best no additive tequila brands
I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Find which tequilas are right for you. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. (They even make their own compost!) Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. 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. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . After all, taste is a personal and a subjective thing, but I wonder as so many 'crossover' drinkers are coming to aged tequilas, if many of these consumers fail to recognize their preference is for the familiar and pleasant flavors associated with oak, and have no problem accepting this, even if it's artificially colored and flavored. I do believe it's safe to say that products made by the quality brands mentioned below on my favorites list, seem to be completely additive free. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and local agave. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? 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." Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. With 11 generations of tequila-makers to their name, Maestro Dobel is no stranger to the spirits market, with an entire portfolio of smooth, easy-drinking tequilas available everywhere from country clubs to the finest restaurants in the world. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. It would be a handy reference when shopping. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. The brand offers a blanco, reposado, aejo, aejo cristalino and extra aejo in its lineupand they recently released a limited edition reposado to celebrate their 100th birthday. 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. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 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. 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. This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. 1. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Now confused. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill Espoln Blanco Tequila. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. We want to hear it. Good stuff!! However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. Lightweight and well balanced, it's a great option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers alike. Roy adds that shes a fan of Patrns Roca collection because the brand uses juice from the tahona rolling process, which pulls only the most flavorful liquid from the pias they roast for almost three days. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. 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 tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first, but will leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. 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. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco 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. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! I have tried without success to find out a little more about this particular offering which a number of my friends and myself are now drinking . There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. What do you think about that do you agree? 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. Below, we're sharing everything you need to know to find your perfect tequila, plus our picks for the best tequila brands, chosen by master distillers, bartenders and industry experts. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 I love your reviews? 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. I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. 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. "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 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. When I drink tequila, I want to be drinking tequila and nothing else. When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. 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. This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila, adds Sylvi Roy, bar manager at Twelve in Portland, Maine. I mean Jimador is a diffuser product, so this is quite interesting and hard to believe for sure. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. 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. This works as a great party idea too. 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. Maybe Distiller could help for you? Any comment would be most welcome . Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? 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. 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. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? Photo credit: Courtesy. The company says it sources naturally filtered water from an artesian well located at their distillery, which sits at the base of the Jalisco volcano. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Youll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brle, toast and rich vanilla. Aejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy. 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. There are five different types of tequila: blanco, reposado, aejo, joven and extra aejo which are distinguished by the length of the aging process, known as aged expressions.. Tequila Blanco: Also known as silver tequila, this expression is only aged for up to two months and is bottled within 60 days of distillation.The best blanco tequilas will typically taste sweeter . I have a couple questions: Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. 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. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Tequila Matchmaker is the only rating system smart enough to detect your personal preferences and match you with the tequilas that are right for you. Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. Related There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. 74.95. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. 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). The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. 1. 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. There are . 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. 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. ** There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. 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. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. 5. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. 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. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. Thank you! If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. So what do people think about all these claims? 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. $46 at Reserve Bar. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? who cares? 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. Popular Brands. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. All Rights reserved. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. 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. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged with vegetal earthy notes that work well in a margarita, paloma, or old-fashioned, though Jessica Fallon, general Manager of Ladybirds in Houston, Texas, says she prefers drinking it on the rocks. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. Thank you so much for this list! Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. Do they have additives? HONORING CRAFT AND TRADITION MIJENTA IS AN AWARD-WINNING, ADDITIVE-FREE, SUSTAINABLE TEQUILA FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF JALISCO THAT CELEBRATES THE TRADITIONS OF MEXICAN CULTURE AND EMBODIES THE BEST OF THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. 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. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. 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. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. 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. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom): This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. 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. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. Thank you. Thank you for the clarification. 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. 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. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. Fortaleza Blanco. 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. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. 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). All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. Why? Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. 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. 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. Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. 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. We dont have much production information on this product either. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. These additives aren't illegal, per se. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. Guillermo Erickson Sauza of 'Fortaleza' told me "we don't add any additives, and we don't make tequila for anyone", and I was told that 'Siete Leguas' never uses any flavorings, colorings, or additives, as well as 'Tequila Caballito Cerrero' and San Matias. Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila (aptly named Codigo) off his 2019 album, Honkey Tonk Time Machine.. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Then next sip I thought, wow, I cant believe how sweet this is 3rd sip and I was getting that aftertaste and I was like this stuff is too damn sweet, it tastes like artificial sweeteners, but thats impossible. 1. In other words. to deceive us. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. Tequila's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and the top bottles now command cultish prices formerly reserved for the rarest of Scotches and small-batch bourbons. I have been told that unless you get to see the CRT production logs, you'll never know if they have additives, and brands don't even have access to that information, it's something that only the distillery has. We deserve to know, don't you think? It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. 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. So what do you think? An incredible effort here! 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. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. Don't believe us? 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. 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. Im verifying that any blanco I get, say a Calle 23 Criollo, can be assumed to be Additive-free, despite not being marked as such on the Matchmaker site? Look for 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. Give it a try! With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. 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. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. I want to stay away from additives. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! Zarpado Tequila Blanco. 2. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. 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.
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