From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. This list is awesome! View more. 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. 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. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. In addition to auditing the production, we ask a lot of questions and perform a sensorial analysis throughout various stages of the tequila-making process. 18 Best Sipping Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now - Delish 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). At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. We want to hear it. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. 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. dried fruit, and vanilla. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! Do they have additives? Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. 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. 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. 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. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. JAJA is proudly additive-free. 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 story you mention is from 2017: The Better Mixed Drink Option: Vodka Or Tequila With Coke Zero Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. 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 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. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Have you heard anything from their distillery? This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Tequila Casa Del Sol. 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): I say keep it pure and natural. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. 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. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. The Lowdown on Tequila Additives | TasteTequila It has a smooth, even finish. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. 1. 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. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. 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. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. I'd rather have the 'natural color' after aging, and blend it that way with the other batches, without ANY colorings. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . Answers: 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. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. 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%. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. As of January 2020, the below distilleries, some of which produce multiple tequila brands as designated by their NOM assignment, have been credited as verified additive-free. 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"). 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.. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. 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. But that said, despite what . The 6 Best Margarita Mixes of 2023 - The Spruce Eats I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. 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. . 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. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. who cares? This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. Required fields are marked *. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. In some parts of the world they are. All of the tequilas in the Casamigos line (they have a blanco, reposado and aejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave pias that are slow-roasted in brick ovens. So very helpful! 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. Choose from blanco, reposado and aejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. 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. August 4, 2021. What a great resource you have put together. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. In other words. to deceive us. 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. When will the list be available on the app? The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. 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? What additives can you taste? Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. 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. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. Popular Brands. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. Each aging process will bring out different flavors in your tequila, and result in unique flavor profiles that often call to mind whiskey or scotch. For a similar experience at a more casual price point, we like the Roca Patrn Reposado, which is a lighter, more buttery take on the bold and robust Burdeos. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? March 3, 2023 Average Price: $115. It was founded by Ana Mara Romero Mena, who grew up in Mexico City and started her career in tequila more than 30 years ago. 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. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. Photo credit: Courtesy. Best Tequila Brands 2022: Casamigos, Patron, Teremana Blanco and Anejo Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. How to Avoid Those GMO Booze Blues - FoodPrint This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is . I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. 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. 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. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. 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. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. . Cenote says the water goes through a reverse osmosis process and carbon filters with silver ions help to eliminate any chance of impurities affecting the taste. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Don Julio. 6. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. 1. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. no headache-inducing fillers). The 10 Best Blanco Tequilas Money Can Buy :-). This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. The 18 Best Tequilas in the World - Men's Journal I want to stay away from additives. At the time, that was enough for us. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. 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? 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. significant growth in bars and restaurants. 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. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. So in the end I would say, do one of two things. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. No additives 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. 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. Good stuff!! Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. How To Find Additive-Free Tequila - Matador Network I am very happy I found this website and this list. Fortaleza Blanco. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. Brands made at their own distillery can be easier to believe, when they proclaim themselves additive-free, as only the owner/distiller controls what goes in the juice. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . (NOM 1579) -6 marks. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Clase Azuls tequila comes in this instantly recognizable (and supremely collectible) bottle, which you see on the top shelf of high-end bars and restaurants. 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.). I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. Bribon Reposado Tequila. Clooney, and co-founder Rande Gerber, say they wanted to make, the best-tasting, smoothest tequila that didnt have to be covered up with salt or lime.. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. 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. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. We can do both, cant we? 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? Trending Thank you. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. Jose Cuervo . Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. Cierto Tequila Begins Its U.S. Rollout - BevNET.com It has notes of vanilla, ripe fruit and butter and can be enjoyed neat, with salt and lime, chilled, or however else you like to drink your tequila. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. It's also free of common allergens. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. One of the most-awarded bottles on our list, Danos Aejo Tequila is aged 18 months in virgin French white oak barrels and produced using 100% agave at a family-owned distillery that dates back to 1840. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . Your email address will not be published. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? 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. As Taste Tequila reported, you don't need to use additives to make a profile, if you are being creative, as Sergio Mendoza does at Don Fulano. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. Thank you so much for this list! Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Despite the brands hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrn En Lalique: Serie 2 going for up to $7,500 online. Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. Related Kristopher DeSoto was on a mission to create a more robust and expressive tequila than the kind usually found on U.S. shelves and he succeeded. 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. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. 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. The experts pointed to a line in the guidelines that read additives "must not be greater than 1% in relation to the total weight of the tequila before it is bottled. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. . EXTRACTION: Tahona. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. 1. This 'cutting corners' can reduce the quality of the tequila. How To Make The Perfect Tequila Cocktail - BlackTailNYC.com Best Tequilas for 2023: Top 5 Bottles Most Recommended By Expert It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. The List: Additive-Free Tequila Brands | TasteTequila I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. I'm guessing many of these drinkers do not detect the taste of agave or try to, and it seems to take a backseat to the flavor of oak. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. I mean Jimador is a diffuser product, so this is quite interesting and hard to believe for sure. Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Thank you for all the info. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Grover and Scarlet, Often it is to 'balance' the batches in appearance, so they are the same color before blending. Each year, the agave is harvested from a different farm/estate, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarenaso each single estate bottling showcases its own distinct characteristics which truly highlights the terroir (or terruo in Spanish) of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Tequila Ocho, $49+, LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. 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). And fun fact: It was created in tribute to the year Don Julio Gonzlez started his tequila-making journey. 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. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. 5 Types of Tequila. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. The 6 Best Sustainable Mezcal Brands - LeafScore Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. Sauza crafts all of their tequilas using a process known as gentle extraction, which involves using the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after theyve been extracted from the pia. 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.". Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. The best tequilas in 2023. 6. 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. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. 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. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years.