The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. 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. 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.). Best Tequilas 2023 | Tried and Tested | Esquire UK The Best Tequila Under $50 To Try in 2022 - Next Luxury Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. The majority of tequila does have additives. Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. 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. 18 Best Sipping Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now - Delish 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 tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . . As you can't always believe Company Reps or Ambassadors who may not know for sure, I have personally contacted many Brand Owners, Executives or Master Distillers. If that's all they ever did, I guess it's livable, although I'd prefer an 'off color' myself, and being completely additive free. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. 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. They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. Several factors come into play at each stage of this process, but at the very least, for a tequila to be great, it must be all agave, with no additives. . The 18 Best Tequilas in the World - Men's Journal We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Best tequila with no additives/ sweeteners under 80$ Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine I find that the extended barrel aging pulls out any astringent qualities that may have been in the originally distilled juice, making this the easiest to sip on its own., The best type of tequila for sipping is the one in which you can taste the complexity given by the best agave source, along with a good elaboration process, providing the smoothness and sweetness you can obtain from the agave, says Martinez. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. The 11 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - The Spruce Eats Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. Additive-Free Tequila: Regulations and Why I Prefer No Additives Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. 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. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. I have been told that unless you get to see the CRT production logs, you'll never know if they have additives, and brands don't even have access to that information, it's something that only the distillery has. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. 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. who cares? SB meets Tasha Iny, Mijenta Tequila - The Spirits Business 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. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. 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. Thank you. When I drink tequila, I want to be drinking tequila and nothing else. do you agree with these brands? 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." . The margarita has always held a place in our hearts as an excellent sunny-day drinkmainly because it's refreshing and super simple to make. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and local agave. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . The result is a clean, smooth tequila. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. 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. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. 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. The 6 Best Sustainable Mezcal Brands - LeafScore Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. 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. 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. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. Remember they are saving time and money using them. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. 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. There are three main types of tequila to choose from. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. 27 Best Tequila Brands for Shots, Margaritas, Sipping - Parade 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. Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. March 3, 2023 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. I have a couple questions: 20 best tequila brands of 2023 for sipping or mixing margaritas Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. 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. While they may be fun for a party or to use in mixed drinks, we recommend skipping these bottles the rest of the time and just drinking tequila straight up. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. 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. HONORING CRAFT AND TRADITION MIJENTA IS AN AWARD-WINNING, ADDITIVE-FREE, SUSTAINABLE TEQUILA FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF JALISCO THAT CELEBRATES THE TRADITIONS OF MEXICAN CULTURE AND EMBODIES THE BEST OF THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. 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 . On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Don Julio. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave blue tequilanaWeber plant that can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico, explains David Rodriguez, master distiller for Patrn Tequila. 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. Want to know more? 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. 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. Grover and Scarlet, But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Although I want to trust all the brands, keep in mind that it's always possible that a distillery may do whatever it takes, so there can be no guarantee. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . 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. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Patrn Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) [2 brands] El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. 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. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . 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. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. 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. August 4, 2021. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. View more. What do you think about that do you agree? Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! So what do people think about all these claims? Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. 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. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. 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." Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. 2. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). SEE OTHER GREAT EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES and HONEST TEQUILA REVIEWS along with REAL TOP TEQUILA LISTS- HERE ON- LONG ISLAND LOU TEQUILA - SEE all the tabs above, and PLEASE LIKE on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. 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. Do they have additives? What additives can you taste? Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . Don Julio 1942, $160, Back in 2019, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched Cincoro Tequila alongside a few other NBA ownersand in just three short years, the brand has sold a million and a half bottles and won more than 20 awards. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. Thanks. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. The taste is equally flavorful, with added notes of pumpkin spice and clove on the palette before it gives way to a subtle herbaceous and vanilla finish. 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. 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. Why? Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. 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. There are four total categories of additives according to the Consejo Regulador . No additives Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List, ArteNOM 1579- NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123, Patron - NOM 1492-(no additives but "Americanized"). That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. 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). They were. If youre hosting a party or large gathering, youll want to stock up on bottles of Espoln. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. Casa Del Sol. Mijenta Tequila | Marketplace . 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. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . The Best Bottles of Tequila for Cinco de Mayo - InsideHook 9. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. STILL: Copper Pot. This works as a great party idea too. We can do both, cant we? If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. 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. The 30 Best Tequilas for 2022 | VinePair 10 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - insider.com View On Drizly View On Caskers. 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. These additives aren't illegal, per se. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. Thank you! 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. What are the additive-free tequila brands? | News York Time JAJA is proudly additive free. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. 3. 5 Types of 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. Espolon Blanco Tequila. Trending 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. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159.