best no additive tequila brands best no additive tequila brands

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. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. 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. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. 13. Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. This tequila is complex and full-bodied, and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well. 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. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Reposado's tasting notes consist of sweet maple, cooked agave, and toasted wood. 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. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Any comment would be most welcome . All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! What additives can you taste? Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. Thanks, Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. View On Drizly View On Caskers. 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. 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. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. The Reposado features notes of sweet vanilla, oak, mushrooms, ginger, caramel and citrus, which gives it that perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness with an easy finish and no lingering aftertaste. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. With 11 generations of tequila-makers to their name, Maestro Dobel is no stranger to the spirits market, with an entire portfolio of smooth, easy-drinking tequilas available everywhere from country clubs to the finest restaurants in the world. 5 Types of Tequila. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. $149.99. 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. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. To celebrate the release, Dobel collaborated with the Mexico City-based design firm Onora on a custom hand-painted bottle stopper inspired by the traditional Mexican folk art craft known as Amate. Only 200 bottles were produced of the Maestro Dobel 50 Onora, which retails for $250. (They even make their own compost!) The Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or NOM) is assigned by the Mexican government and certifies that the bottle youre holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. 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. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 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. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. Very smooth, nice taste, and perfect for sipping straight. 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. 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. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Editors picks Hi Luis. Siempre. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. 5. 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. . I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Thank you! The majority of tequila does have additives. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. 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. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Each tequila decanter is handcrafted by indigenous artisans in a small village in Mexico who create beautiful patterns on the ceramic surface of each bottle. 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. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. 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! You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. ABV: 46.3%. Thank you. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. Im verifying that any blanco I get, say a Calle 23 Criollo, can be assumed to be Additive-free, despite not being marked as such on the Matchmaker site? 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. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa . Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. SHOP NOW. Sometimes using french oak barrels may make you 'think' there are additives, because it can taster very sweet, even overly sweet. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. Give it a try! 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. Popular Brands. Thank you for the clarification. So very helpful! Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. 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): Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. 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. 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. 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 just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Tired of Standing? We dont have much production information on this product either. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . 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. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. 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. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. The compounds have a purpose and can correct any irregularities to make sure a brand makes the same tasting tequila time after time, but additives can also flatten tequila's natural flavors or add an unnatural sweetness. 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? I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. Avoid these tequila brands: . Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. Tasha . As I asked for their word on 100% additive free (including the legal 1%), let it be understood that misleading consumers is as far as I'm concerned, a reflection on these brands, and THEY are the ones that should look bad. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. 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. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. 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. Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. These additives aren't illegal, per se. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. Patron shares a list of distilleries, some of which produce multiple brands of tequila according to their NOM, which have been accredited as verified without additives. 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. 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. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. 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. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. The experts pointed to a line in the guidelines that read additives "must not be greater than 1% in relation to the total weight of the tequila before it is bottled. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. 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. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Initially launching in California, Florida, Texas, New York . 1. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. 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. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. Thank you for creating it. 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. A new addition to the tequila category, this blanco burst onto the drinks scene in 2021, garnering rave reviews for maximal flavor at a minimal price. 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? Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . 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. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Lightweight and well balanced, it's a great option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers alike. Roy adds that shes a fan of Patrns Roca collection because the brand uses juice from the tahona rolling process, which pulls only the most flavorful liquid from the pias they roast for almost three days. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. I want the Real Thing. This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. 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. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. It's simply sneaky in many ways, to alter or attempt to make 'better' an 'unbalanced' or 'rough' sub par spirit, or to make it look or taste more aged than it is. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. dried fruit, and vanilla. Total Wine. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. This crystal-clear . There are three main types of tequila to choose from.