These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? 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. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. 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. significant growth in bars and restaurants. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. 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. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. . 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. Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. 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. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco Patron Anejo Barrel Select. 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. 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. 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. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. 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. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. Im really into making the greatest tequila in the world, says Hagar in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. W/ additives. Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . No Additives. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. But that said, despite what . 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . German Gonzalez of t1 explained he is "free of additives" for t1 products as well as his 'Tears of Llorona' as well as David Suro, who as an early believer of tequila transparency, said at 'Siembra Spirits' "we don't use any additives or artificial flavors in any of our expressions". Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 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. These wine barrels let the spirit age in a different direction (dont worry; it doesnt taste like wine), and impart the unique rosy glow that gives Calirosa its name. 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. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. JAJA is proudly additive free. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Though we prefer El Bandido Yankee as a sipping tequila (it really is as criminally smooth as the brand says), the flavor has enough bite to make for some beautiful cocktails, too. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . 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. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. The majority of tequila does have additives. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. 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.". Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. 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.. Cazcabel. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Bribon Reposado Tequila. Hey, we're all about being social! While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenotes Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. 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. 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. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. . Again it's YOU that decides this. Jose Cuervo has been in the tequila game for more than 250 years and was actually the first tequila brand to bottle the spirit individually. 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 . 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'. 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. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. 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. 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. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. So very helpful! I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. Give it a try! These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong, RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands Were Drinking Right Now, Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? Many thanks. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Blancos are also usually cheaper. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. 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. Two questions: They roast their agave in brick ovens for three days before shredding it to extract the juices for fermentation, and then they distill the tequila in handmade copper pot stills made by a local artisan. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. Handcrafted using the time-honored tahona process, the Roca Patrn Tequila collection offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile thats an elegant and elevated take on tequila. 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. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? The brand has been around since 1950. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. 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. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? 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. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. 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. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? 3. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. Although trusting people is always a gamble, we really do have some very knowledgeable contract-brand owners, that know exactly what is in their products, have integrity, and are way more involved than some others. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . 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. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. Patron shares a list of distilleries, some of which produce multiple brands of tequila according to their NOM, which have been accredited as verified without additives. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. I want to stay away from additives. "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. Don't believe us? I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. 5. The compounds have a purpose and can correct any irregularities to make sure a brand makes the same tasting tequila time after time, but additives can also flatten tequila's natural flavors or add an unnatural sweetness. 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. 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. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Are they true, who can you believe? 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. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. Reposado means rested in Spanish. They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. Sometimes using french oak barrels may make you 'think' there are additives, because it can taster very sweet, even overly sweet. . 2. 2. Casa Del Sol. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. These brands are going 'on record' here, as being an ADDITIVE FREE TEQUILA BRAND, and I have contacted a wide variety of brands to ask if they are 100% additive free. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. 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. Thank you for your time and commitment. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is 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. 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. 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? They were. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Thank you. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The story you mention is from 2017: Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? Patrn Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) [2 brands] El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. They are a reality, and remember it's legal, but only up to 1% of total volume, on additives of: caramel color, oak extract, glycerin and "sugar-based syrup" (like agave nectar), but not necessarily ONLY from agave. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. 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. 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. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. 1. EXTRACTION: Tahona. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. The best tequilas in 2023. 1. 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. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. 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. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. 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. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. Hi Luis. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. Answers: Thats what you get from Casa Nobles new aejo, a skillful and impressive blend of 12 extra aejos and nine aejos, aged in new French oak for one to five full years (most aejos are aged for a year max) with notes of ripe fruit, vanilla, white chocolate, roasted nuts, and spice. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. 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. . 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. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . The 100 Best Albums of 2022. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. 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. olympic gymnastics coaches list,