" 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%. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. 2. Thank you. 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. "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. 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. 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. Check Price. 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. 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. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . Tequila: Everything You Should Know, and the 13 Best Brands 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. 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. The reason caramel coloring is used, is to add a rich and darker color to make it appear that the aging was longer than it actually was. The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. 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. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. The reposado, with an ABV of 40%, is aged for four months in ruby port wine casks that give it a signature pink color. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. 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. Sugar-based Syrup. 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. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. no headache-inducing fillers). Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. 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. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. 3. 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. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. This tequila is complex and full-bodied, and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well. 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. They were. 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. 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. Consider that mission achieved, plus they've built quite the celeb following! Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. 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. 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. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. 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. Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . A Carlos Newton describes himself on the label as the Master Distiller with the content described as extra aged 100% de agave batch A-9. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. An incredible effort here! 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. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Thankfully for you, we're breaking down store-bought tequila brands and ranking them from worst to best to help you find the perfect bottle for your taste preference and budget. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. 15 Best Tequila Brands Of 2021: Expert Sipping Guide - Luxe Digital Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. 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? Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. Your email address will not be published. The 5 Best Organic Tequila Brands The Honest Consumer Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn't get much better given its price point. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+, One of the top five selling tequilas in the world, Hornitos is a premium tequila brand crafted with 100% blue agave. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. How to Avoid Those GMO Booze Blues - FoodPrint This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. It's also free of common allergens. Aejo tequila can often be recognized by its rich, caramel color, and it must be aged for at least one year (though most are aged three years) to bear the Aejo name. Don Julio. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. 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.". Maybe it's time brands realize we are fed up with additives, and overly sweetened tequila, which is sometimes referred to as "Americanized" Tequila, as well as fake coloring. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? We want to hear it. I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. 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. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. How Do You Tell If Your Tequila Has Additives? - Forbes The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. In other words. to deceive us. 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. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. The Reposado features notes of sweet vanilla, oak, mushrooms, ginger, caramel and citrus, which gives it that perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness with an easy finish and no lingering aftertaste. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. We deserve to know, don't you think? It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco I am very happy I found this website and this list. Named after the Spanish word for diamond, Diamante was created with no additives. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. 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. The brand has been around since 1950. 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. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. Thanks, The secret to Cenotes smoothness? The 14 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - Liquor.com (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. We like the Maestro Dobel 50, a smooth and complex Extra Aejo Cristalino thats aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels, then twice-distilled in copper pot sills. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. 1. Aejo cristalino is aged at least one year in white oak barrels then is filtered to remove its color and specific components to make it mellower, while conserving the sensory qualities of an aejo tequila we want to preserve, says Martinez. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. 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. Why? ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. 2. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. At the time, that was enough for us. So what do you think? Gran Coraminos tequilas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and barrel-aged. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. 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. Your email address will not be published. Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? 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. EXTRACTION: Tahona. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. do you agree with these brands? 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. Many thanks. 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. 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. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? 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. What are the additive-free tequila brands - American Post 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.
