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. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. 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. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. 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 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/. The . 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. A Carlos Newton describes himself on the label as the Master Distiller with the content described as extra aged 100% de agave batch A-9. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. Don't believe us? This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. 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". The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. 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. The brand has been around since 1950. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. 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! Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. Keep in mind that technically, if you exceed the 1% total volume rule, it must be labeled as a 'licor' or a 'crema', like these (ABOVE), and that's the way it should be. 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. 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. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? Cons. Thank you for your time and commitment. 1. Let's discuss it. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. The exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. 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. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. Several factors come into play at each stage of this process, but at the very least, for a tequila to be great, it must be all agave, with no additives. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Although I want to trust all the brands, keep in mind that it's always possible that a distillery may do whatever it takes, so there can be no guarantee. 6. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Why? 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. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. 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." Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. View more. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. 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. 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. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. I want the Real Thing. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. 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. In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. 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. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. 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. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. . Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. 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. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Surprise Surprise. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. CODIGO 1530. 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. Reposado means rested in Spanish. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. 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. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. who cares? If you're still going for corn-based alcohols (not just whiskey, bourbon and rye, but some gins and vodkas, too), pick ones made with non-GMO corn. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. 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. Check Price. Eterno Verano, $52+, 21Seeds was started in 2019 by three moms turned female entrepreneurs whose vision was to create a great-tasting, smooth spirit with the infusion of fresh ingredients. We deserve to know, don't you think? This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. :-). Frank Mendez of 'Gran Dovejo' said "we are 100% transparent which include being 100% additive free and the idea of creating GD actually came about due to the use of additives and misleading marketing practices found in the industry." 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. Hi Keith. 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. Any comment would be most welcome . Unfortunately you need to understand the reality of what often goes on with 'Rested' (Reposado), 'Aged' (Anejo) and 'Extra Aged' (XA) Tequilas, concerning ADDITIVES - (SEE Kit ABOVE). 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. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. "Additives are designed to soften the rough edges of a tequila, to add a flavor that is not present in tequila when it is distilled.", explained David Alan, director of business education and mixology of PATRN to Vine Pair. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. Answers: In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. This year's offering of . Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. 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? Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? JAJA is proudly additive free. Produced using the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras, the tequila is meticulously aged inFrench White Oakred wine (Cabernet) barrels from Napa Valley. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). You rock, Grover and Scarlet! dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. JAJA is proudly additive-free. 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. March 3, 2023 He is correct, anyone can say anything, but I will say, that after tasting all of Felipe's products and talking with him for years, he is one producer I trust solely on his word. Its great to know which ones already meet the criteria, but to the point about Don Julio, how do we know if a brand has been tested and failed, versus not being tested? Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. Read Full Article. All Rights reserved. 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. DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! Brands made at their own distillery can be easier to believe, when they proclaim themselves additive-free, as only the owner/distiller controls what goes in the juice. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. 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. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? 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. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. 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. Thanks. I have a couple questions: Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. ABV: 46.3%. 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.". Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. 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. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? 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. Some brands have obviously taken advantage of these powerful concentrated additives, colorings and flavorings to make their brands 'profile' which they have become known for, and don't appear to be stopping. 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. 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. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. 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. 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. 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. 1. $149.99. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. 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. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. Had to give it away. I love your reviews? With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Initially launching in California, Florida, Texas, New York . Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. We want to hear it. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. It's also free of common allergens. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good!