. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. 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. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. Two questions: 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. LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Other brands, some very popular did not answer me back on giving me their 'guarantee' and 'assurances' that no additives what so ever are used in their products. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. "Bribon is a solid tequila for its price," says Fallon. At the time, that was enough for us. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. 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. 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. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. 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. In other words. to deceive us. 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. March 3, 2023 LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Patron Anejo Barrel Select. 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. . A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. So what do you think? I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. Adolfo Murillo of 'Alquimia' said "I have always worked hard to stay true to the tradition of tequila and the way it was meant to be made, so if my bottles say 100% agave, it does not mean "99%, because the CRT says it's ok". I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. Sure, tequila shots are fun at parties (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about shots of Patrn have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. 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. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. This list is awesome! They can change the taste, by making the tequila sweeter with sugar based syrups or "jarabes", which can also include flavors and aromas, and this isn't just agave syrup, but a number of sugar based products, like cane sugar, aspartame, corn syrup, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia. 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. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. 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." Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. The Champagne yeast we use allows the Highland agave to shine, showcasing the cooked agave flavor up front with fruity and floral notes following. Gonzlezs family has been in the tequila business for generations (his grandfather was the legendary Don Julio Gonzlez), so you know he knows his stuff! Some brands have obviously taken advantage of these powerful concentrated additives, colorings and flavorings to make their brands 'profile' which they have become known for, and don't appear to be stopping. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tequila Matchmaker, our free app for iPhone and Android, can detect your own individual "flavor fingerprint" and match you with tequilas that are right for you (and then tell you where to find them.) Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. The problem with additives as I see it, is even though it may be legal at 1%, it's also 'cheating' and unnecessary, and seems many brands don't act like they're using additives, as long as it's only the legal 1%. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . Do they have additives? Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. 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. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. 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. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. There are . 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. He said people have their opinions about Productos Finos de Agave, but he was clear that any sweet profile is strictly from very ripe agaves. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. It's also free of common allergens. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . The exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. The best tequilas in 2023. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? 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. View more. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. Don Julio. 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? 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 . 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. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila, adds Sylvi Roy, bar manager at Twelve in Portland, Maine. Choose from blanco, reposado and aejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. 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. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. The story you mention is from 2017: Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . Why? 9. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Not with the usual agave spirit you know and lovethe NA spirits brand has launched an alcohol-free tequila, the first of its kind. This type of tequila has been aged a minimum of two months to one year in oak barrels, which gives the liquid a light golden color, says Martinez. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. Your email address will not be published. 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. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! 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). These are some images taken during our additive free visits. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. 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.). All of the tequilas in the Casamigos line (they have a blanco, reposado and aejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave pias that are slow-roasted in brick ovens. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. Oct 28, 2022. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. . 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.". Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! My favorite expression in our portfolio is, of course, our new limited edition bottle that we just released to honor the 100-year anniversary of our original reposado recipe from 1922, says Martinez. Check Price. Thank you for all the info. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. 2. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. 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. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Now confused. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Trending I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Cons. 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. Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. 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. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. Casa Del Sol. Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. 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. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. Unless the distillery owns the brand, the brand may have no definite idea what's in their bottle, and they have no choice but to trust the distillery. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. $159.99. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. Best Value: Pueblo Viejo Blanco. 6. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? Pros. 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. 5. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. 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. 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. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila (aptly named Codigo) off his 2019 album, Honkey Tonk Time Machine.. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. 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. 1. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. I say keep it pure and natural. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Reposado means rested in Spanish. As of January 2020, the below distilleries, some of which produce multiple tequila brands as designated by their NOM assignment, have been credited as verified additive-free. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. 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. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. The . FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. Maybe Distiller could help for you? We dont have much production information on this product either. The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. 3. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. 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." 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. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. 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. Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. Whether you decide to sip Dulce Vidas blanco, reposado or aejo neat or include them in your favorite cocktails, youll be sure to enjoy their pure taste. . From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! 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. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom): 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." Don Julio. 4. 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'. 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 . The 100 Best Albums of 2022. Each batch is distilled for a minimum of two months in stainless steel barrels, and delivers a nice mix of sweet agave, light citrus and just a hint of vanilla. 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. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. Blancos are also usually cheaper. 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. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. 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. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. 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. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. 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." Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. This unique process creates a flavor profile thats both familiar and brand-new: Its light and fresh like great tequila, but also has a hint of the smokiness we look for with mezcal.