best no additive tequila brands best no additive tequila brands

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. 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. Siempre. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. 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. 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. Fortaleza Blanco. Cincoro Tequila produces five tequilas: blanco, reposado, aejo, extra aejo and the newest addition to their collectionCincoro Goldwhich blends the best of all four of their other varieties into one ultra-premium tequila. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . Check Price. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. Everything is made in with 100% blue weber agave and is confirmed all-natural and additive-free for a tequila that goes down smooth and silky. 2. Vanilla and Cocoa powder (chocolate) are also considered a type of oak extract, and although vanilla is not part of the 1% group, vanilla is something that can occur naturally in a barrel, but it is naturally 'subtle'. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 9. Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. The popularity of tequila has exploded in recent years, and as the spirit has evolved, so, too, has the number of brands on the market. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. I am very happy I found this website and this list. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. 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. Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. 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. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. To celebrate the release, Dobel collaborated with the Mexico City-based design firm Onora on a custom hand-painted bottle stopper inspired by the traditional Mexican folk art craft known as Amate. Only 200 bottles were produced of the Maestro Dobel 50 Onora, which retails for $250. Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, ADDITIVES IN TEQUILA & MY PERSONAL LIST OF ADDITIVE-FREE TEQUILA BRANDS, http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. Im really into making the greatest tequila in the world, says Hagar in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. Now available! 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. 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. View more. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. The blanco, reposado and aejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. 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. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! 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. 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. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! 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. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. In addition to the core expressions, if you're really looking to splurge you can try the extra anejo, aged for seven long years in ex-whiskey barrels, and priced at $350 . 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! Cazcabel. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! It's also free of common allergens. March 3, 2023 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. 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. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. Its aged in a sequence of Islay Scotch, Spanish brandy and Spanish sherry oak barrels for five years before being blended by the brands master distiller. 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. Give it a try! Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. 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. Thanks. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Grassy and mild, with some pleasant notes of coconut, Espoln Blanco's smoothness and neutrality make it a great tequila for whatever you need, including and especially shots. Using a few drops of caramel coloring is one thing, but this additive problem seems to go much further, using these additives to cover up mistakes, a low quality product, or mask deficiencies in the final product. 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. 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. We feel its a better service to the community that we highlight the non-additive products so that people can familiarize themselves with those products. Do you believe that? Hi Luis. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. Editors picks 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. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. When will the list be available on the app? The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. This year's offering of . Reposado means rested in Spanish. 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. 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.". 1. The story you mention is from 2017: Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. 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. Tequila Casa Del Sol. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). SHOP NOW. Average Price: $115. Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. 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? So in the end I would say, do one of two things. 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. Another tactic often used to fool the public into thinking that a particular tequila was aged longer or is richer, is to tint the bottle glass to a darkish or amber appearance. Some brands I have mentioned or will mention, say they are 100% additive free, and although I do like and drink their products, I will not add them to my 'personal' list below, because I am not 100% sure. Casa Del Sol. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. Often it is to 'balance' the batches in appearance, so they are the same color before blending. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Popular Brands. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Smooth. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. Other brands, some very popular did not answer me back on giving me their 'guarantee' and 'assurances' that no additives what so ever are used in their products. ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . Tired of Standing? Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Don Julio. This works as a great party idea too. Remember they are saving time and money using them. In other words. to deceive us. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. 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. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time 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. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. 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. Total Wine. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. Answers: Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. 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. This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. 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. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. 6. 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. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. 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. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. 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. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Many thanks. This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the . . We dont have much production information on this product either. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. It's almost too easy to not do it, being legal to a certain extent, and too hard to ever get caught. 3. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. Surprise Surprise. We want to hear it. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. We deserve to know, don't you think? No additives I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. This list is awesome! Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. 2. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. Blending of different barrels at the end before bottling, plays a major role in tequila making, and remember that although they use the barrels multiple times, they may also be blending with a fresh 'new' aged barrel of tequila as well, as this really is an art. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. Total Wine. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . . Related I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. 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. no headache-inducing fillers). If that's all they ever did, I guess it's livable, although I'd prefer an 'off color' myself, and being completely additive free. Required fields are marked *. The reason caramel coloring is used, is to add a rich and darker color to make it appear that the aging was longer than it actually was. I have a couple questions: Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Grover and Scarlet, 1. Any comment would be most welcome . Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. 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". Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. 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. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. I am totally independent & honest. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. 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. 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. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. JAJA is proudly additive-free. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. 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). What a great resource you have put together. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? 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 love your reviews? W/ additives. Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . Patron Anejo Barrel Select. 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. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. 6. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. 4. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. 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. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. So keep in mind the above mentioned brands that 'claim' to be 100% additive free may be just that, and most are high quality and fine tasting brands that I enjoy myself. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. 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. I want to stay away from additives. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. What additives can you taste? JAJA is proudly additive free. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . Thank you! "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. 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." 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. 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.