best no additive tequila brands best no additive tequila brands

If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! This 'cutting corners' can reduce the quality of the tequila. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Hornitos, $29+, Founded by Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Teremana Tequila crafts their tequilas in a small Mexican town up in the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. Each batch is distilled for a minimum of two months in stainless steel barrels, and delivers a nice mix of sweet agave, light citrus and just a hint of vanilla. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. 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. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. So what do people think about all these claims? $46 at Reserve Bar. Give it a try! Surprise Surprise. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill So very helpful! 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. Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. . 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. Thank you for all the info. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. August 4, 2021. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. 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. 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. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? 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 list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. He said people have their opinions about Productos Finos de Agave, but he was clear that any sweet profile is strictly from very ripe agaves. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. 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. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Your email address will not be published. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! These are some images taken during our additive free visits. Choose from blanco, reposado and aejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. 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". Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. 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. Hi Keith. El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. 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? Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . 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. Many thanks. Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . 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. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . When will the list be available on the app? Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. 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. I am totally independent & honest. 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). 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. The brand has been around since 1950. 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." Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? 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! When El Bandido Yankee Tequila founders made the decision to delve into the rich and storied world of handcrafted tequila, they knew one thing for certain: Their tequila would be authentically crafted the right way with zero additives. A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. If Casamigos is what you serve at your party, Clase Azul is what you break out for the select few invited to stick around after the crowd leaves. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! 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. 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. 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. SHOP NOW. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. $149.99. Have you heard anything from their distillery? $159.99. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. Are they true, who can you believe? Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Popular Brands. I wish something like this was posted in stores. Of course they know they are using them though, as they actually have to put them in, but most will deny to me or anyone who asks them point blank, if they use additives. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. Thanks. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. Cons. 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. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. 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. 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. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. A new addition to the tequila category, this blanco burst onto the drinks scene in 2021, garnering rave reviews for maximal flavor at a minimal price. 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. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. The . What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. Reposado means rested in Spanish. 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. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. Hey, we're all about being social! The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. .because as much as there are definitely trustworthy and talented owners like German Gonzalez and Adolfo Murillo, and I trust them just as much, the average brand that 'contracts', (meaning renting space at someones else's distillery), often have to go by practices at that distillery, and they can't be at the distillery 24/7. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? At the time, that was enough for us. Editors picks 3. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your Cinco de Mayo margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party. So what do you think? Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. 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." This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Answers: 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. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time We dont have much production information on this product either. 3. Two questions: Nathan. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. This type of tequila has been aged a minimum of two months to one year in oak barrels, which gives the liquid a light golden color, says Martinez. You just need to know what to look for. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. On Sale. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tequila Matchmaker, our free app for iPhone and Android, can detect your own individual "flavor fingerprint" and match you with tequilas that are right for you (and then tell you where to find them.) You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. 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. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. 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. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. 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. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. 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. 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? There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? Your email address will not be published. In some parts of the world they are. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? I want to stay away from additives. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. 13. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. I love your reviews? . 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. Total Wine. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. What Features Should You Look for in Tequila? Remember they are saving time and money using them. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Realize that caramel coloring is not used for adding sweet flavor, but more so, for a darker color to make the aged spirit 'look' more aged, or to change the color of batches to balance them out (consistency), in the stage called 'rectification'. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. Sugar-based Syrup. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. 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 . View more. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. They were. 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. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . Don Julio. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . We can do both, cant we? This is tequila thats only aged for a few weeks, so it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. (They even make their own compost!) This crystal-clear . I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. In other words. to deceive us. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. . Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? Blanco tequila is the ideal choice for margaritas, says Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio Gonzlez of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Thank you. This works as a great party idea too. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. Good stuff!! Siempre. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. 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. I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. Casa Del Sol. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. 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. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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? 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. This unique process creates a flavor profile thats both familiar and brand-new: Its light and fresh like great tequila, but also has a hint of the smokiness we look for with mezcal. Maybe Distiller could help for you? Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. 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. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. 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. 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. 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. 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. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. 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. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. Tasha . Thank you for the clarification. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. 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. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. 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. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. 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. 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." Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). 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. There is a variety of flavors to tequila, depending on the amount of sugar in it as well as how long it has been aged. JAJA is proudly additive-free. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing?