We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. Although partly owned by Bacardi since 2017, Ilegal remains one of the most sustainable and socially engaged mezcal brands around, having been founded in 2006 by John Rexer to supply his bar in Antigua, Guatemala. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. " This is confusing because earlier in the guidelines, it says that tequilas can have 75 g/L of sugars, which, if you do the math, is WAY more than 1%. 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. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. The ultra-premium highlands tequila uses all the beverage buzz words, like small batch production, and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. But beyond the hype, its a smooth, easy to drink option; naturally sweetened with the rich aroma of mature agave plants, with a clean finish. This works as a great party idea too. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. 4. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. You just need to know what to look for. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. 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. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? 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. 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. 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. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. "We choose to . It was founded by Ana Mara Romero Mena, who grew up in Mexico City and started her career in tequila more than 30 years ago. 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. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. They can change the taste, by making the tequila sweeter with sugar based syrups or "jarabes", which can also include flavors and aromas, and this isn't just agave syrup, but a number of sugar based products, like cane sugar, aspartame, corn syrup, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. 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." Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. Avoid these tequila brands: . Hi Luis. 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. Thank you! Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? 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. They are a reality, and remember it's legal, but only up to 1% of total volume, on additives of: caramel color, oak extract, glycerin and "sugar-based syrup" (like agave nectar), but not necessarily ONLY from agave. Sugar-based Syrup. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. 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. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. 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. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? 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. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Don Julio 1942, $160, Back in 2019, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched Cincoro Tequila alongside a few other NBA ownersand in just three short years, the brand has sold a million and a half bottles and won more than 20 awards. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! 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. 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. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. Tequila Casa Del Sol. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. 5. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. The reposado, with an ABV of 40%, is aged for four months in ruby port wine casks that give it a signature pink color. Tasha . Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. 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. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. 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. When 1% of total additives are used there is no requirement to tell the consumer, so I suppose for this reason, brands that put additives into their product will often make claims that they are not using any at all. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. 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. Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. Thanks, What they probably say to themselves is, 'we don't exceed the 1% rule, so there is no need to discuss this at all', and as far as they are concerned .they are NOT using additives. We have to stop thinking a dark and rich color is always the real thing, and start thinking about realistic, clean, additive free tequila, regardless of the color or lack of color. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? 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. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. 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. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. 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. 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? So what do people think about all these claims? A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretara de Salud (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.). The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). The ones that have indicated to me that they 'only' use some caramel coloring (even with no flavoring) to avoid differences in color, will not be mentioned below, as that doesn't cut it here. This crystal-clear . I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. 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. The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is . . 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. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong, RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands Were Drinking Right Now, Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? 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. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time 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. 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. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. 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. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. 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. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. SEE OTHER GREAT EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES and HONEST TEQUILA REVIEWS along with REAL TOP TEQUILA LISTS- HERE ON- LONG ISLAND LOU TEQUILA - SEE all the tabs above, and PLEASE LIKE on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. 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. 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. 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. 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. Love my Cimarron. There are three main types of tequila to choose from. Surprise Surprise. Let's discuss it. The brand has been around since 1950. 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. Made from 100% pure Weber Blue Agave harvested after 7 to 10 years of growing, this tequila is clean and crisp, and perfect for making margaritas and other mixed drinks. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. 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. 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. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. JAJA is proudly additive-free. "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. no headache-inducing fillers). August 4, 2021. I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. The pictures ABOVE and BELOW are courtesy of Grover Sanschagrin of 'Taste Tequila' whose excellent recent Video/Report is linked HERE- http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Sophie Decobecq of 'Calle 23' said we use no additives and as for caramel "this is why our color is not consistent, which is why my last anejo batch is much clearer, and I am fine with this." Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! significant growth in bars and restaurants. These wine barrels let the spirit age in a different direction (dont worry; it doesnt taste like wine), and impart the unique rosy glow that gives Calirosa its name. 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. Cazcabel. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! The . Espolon Blanco Tequila. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. 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. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. 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. 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. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? 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. 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. 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. When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. When will the list be available on the app? Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. 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. The Reposado features notes of sweet vanilla, oak, mushrooms, ginger, caramel and citrus, which gives it that perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness with an easy finish and no lingering aftertaste. . El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. 3. $46 at Reserve Bar. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. They roast their agave in brick ovens for three days before shredding it to extract the juices for fermentation, and then they distill the tequila in handmade copper pot stills made by a local artisan. Maybe Distiller could help for you? 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. Tired of Standing? Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? Casamigos is a favorite among the Hollywood crowd, thanks to its co-founder George Clooney, but its actually got a lot of substance to go with its style. EXTRACTION: Tahona. A new entry into the tequila market, El Bandido Yankee launched in 2021 by former NFL player Jim Bob Morris and restaurateur and NHL Hall of Fame Hockey Player Chris Chelios. 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. It's also free of common allergens. ** There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. I'm guessing many of these drinkers do not detect the taste of agave or try to, and it seems to take a backseat to the flavor of oak. $68 at Reserve Bar. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. So very helpful! 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. This year's offering of . It's funny because if you were, or still are a whiskey/scotch, bourbon, cognac, or brandy drinker, I feel you are more likely to 'accept' overly oaky aromas and flavors as normal, as you enjoy this profile. The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. 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? 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. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. But that said, despite what . and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. Thank you. 2. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. Check Price. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). 1. .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. 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. 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. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! So in the end I would say, do one of two things. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 6. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. 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. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. Aejo tequila can often be recognized by its rich, caramel color, and it must be aged for at least one year (though most are aged three years) to bear the Aejo name. The majority of tequila does have additives. 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. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. Any comment would be most welcome . The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. 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. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. 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'. Trending 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. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. The best Tequilas are not overly-priced, nor do they typically come in extravagant bottles and 99.9% of the time they are not celebrity owned or hyped.

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