Give it a try! Have you heard anything from their distillery? There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. The . Again it's YOU that decides this. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! . ABV: 46.3%. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. Tequila: Everything You Should Know, and the 13 Best Brands Cazcabel. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. Despite the brands hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrn En Lalique: Serie 2 going for up to $7,500 online. Total Wine. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. 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. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Tequila Matchmaker 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. Thank you! In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. 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. 18 Best Tequila Brands 2023 - Top Tequila Bottles To Buy Now - Delish Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Each year, the agave is harvested from a different farm/estate, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarenaso each single estate bottling showcases its own distinct characteristics which truly highlights the terroir (or terruo in Spanish) of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Tequila Ocho, $49+, LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. Grover and Scarlet, Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Send to: [email protected]. So what do you think? Don Julio. Thanks. One of the most-awarded bottles on our list, Danos Aejo Tequila is aged 18 months in virgin French white oak barrels and produced using 100% agave at a family-owned distillery that dates back to 1840. 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. 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. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Tequila Matchmaker on the App Store Tequila 101: The Use of Additives in Tequila - Inspiro Tequila Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. 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. So very helpful! August 4, 2021. Organic Tequila vs. Regular - Drinking the Best Tequila - Aldez Tequila 1. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. Many thanks. Heres a rundown of each one: This is tequila in its purest form without aging and is clear in color, says Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for Tequila Cazadores. What are the additive-free tequila brands? | News York Time Tequila Matchmaker 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. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! 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. 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. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. :-). 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. .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. Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. 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. 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. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first, but will leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. 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. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Are they true, who can you believe? According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. 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. Tasha . Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. Clase Azuls tequila comes in this instantly recognizable (and supremely collectible) bottle, which you see on the top shelf of high-end bars and restaurants. Eterno Verano, $52+, 21Seeds was started in 2019 by three moms turned female entrepreneurs whose vision was to create a great-tasting, smooth spirit with the infusion of fresh ingredients. So what do people think about all these claims? SHOP NOW. 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. Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, ADDITIVES IN TEQUILA & MY PERSONAL LIST OF ADDITIVE-FREE TEQUILA BRANDS, http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. 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. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! Guillermo Erickson Sauza of 'Fortaleza' told me "we don't add any additives, and we don't make tequila for anyone", and I was told that 'Siete Leguas' never uses any flavorings, colorings, or additives, as well as 'Tequila Caballito Cerrero' and San Matias. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. To be honest, I'm actually more than fine with all this myself, and I see this as a sign of integrity, and makes me appreciate these brands and respect them even more. 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. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. Do they have additives? These additives aren't illegal, per se. It's up to you all to decide what to believe, and although brands can tell me things, it doesn't mean I believe them or that it makes my personal list of additive free brands. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. . There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. I understand that this is an opt-in program, so may other brands may be additive free, but they have opted not to be added (IDK what they would not. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. Avoid these tequila brands: . Editors picks Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. do you agree with these brands? Why? Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. We like what the brand is doing with the no-for-profit S.A.C.R.E.D too, which re-invests 100% of proceeds from merchandise and a portion of tequila sales back into the local Mexican communities where agave spirits are made to identify and support vital needs. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. 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. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. Thank you for the clarification. There are five different types of tequila: blanco, reposado, aejo, joven and extra aejo which are distinguished by the length of the aging process, known as aged expressions.. Tequila Blanco: Also known as silver tequila, this expression is only aged for up to two months and is bottled within 60 days of distillation.The best blanco tequilas will typically taste sweeter . This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the . The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. 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. The 8 Best Cheap Tequilas of 2022 - The Spruce Eats How To Make The Perfect Tequila Cocktail - BlackTailNYC.com Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. 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. 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. I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XAs, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list. Cierto Tequila Begins Its U.S. Rollout - BevNET.com 5 Types of Tequila. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. 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. In addition to the core expressions, if you're really looking to splurge you can try the extra anejo, aged for seven long years in ex-whiskey barrels, and priced at $350 . Surprise Surprise. Hey, we're all about being social! Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. Oct 28, 2022. Related 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." First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. 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.