDITIVE FREE TEQUILA BRAND, and I have contacted a wide variety of brands to ask if they are 100% additive free. 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. 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. 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. Tired of Standing? 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. We sat down with Mijenta Tequila's UK brand ambassador, Tasha Iny, to discuss future launches, and why producers should steer clear of adding flavours. 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. Check Price. 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. 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. What additives can you taste? 3. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. 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. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . This list is awesome! Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. 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. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. Blending of different barrels at the end before bottling, plays a major role in tequila making, and remember that although they use the barrels multiple times, they may also be blending with a fresh 'new' aged barrel of tequila as well, as this really is an art. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. 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. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . 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. 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? This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. 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. View more. Tasha . (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . 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. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Grover and Scarlet, 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? Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. 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. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. 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. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. Besides margaritas, Roy shares these three delicious cocktails you can make with tequila: Related:15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, From blanco to reposado to aejo, Patrn offers every type of tequila you could desire. We like what the brand is doing with the no-for-profit S.A.C.R.E.D too, which re-invests 100% of proceeds from merchandise and a portion of tequila sales back into the local Mexican communities where agave spirits are made to identify and support vital needs. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." The compounds have a purpose and can correct any irregularities to make sure a brand makes the same tasting tequila time after time, but additives can also flatten tequila's natural flavors or add an unnatural sweetness. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. 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. 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. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. (They even make their own compost!) We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Jessica Alba, Tinx, Jojo Fletcher and Kristin Cavallari are just a few famous faces that are mega fans of theiraward-winning varietiesCucumber Jalapeo, Valencia Orange and Grapefruit Hibiscusbut we have a feeling this isjust the seed of something bigger, flavor-wise. Find which tequilas are right for you. 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 Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Hi Luis. 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. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. 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 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! . 2. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. Sometimes using french oak barrels may make you 'think' there are additives, because it can taster very sweet, even overly sweet. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. 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. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! 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 . An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. 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. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? Love my Cimarron. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. Thank you so much for this list! Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. 5 Types of Tequila. 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. A Carlos Newton describes himself on the label as the Master Distiller with the content described as extra aged 100% de agave batch A-9. Fortaleza Blanco. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Any comment would be most welcome . Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. 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. 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. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. 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. 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. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. 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'? Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. 4. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First 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. In addition to the core expressions, if you're really looking to splurge you can try the extra anejo, aged for seven long years in ex-whiskey barrels, and priced at $350 . Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. 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. Now confused. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. Again it's YOU that decides this. 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. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. 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. Now available! 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. 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. Editors picks Avoid these tequila brands: . Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila (aptly named Codigo) off his 2019 album, Honkey Tonk Time Machine.. Have you heard anything from their distillery? This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. 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. Oct 28, 2022. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). 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 . These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. "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. Thank you for creating it. Eterno Verano, $52+, 21Seeds was started in 2019 by three moms turned female entrepreneurs whose vision was to create a great-tasting, smooth spirit with the infusion of fresh ingredients. 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. 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. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. 6. 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 brand has been around since 1950. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . What do you think about that do you agree? It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. Sugar-based Syrup. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. 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. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. I love your reviews? The result is a clean, smooth tequila. I am totally independent & honest. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretara de Salud (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.). 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. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. 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. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. Hi Josh. 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. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. 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. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. For example, if youre looking to make cocktails, then you should choose a blanco or reposadobut if youre looking to sip tequila on its own, then you should select an aejo or one of its variations, says Martinez. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. 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. Buy Santo Mezquila $49.99. 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. 2. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. 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. Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. You just need to know what to look for. 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. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. This works as a great party idea too. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. 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. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Your email address will not be published. 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. This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Thank you for your time and commitment. Olmeca Altos, $28+, Tequila Bribn is the result of a two-year mission to produce high-quality tequila that appeals to newbies and aficionados alike. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. 3. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. 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. If you're still going for corn-based alcohols (not just whiskey, bourbon and rye, but some gins and vodkas, too), pick ones made with non-GMO corn. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. If after a few seconds the tequila maintains its consistency and your hands feel dry as they would from a few drops of water, then you likely have an additive-free tequila. Of course you can taste the ones that use these natural additives- as they are too sweet, too candyish, too oily etc, and it's even easier to tell the ones that really 'go to town', and totally abuse this rule. There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. Vanilla and Cocoa powder (chocolate) are also considered a type of oak extract, and although vanilla is not part of the 1% group, vanilla is something that can occur naturally in a barrel, but it is naturally 'subtle'. The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is . Total Wine. 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. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. $68 at Reserve Bar. We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening .

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