YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. 1. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. Let's discuss it. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. 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. no headache-inducing fillers). The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. If after a few seconds the tequila maintains its consistency and your hands feel dry as they would from a few drops of water, then you likely have an additive-free tequila. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! The company says it sources naturally filtered water from an artesian well located at their distillery, which sits at the base of the Jalisco volcano. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. 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'? Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. 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'. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. If you want to feel like a celebrity while sipping tequila, then this is definitely the brand for you. 5 Types of Tequila. 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. As Taste Tequila reported, you don't need to use additives to make a profile, if you are being creative, as Sergio Mendoza does at Don Fulano. (They even make their own compost!) Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. Interestingly, another brand that is 100% additive-free told me "rarely will a distiller commit to never using color, because sometime in the future, there could be a day that some tequila comes off the barrels lighter, and distillers would rather add a couple drops of organic caramel coloring instead of jeopardizing a stock of tequila that has inconsistent color on the shelf." Love my Cimarron. . The brand offers a blanco, reposado, aejo, aejo cristalino and extra aejo in its lineupand they recently released a limited edition reposado to celebrate their 100th birthday. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. Thank you for your time and commitment. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. There are three main types of tequila to choose from. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. 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." El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? They were. 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. Eduardo Orendain of 'Arette' said "we are 100% additive free, and we don't use caramel and yes we do have color consistency problems because of this, where some batches are lighter or darker than others." These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet, Another (Celine) Portrait: See Bob Dylan in Fashion Brand's Latest 'Performer' Series, The Best Wireless Range Extenders to Use (and How They Work), Outdoor Buds: These Fully Waterproof Workout Earbuds Are Just $30, NBA 'Investigating,' Team Suspends Ja Morant After Allegedly Flashing Gun on Social Media, See the Beths Deliver Refreshing 'Expert in a Dying Field' Mini-Set on 'CBS Mornings', Netflixs Sex/Life Is Back to Satisfy Your Softcore Desires, Alex Murdaugh Juror Says Cellphone Video, 'Big Liar' Testimony Led to Guilty Verdict. 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. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. 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. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. The Aejo variety is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a nice blend of warm agave and oak flavors. 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. This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Fortaleza Blanco. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. These additives aren't illegal, per se. This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. A distillery can still be verified if they have additive use in their facility they just need to declare which ones are using additives so we can focus on the ones that dont. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. Read Full Article. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. We love the Grand Patrn Burdeos (find it here), which is twice-distilled and aged in used American and new French Oak barrels, before being finished in vintage Bordeaux barrels (Burdeos means Bordeaux in Spanish). 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your Cinco de Mayo margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. Jose Cuervo . Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. View On Drizly View On Caskers. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. 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. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. 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. 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. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. 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. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. The blanco, reposado and aejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. 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. We have to stop thinking a dark and rich color is always the real thing, and start thinking about realistic, clean, additive free tequila, regardless of the color or lack of color. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Trending 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. The tequila has a really smooth, sweet taste with notes of citrus, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and more to give it a unique tasting experience that I really enjoy. Tequila Cazadores,$23+, Tequila Ocho is my personal favorite brand, says Lavenue. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. Find which tequilas are right for you. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. 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. 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. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. 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. Cons. Choose from blanco, reposado and aejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. 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 exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. 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. This list is awesome! Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. 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. Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. 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. 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. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. 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 affordable, accessible and goes down easy. So what do people think about all these claims? I'd rather have the 'natural color' after aging, and blend it that way with the other batches, without ANY colorings. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. 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.). Popular Brands. It would be a handy reference when shopping. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. 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. 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. Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. Give it a try! Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. 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. Teremana Tequila, $35+, El Cristiano Tequila handcrafts sustainable, additive-free and gluten-free tequilas with only the finest aged Weber blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) 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. 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. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. 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. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. Average Price: $115. ABV: 46.3%. 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. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. 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. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. 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. 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. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. . Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill 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. Don't believe us? Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. All Rights reserved. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. The brand has been around since 1950. Sugar-based Syrup. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. 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. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Avoid these tequila brands: . I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. It was founded by Ana Mara Romero Mena, who grew up in Mexico City and started her career in tequila more than 30 years ago. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. 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. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! 9. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . Thank you so much for this list! 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. 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. 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. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. 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. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. 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. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. Now confused. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. 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. SHOP NOW. The pictures ABOVE and BELOW are courtesy of Grover Sanschagrin of 'Taste Tequila' whose excellent recent Video/Report is linked HERE- http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. 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. 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. Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. " 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%. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. 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. 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. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! This is tequila thats only aged for a few weeks, so it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. 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. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. Do you believe that? Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. Made from 100% pure Weber Blue Agave harvested after 7 to 10 years of growing, this tequila is clean and crisp, and perfect for making margaritas and other mixed drinks. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. W/ additives. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. . Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. 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. It makes sensewith its sweet, smooth taste, tequila is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in margaritas and other yummy cocktails as well as sipped straight or over ice. Kristopher DeSoto was on a mission to create a more robust and expressive tequila than the kind usually found on U.S. shelves and he succeeded. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. Frank Mendez of 'Gran Dovejo' said "we are 100% transparent which include being 100% additive free and the idea of creating GD actually came about due to the use of additives and misleading marketing practices found in the industry." The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. The majority of tequila does have additives. In February of 2021, Kendall Jenner announced her latest venture: 818 Tequila, a small-batch brand Jenner claims is the end result of a 3.5-year "journey to create the best-tasting tequila."