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. Sophie Decobecq of 'Calle 23' said we use no additives and as for caramel "this is why our color is not consistent, which is why my last anejo batch is much clearer, and I am fine with this." Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. I have a couple questions: The 14 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - Liquor.com This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Maybe Distiller could help for you? 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. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Tequila Matchmaker 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. Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. Related Thank you for the clarification. 18 Best Tequila Brands 2023 - Top Tequila Bottles To Buy Now - Delish no headache-inducing fillers). The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. This list is awesome! 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. 15 Best Tequila Brands Of 2021: Expert Sipping Guide - Luxe Digital Each batch is distilled for a minimum of two months in stainless steel barrels, and delivers a nice mix of sweet agave, light citrus and just a hint of vanilla. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. 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. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. Dana Riley - Strategy Manager, Strategic Accounts - LinkedIn Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Jose Cuervo . Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! If Casamigos is what you serve at your party, Clase Azul is what you break out for the select few invited to stick around after the crowd leaves. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. 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'. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. 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. 1. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? Patrn Tequila, $56+, Casamigos has an A-list history: The brand was launched by friends George Clooney and Rande Garber (husband to Cindy Crawford), who worked with a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico over the course of many years to get the taste just right. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. $149.99. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! "And nobody is hitting the . Tequila Casa Del Sol. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. 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. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. 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 do this as my passion, & nothing else. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. 3. 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. The 8 Best Cheap Tequilas of 2022 - The Spruce Eats 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. Are tequilas marked organic additive free? This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. Total Wine. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region, so it wont exhibit the same sweetness or fruit-forward flavors as some of the other picks on our list. El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) Thanks, The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. 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. "We choose to . "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. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. 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. 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. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. 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. 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. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. When El Bandido Yankee Tequila founders made the decision to delve into the rich and storied world of handcrafted tequila, they knew one thing for certain: Their tequila would be authentically crafted the right way with zero additives. There are . JAJA is proudly additive-free. Tequila Matchmaker Thank you! The result is a collection of blanco, reposado and aejo spirits that are made from 100% blue agave and perfectly capture summer in a bottle. Now confused. The story you mention is from 2017: The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 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. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Tequila 101: The Use of Additives in Tequila - Inspiro Tequila 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. Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. What Are Tequila Additives? - foodandwine.com Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Danos also won the Gold Medal in the 2019 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition, and the Double Gold and Gold in the 2018 SIP Awards. 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. Like all of Casa Nobles offerings, this one is certified organic, and has a limited number of bottles in select cities around the country. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. 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? 2. 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. We sat down with Mijenta Tequila's UK brand ambassador, Tasha Iny, to discuss future launches, and why producers should steer clear of adding flavours. Grassy and mild, with some pleasant notes of coconut, Espoln Blanco's smoothness and neutrality make it a great tequila for whatever you need, including and especially shots. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. Best tequila with no additives/ sweeteners under 80$ 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. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. How Do You Tell If Your Tequila Has Additives? - Forbes Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Remember they are saving time and money using them. So who knows what a distillery may do to 'enhance' a contract brands juice, for their own convenience. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. 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. Hi Keith. The best tequilas in 2023. 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.. Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. 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. Thank you for creating it. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. The Lowdown on Tequila Additives | TasteTequila A Non-Alcoholic Tequila Has Entered The Market - Forbes 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. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. The 12 Best Sipping Tequilas to Drink of 2023 - Liquor.com Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. 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. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? 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. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. .because as much as there are definitely trustworthy and talented owners like German Gonzalez and Adolfo Murillo, and I trust them just as much, the average brand that 'contracts', (meaning renting space at someones else's distillery), often have to go by practices at that distillery, and they can't be at the distillery 24/7. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. This year's offering of . Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. You dont get the same distinct flavor profile as some of the other bottles on our list, but for a refreshing, straightforward Blanco, this one is a no-brainer to pick up. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. 2. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Trending Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! 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. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer.