Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. I'm told it's possible a brand who contracts at a distillery may not even be aware if there are additives in their own tequila. Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. 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. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? 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. 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"). Bribon Reposado Tequila. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. 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. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. 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. Jose Cuervo has been in the tequila game for more than 250 years and was actually the first tequila brand to bottle the spirit individually. 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 10 Best Blanco Tequilas Money Can Buy I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. 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. 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. Tasha . This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. The story you mention is from 2017: 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". DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Tequila 101: The Use of Additives in Tequila - Inspiro Tequila Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. 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. This year's offering of . Cons. 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. 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. The 11 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - The Spruce Eats Casa Del Sol. Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine Spirit of the Earth, he says. If you want to feel like a celebrity while sipping tequila, then this is definitely the brand for you. 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. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! who cares? Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. 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. Don't believe us? This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Now confused. In February of 2021, Kendall Jenner announced her latest venture: 818 Tequila, a small-batch brand Jenner claims is the end result of a 3.5-year "journey to create the best-tasting tequila." Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Ive been out of the tequila world for many years, but loved the NOM look up to be able to see other tequilas that may have a similar profile. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. 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. 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." Nathan. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . So what do people think about all these claims? El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. 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. Smooth. These additives aren't illegal, per se. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. The 18 Best Tequilas in the World - Men's Journal I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. When will the list be available on the app? In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. 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. 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.". According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. 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. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. 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. This crystal-clear . Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . How to Avoid Those GMO Booze Blues - FoodPrint The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Tequila Matchmaker Tequila Casa Del Sol. Any comment would be most welcome . The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. Usually in this purest form of tequila, you can taste the care given to the elaboration process of any brand. This is the standard tequila youll see in cocktails due to its versatility, he adds. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. Is Your Tequila Confirmed Additive-Free? - El Bandido Yankee I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Remember they are saving time and money using them. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. 5 Best Tequilas For No Hangover Recommended by Experts (2023) I mean Jimador is a diffuser product, so this is quite interesting and hard to believe for sure. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. 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. Now available! What are the additive-free tequila brands? | News York Time 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. Hi Josh. 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. 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. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. 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? Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. Tequila's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and the top bottles now command cultish prices formerly reserved for the rarest of Scotches and small-batch bourbons. There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Reposado's tasting notes consist of sweet maple, cooked agave, and toasted wood. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. The . 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. SHOP NOW. EXTRACTION: Tahona. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. We deserve to know, don't you think? An incredible effort here! Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. It's also free of common allergens. This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila, adds Sylvi Roy, bar manager at Twelve in Portland, Maine. Gran Coraminos tequilas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and barrel-aged. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. . Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself Are tequilas marked organic additive free? It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn't get much better given its price point. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+, One of the top five selling tequilas in the world, Hornitos is a premium tequila brand crafted with 100% blue agave. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. Pros. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? Adolfo Murillo of 'Alquimia' said "I have always worked hard to stay true to the tradition of tequila and the way it was meant to be made, so if my bottles say 100% agave, it does not mean "99%, because the CRT says it's ok". 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. G4 Premium Blanco Tequila 108 Proof | Marketplace Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. JAJA is proudly additive free. 13. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. Initially launching in California, Florida, Texas, New York . Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. 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? Youll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brle, toast and rich vanilla. Aejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. 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. 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. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . :-). In other words. to deceive us. 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. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Your email address will not be published. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Surprise Surprise. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. I wish something like this was posted in stores. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? 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. We want to hear it. 6. 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory 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. dried fruit, and vanilla. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. ABV: 46.3%. 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. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. 4. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. Sure, tequila shots are fun at parties (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about shots of Patrn have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. 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. So what do you think? Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. 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. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. 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. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. Best Tequilas 2023 | Tried and Tested | Esquire UK I am very happy I found this website and this list. Best Tequilas 2023 - The Luxury Editor Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. 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. We dont have much production information on this product either. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 SB meets Tasha Iny, Mijenta Tequila - The Spirits Business There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. . 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. 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. 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." Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. 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! The 100 Best Albums of 2022. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. 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. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Hi Keith. 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.. 2. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. 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. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart March 3, 2023 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. 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. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. 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. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. 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. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. Espoln Blanco Tequila. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. 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. German Gonzalez of t1 explained he is "free of additives" for t1 products as well as his 'Tears of Llorona' as well as David Suro, who as an early believer of tequila transparency, said at 'Siembra Spirits' "we don't use any additives or artificial flavors in any of our expressions". David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 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. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. . Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. 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. 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. Photo credit: Courtesy. 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. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. The majority of tequila does have additives. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. 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. Sip this tequila, from the "house of the sun," in Spanish. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. Maybe Distiller could help for you? JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Answers: Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991.