Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, ADDITIVES IN TEQUILA & MY PERSONAL LIST OF ADDITIVE-FREE TEQUILA BRANDS, http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. 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. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Tequila Brands to Avoid and Why - outsider.com We feel its a better service to the community that we highlight the non-additive products so that people can familiarize themselves with those products. The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. . Thank you! Best Tequilas 2023 - The Luxury Editor 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. 9. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. We can do both, cant we? Why? In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. The 11 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - The Spruce Eats The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. He uses different distillation equipment and different agaves grown at different altitudes, as an alternative, and as long as you have the additional equipment, use your head, and not take the easy way out, this is a perfect solution instead of using additives. 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. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time Are they true, who can you believe? The female-owned and led brand was co-founded by CEO Bertha Gonzlez Nieves, the first female maestra tequilera certified by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. 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. Olmeca Altos, $28+, Tequila Bribn is the result of a two-year mission to produce high-quality tequila that appeals to newbies and aficionados alike. What Features Should You Look for in Tequila? Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? So very helpful! Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. 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. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Again it's YOU that decides this. " This is confusing because earlier in the guidelines, it says that tequilas can have 75 g/L of sugars, which, if you do the math, is WAY more than 1%. Have you heard anything from their distillery? 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. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. With notes of fresh-cut grass and tropical fruit, you can always have it in a cocktail, but this is a fantastic tequila to pair with dinner, or a good cheese plate. SHOP NOW. $149.99. Not with the usual agave spirit you know and lovethe NA spirits brand has launched an alcohol-free tequila, the first of its kind. The Best Bottles of Tequila for Cinco de Mayo - InsideHook Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). 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. 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. Organic Tequila vs. Regular - Drinking the Best Tequila - Aldez Tequila 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. Find which tequilas are right for you. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. I'm guessing many of these drinkers do not detect the taste of agave or try to, and it seems to take a backseat to the flavor of oak. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. 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. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. I am totally independent & honest. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . 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. Cazcabel. 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. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Realize that caramel coloring is not used for adding sweet flavor, but more so, for a darker color to make the aged spirit 'look' more aged, or to change the color of batches to balance them out (consistency), in the stage called 'rectification'. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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). Tequila - No Additives - Page 3 - Old Town Tequila Additives in Tequila & My Personal List of Additive-free Tequila Brands (They even make their own compost!) Many thanks. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. In other words. to deceive us. 13. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. 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. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. This 'adulteration' let's the tequila taste like something it's not, and adding sweeteners for example, will 'mask' the use of young agave plants that would have low brix (sugar) levels. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Im really into making the greatest tequila in the world, says Hagar in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. 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. So in the end I would say, do one of two things. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! What additives can you taste? 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 popularity of tequila has exploded in recent years, and as the spirit has evolved, so, too, has the number of brands on the market. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. The 25 Best Tequila Brands for Sipping, Shots and Margaritas in 2022 - MSN 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. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. 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 exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. 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. Editors picks The 30 Best Tequilas for 2022 | VinePair 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. Its a very special blend elaborated with agave that is grown on our property and was aged in a combination of our best hand-selected American oak and new French oak barrels. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. 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. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. My adviceif it doesn't taste natural or has an abnormal aroma or taste, has overly strong and unbalanced flavors, or is too sweet or has a sweet aftertaste, or is too dark in color for short aging, try one of the more trusted brands below, to see the difference. Jaja Tequila Reposado (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart 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. High-end tequila is a distinctive and expressive spirit that can be enjoyed in many different ways and this Mexican tipple, especially the aejo category, is now a firm favourite in the premium drinks class. When will the list be available on the app? Because of how time-consuming it is to create (and how hands-on the distilling and aging processes are), its released in very small batches and comes with a large price tagbut the excellent taste makes it worth the splurge! Tequila 101: The Use of Additives in Tequila - Inspiro Tequila These are some images taken during our additive free visits. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Sauza crafts all of their tequilas using a process known as gentle extraction, which involves using the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after theyve been extracted from the pia. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart 3. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. 5 Best Tequilas For No Hangover Recommended by Experts (2023) All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver 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'. 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. There are four total categories of additives according to the Consejo Regulador . 1. Adolfo Murillo of 'Alquimia' said "I have always worked hard to stay true to the tradition of tequila and the way it was meant to be made, so if my bottles say 100% agave, it does not mean "99%, because the CRT says it's ok". Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. 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. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. Best Tequilas for 2023: Top 5 Bottles Most Recommended By Expert Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. It doesn't mean I don't like their product or that it doesn't taste fine, but coloring is an additive. what's not to understand? 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. They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Don Julio. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. The 6 Best Margarita Mixes of 2023 - The Spruce Eats What Are Tequila Additives? - foodandwine.com Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. . Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? 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. It has notes of vanilla, ripe fruit and butter and can be enjoyed neat, with salt and lime, chilled, or however else you like to drink your tequila. The story you mention is from 2017: The brand has been around since 1950. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tequila Matchmaker, our free app for iPhone and Android, can detect your own individual "flavor fingerprint" and match you with tequilas that are right for you (and then tell you where to find them.) Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. Best Tequilas 2023 | Tried and Tested | Esquire UK 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. The Lowdown on Tequila Additives | TasteTequila Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Any comment would be most welcome . 1. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! 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. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. Hi Luis. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. 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. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory 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. JAJA is proudly additive free. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. "Bribon is a solid tequila for its price," says Fallon. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. 5 Types of Tequila. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. 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. This year's offering of . Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. As I asked for their word on 100% additive free (including the legal 1%), let it be understood that misleading consumers is as far as I'm concerned, a reflection on these brands, and THEY are the ones that should look bad. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. $46 at Reserve Bar. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself Don Julio. 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. 2. At the time, that was enough for us. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. Thank you for your time and commitment. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too.