Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. 2. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. 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. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. No 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? 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. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . 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. 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. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. 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. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. Love my Cimarron. 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. 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? JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? Let's discuss it. It would be a handy reference when shopping. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. 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. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. 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. On Sale. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Espoln Blanco Tequila. Related W/ additives. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. STILL: Copper Pot. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . Want to know more? Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the . The majority of tequila does have additives. Oct 28, 2022. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. 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. Reposado means rested in Spanish. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. When will the list be available on the app? 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. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. Sure, tequila shots are fun at parties (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about shots of Patrn have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. 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. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . 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. Hi Josh. 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. I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. 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. 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. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. We can do both, cant we? From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. Buy Santo Mezquila $49.99. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. 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. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Reposado's tasting notes consist of sweet maple, cooked agave, and toasted wood. 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. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. 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. Now confused. 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. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 Total Wine. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. 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. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! 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. Read Full Article. Smooth. 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. 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. Siempre. 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 . 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. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. 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. The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , 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. It's almost too easy to not do it, being legal to a certain extent, and too hard to ever get caught. 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. 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. 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. Making tequila requires thoughtful consideration of both legal and technical factors defining the spiritand many choices in the production process can have a tremendous impact on the final distillate. When it comes to flavor, Rodriguez says tequila can range from smooth and mellow, to a warmer and bolder profile. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. 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. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. 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. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. El Jimador Tequila Silver Price: $16-$30. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Jose Cuervo . Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? 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. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. I love your reviews? Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. It has a smooth, even finish. 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. 2. 3. 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. 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. 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. Charring could add smoke, or add some wood quality, but when you can taste a heavy presence of aging, like strong caramel or vanilla, and the color is dark and rich after only a short aging process.. you need to wonder about additives. When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. . Each aging process will bring out different flavors in your tequila, and result in unique flavor profiles that often call to mind whiskey or scotch. EXTRACTION: Tahona. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. 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. Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. 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. Total Wine. . Editors picks 13. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. 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. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. "And nobody is hitting the . There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. 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. 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. 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. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . 1. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! Cazcabel. Popular Brands. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Cons. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . The . Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . Initially launching in California, Florida, Texas, New York . With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. Your email address will not be published. Trending 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. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically.