Your email address will not be published. Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. In other words. to deceive us. The tequila now will seem darker, and although it's still a dirty trick, if it has no additives in it, its still a lot better than paying extra money for a rested or aged tequila with fake colors and flavors added. These are some images taken during our additive free visits. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. To compensate for a light hue, it seems a large number of suppliers are placing caramel color into their aged reposado tequila or anejo tequila, although I know a good amount of quality brands, that although impossible to prove, appear not to use any additives, including colorings. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. 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. 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. This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. 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 . Gran Coraminos tequilas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and barrel-aged. An incredible effort here! View more. 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. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretara de Salud (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.). 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. Thank you! 3. Don't believe us? In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. Average Price: $115. What they probably say to themselves is, 'we don't exceed the 1% rule, so there is no need to discuss this at all', and as far as they are concerned .they are NOT using additives. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Reposado's tasting notes consist of sweet maple, cooked agave, and toasted wood. Total Wine. Jose Cuervo . 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. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . 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. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. "We choose to . who cares? Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Blancos are also usually cheaper. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? A new addition to the tequila category, this blanco burst onto the drinks scene in 2021, garnering rave reviews for maximal flavor at a minimal price. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. 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. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. 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? 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Photo credit: Courtesy. Besides margaritas, Roy shares these three delicious cocktails you can make with tequila: Related:15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, From blanco to reposado to aejo, Patrn offers every type of tequila you could desire. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . do you agree with these brands? Pick Up Some of These Gloves First The distillery actually sits on the edge of an extinct volcano, whose porous foundation acts as a natural filter for the spring water used to make their tequila. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. View more. . Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. 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. Thank you for the clarification. 1. Trending Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. 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. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Arandas, in the Jalisco mountains of Mexico, is home to Cazcabel. They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. 15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for, Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of, Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of. Although partly owned by Bacardi since 2017, Ilegal remains one of the most sustainable and socially engaged mezcal brands around, having been founded in 2006 by John Rexer to supply his bar in Antigua, Guatemala. 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. JAJA is proudly additive-free. 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. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. We want to hear it. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. It's simply sneaky in many ways, to alter or attempt to make 'better' an 'unbalanced' or 'rough' sub par spirit, or to make it look or taste more aged than it is. While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenotes Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. You just need to know what to look for. 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. 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. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. What do you think about that do you agree? I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. 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. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. 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. Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. 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. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Spirit of the Earth, he says. 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.