Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . 4. 2. 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. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Cons. The exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. The best tequilas in 2023. Remember they are saving time and money using them. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. For a similar experience at a more casual price point, we like the Roca Patrn Reposado, which is a lighter, more buttery take on the bold and robust Burdeos. It's up to you all to decide what to believe, and although brands can tell me things, it doesn't mean I believe them or that it makes my personal list of additive free brands. These additives aren't illegal, per se. I want to stay away from additives. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . 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. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. Trending Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time Eduardo Orendain of 'Arette' said "we are 100% additive free, and we don't use caramel and yes we do have color consistency problems because of this, where some batches are lighter or darker than others." Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . 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. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. 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. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. no headache-inducing fillers). . Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. The oak extract can add oak aromas and flavors found in oak barrels, helping to confuse you even further in thinking it was aged much longer than it was. 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.. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. I have a couple questions: 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. 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. My favorite expression in our portfolio is, of course, our new limited edition bottle that we just released to honor the 100-year anniversary of our original reposado recipe from 1922, says Martinez. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. 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. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. . Want to know more? The margarita has always held a place in our hearts as an excellent sunny-day drinkmainly because it's refreshing and super simple to make. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. Jaja Tequila Reposado (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . 27 Best Tequila Brands for Shots, Margaritas, Sipping - Parade The Lowdown on Tequila Additives | TasteTequila What are the additive-free tequila brands? | News York Time . Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. 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. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Thank you so much for this list! none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. Which tequila brands are verified additive-free? I'm told that some distilleries will use additives because it's cheaper and faster to get things done, and who's to say if this is with or without the owners knowledge? Cazcabel. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Another tactic often used to fool the public into thinking that a particular tequila was aged longer or is richer, is to tint the bottle glass to a darkish or amber appearance. 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. Required fields are marked *. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? After speaking with these brands and tasting all the tequilas mentioned, the list below are brands that passed my own personal test, and taste 100% additive free. View more. Don Julio. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. We dont have much production information on this product either. The 8 Best Cheap Tequilas of 2022 - The Spruce Eats 13. 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. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. This is tequila thats only aged for a few weeks, so it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium extra aejo, youre sure to love these award-winning spirits for their taste and quality. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. Sometimes using french oak barrels may make you 'think' there are additives, because it can taster very sweet, even overly sweet. 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. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. G4 Premium Blanco Tequila 108 Proof | Marketplace Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. Thank you for creating it. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. Mijenta Tequila | Marketplace I am totally independent & honest. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. The Better Mixed Drink Option: Vodka Or Tequila With Coke Zero El Cristiano Tequila, $48+, All of Dulce Vidas tequilas are handcrafted in small batches, made with 100% blue agave and aged in American oak whiskey barrels for a refreshing flavor and smooth finish. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. 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. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Additives in Tequila & My Personal List of Additive-free Tequila Brands Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? 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? Break this one out for the most special of occasions. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 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. Of course you can taste the ones that use these natural additives- as they are too sweet, too candyish, too oily etc, and it's even easier to tell the ones that really 'go to town', and totally abuse this rule. $159.99. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . 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. While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenotes Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. Tequila Brands to Avoid and Why - outsider.com We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. 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. 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. Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine . Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List, ArteNOM 1579- NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123, Patron - NOM 1492-(no additives but "Americanized"). Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! 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. Total Wine. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. 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. Good for them.and Good for us. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. 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. In some parts of the world they are. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Thank you. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. It has a smooth, even finish. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. Blanco tequila is the ideal choice for margaritas, says Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio Gonzlez of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. He said people have their opinions about Productos Finos de Agave, but he was clear that any sweet profile is strictly from very ripe agaves. 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. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). 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. 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. 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 . 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. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart They were. 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. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. Many thanks. Had to give it away. 1. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. 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 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. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. 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. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. Tequila Matchmaker on the App Store 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. 3. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. 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. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup.