Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. In other words. to deceive us. They were. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. "And nobody is hitting the . Related You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Region of Origin: All tequila comes from the Tequila region of Mexico, and in order for a spirit to call itself tequila, it must be distilled from agave plants grown in that region. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. 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. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. 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. 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. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. Want to know more? When I drink tequila, I want to be drinking tequila and nothing else. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. 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. Casa Del Sol. The story you mention is from 2017: Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. Look for a tequila producer that uses 100% blue agavesome companies add other flavors that distort the flavors, and you can really taste the difference, says Roy. Had to give it away. 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. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. 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'. This works as a great party idea too. ** There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. . I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . 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. Grover and Scarlet, 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. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. Remember, as has been said before. No brands will EVER admit to using additives, so understand that YOUR taste buds are the real test, and believing these assurances.are up to you. 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. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. This crystal-clear . A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. $68 at Reserve Bar. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. The result is a collection of blanco, reposado and aejo spirits that are made from 100% blue agave and perfectly capture summer in a bottle. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. 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! The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. 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. 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 . Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Espolon Blanco Tequila. We like the Maestro Dobel 50, a smooth and complex Extra Aejo Cristalino thats aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels, then twice-distilled in copper pot sills. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. 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. 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. I wish something like this was posted in stores. 2. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? Teremana Tequila, $35+, El Cristiano Tequila handcrafts sustainable, additive-free and gluten-free tequilas with only the finest aged Weber blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. Im verifying that any blanco I get, say a Calle 23 Criollo, can be assumed to be Additive-free, despite not being marked as such on the Matchmaker site? Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. 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. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. 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). El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. All of the tequilas in the Casamigos line (they have a blanco, reposado and aejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave pias that are slow-roasted in brick ovens. I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. 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. 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. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Each year, the agave is harvested from a different farm/estate, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarenaso each single estate bottling showcases its own distinct characteristics which truly highlights the terroir (or terruo in Spanish) of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Tequila Ocho, $49+, LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. 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. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. 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. 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. 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.". This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. 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. 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. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. But that said, despite what . 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. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? 9. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. 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. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? These additives aren't illegal, per se. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. Remember they are saving time and money using them. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. As a matter of fact, he doesn't care if his aged tequilas look light or don't match each other in batches, and I love that. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. 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. Don Julio. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. Popular Brands. 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. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. 74.95. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. Thank you so much for this list! Total Wine. 1. Founded by three best friends in Canada, Siempre combines a unique flavor profile (think notes of pepper, sea salt/brine, sweet berries and candied citrus) with a traditional tequila making process using 100% agave. . 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Now available! Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. What Features Should You Look for in Tequila? In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. no headache-inducing fillers). So what do people think about all these claims? Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. . 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. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. Siempre. 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.