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. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. 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. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. 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. Named after the Spanish word for diamond, Diamante was created with no additives. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. 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. View On Drizly View On Caskers. 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. 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. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. To be honest, I'm actually more than fine with all this myself, and I see this as a sign of integrity, and makes me appreciate these brands and respect them even more. 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. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. 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. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. 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. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. The brand has been around since 1950. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill 2. 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. 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. 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. 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. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? 2. 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.. Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. Hi Keith. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Grover and Scarlet, This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. Thanks, 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Aejo cristalino is aged at least one year in white oak barrels then is filtered to remove its color and specific components to make it mellower, while conserving the sensory qualities of an aejo tequila we want to preserve, says Martinez. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. Cazcabel. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! 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. JAJA is proudly additive free. 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. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. 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). We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. Maybe Distiller could help for you? A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. I wish something like this was posted in stores. The 12 Best Sipping Tequilas to Drink of 2023 - Liquor.com Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time 1. Find which tequilas are right for you. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. 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. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. 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. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. ** There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. 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. While they may be fun for a party or to use in mixed drinks, we recommend skipping these bottles the rest of the time and just drinking tequila straight up. The Aejo variety is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a nice blend of warm agave and oak flavors. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Thank you for the clarification. Two questions: Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila Brand Is Problematic - InStyle Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. The Lowdown on Tequila Additives | TasteTequila Surprise Surprise. Bribon Reposado Tequila. 10 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - insider.com It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. What a great resource you have put together. SHOP NOW. 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. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. The 18 Best Tequilas in the World - Men's Journal 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? Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. Thank you for all the info. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. 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". STILL: Copper Pot. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. I love your reviews? The secret to Cenotes smoothness? Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Avoid these tequila brands: . Pick Up Some of These Gloves First It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. This list is awesome! Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. 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. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. 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. 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. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. Best Non Alcoholic Tequila with Photos and Mocktails Tested All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. 2. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! Cierto Tequila Begins Its U.S. Rollout - BevNET.com This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the The best tequila brands use only the heart of the pia (the heart of the agave) and a slow pressing method using a tahona, which is a large stone disc used to crush the juice from the pias after they have been roasted and/or steamed, she says. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. (They even make their own compost!) There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. 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. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. 18 Best Tequila Brands 2023 - Top Tequila Bottles To Buy Now - Delish Give it a try! All Rights reserved. We dont have much production information on this product either. 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 are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Required fields are marked *. 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. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making 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. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. 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. El Cristiano Tequila, $48+, All of Dulce Vidas tequilas are handcrafted in small batches, made with 100% blue agave and aged in American oak whiskey barrels for a refreshing flavor and smooth finish. The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. 1. Related 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.". .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. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. 5. Espolon Blanco Tequila. 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. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) This tequila gets its name from the year of its creation, so yeah, you've got a spirit with a more than 200-year history. Sugar-based Syrup. If you want to feel like a celebrity while sipping tequila, then this is definitely the brand for you. 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 . We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? What Features Should You Look for in Tequila? View more. Don Julio. 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? 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. :-). Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! . These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. The reposado, with an ABV of 40%, is aged for four months in ruby port wine casks that give it a signature pink color. 15 Bartender-Approved Tequilas To Bridge Winter And Spring Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. Total Wine. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. 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. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Don Julio. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. 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. JAJA is proudly additive-free. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. Photo credit: Courtesy. 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. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . 3. Its a liquor made using 100% Weber Blue agave and a distillation process that combines techniques from both tequila and mezcal-making processes most importantly, smoking and steaming the agave. These are some images taken during our additive free visits. 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.