Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. The 10 Best Blanco Tequilas Money Can Buy Don Julio. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . 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. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. The Best Tequila Brands to Drink Now - Esquire 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 . 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. 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. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. An incredible effort here! Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. Grassy and mild, with some pleasant notes of coconut, Espoln Blanco's smoothness and neutrality make it a great tequila for whatever you need, including and especially shots. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. 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. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. The female-owned and led brand was co-founded by CEO Bertha Gonzlez Nieves, the first female maestra tequilera certified by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. At the time, that was enough for us. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. Smooth. 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. After all, taste is a personal and a subjective thing, but I wonder as so many 'crossover' drinkers are coming to aged tequilas, if many of these consumers fail to recognize their preference is for the familiar and pleasant flavors associated with oak, and have no problem accepting this, even if it's artificially colored and flavored. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? It has notes of vanilla, ripe fruit and butter and can be enjoyed neat, with salt and lime, chilled, or however else you like to drink your tequila. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. This 'adulteration' let's the tequila taste like something it's not, and adding sweeteners for example, will 'mask' the use of young agave plants that would have low brix (sugar) levels. 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. Its great to know which ones already meet the criteria, but to the point about Don Julio, how do we know if a brand has been tested and failed, versus not being tested? The 12 Best Sipping Tequilas to Drink of 2023 - Liquor.com 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. Two questions: Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb 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. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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. Cons. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. 15 Bartender-Approved Tequilas To Bridge Winter And Spring I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. What Are Tequila Additives? - foodandwine.com Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. 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! 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 . I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. 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. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. The majority of tequila does have additives. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. 1- either stick with a producer who makes aged tequilas to YOUR liking, regardless if it's heavy caramel, vanilla, overly smooth and overly sweet, very dark and rich, oily and very oaky without caring if they are obviously manipulated or not. Thank you. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. 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. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. SHOP NOW. So what do people think about all these claims? Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 10 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - insider.com 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Your email address will not be published. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. SB meets Tasha Iny, Mijenta Tequila - The Spirits Business Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. "We choose to . In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be sin abocante (without additives). Tequila Matchmaker 5 Types of Tequila. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. 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"). 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. They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium extra aejo, youre sure to love these award-winning spirits for their taste and quality. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. View more. 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. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. There are . BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. These additives aren't illegal, per se. It has a smooth, even finish. 2. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. 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. German Gonzalez of t1 explained he is "free of additives" for t1 products as well as his 'Tears of Llorona' as well as David Suro, who as an early believer of tequila transparency, said at 'Siembra Spirits' "we don't use any additives or artificial flavors in any of our expressions". There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. Mijenta Tequila | Marketplace I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. In other words. to deceive us. The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Popular Brands. View On Drizly View On Caskers. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Although trusting people is always a gamble, we really do have some very knowledgeable contract-brand owners, that know exactly what is in their products, have integrity, and are way more involved than some others. 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. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. Best Tequilas for 2023: Top 5 Bottles Most Recommended By Expert 5 Best Tequilas For No Hangover Recommended by Experts (2023) Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. Here is the best tequila for no hangover that is a must-have for every celebration. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. In some parts of the world they are. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. Meanwhile, if the liquid begins to stick to your hands . We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. 18 Best Tequila Brands 2023 - Top Tequila Bottles To Buy Now - Delish Zarpado Tequila Blanco. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Why mess with a good thing? 6. 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. Answers: Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is . I wish something like this was posted in stores. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Im really into making the greatest tequila in the world, says Hagar in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! 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. W/ additives. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. Blancos are also usually cheaper. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). . 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. 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? And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. :-). There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. We're starting to expect this in our food, why shouldn't we expect this in our spirits? This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. 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. Of course you can taste the ones that use these natural additives- as they are too sweet, too candyish, too oily etc, and it's even easier to tell the ones that really 'go to town', and totally abuse this rule. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. Why? From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 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. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. 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. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. significant growth in bars and restaurants. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. 1. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. Tequila Matchmaker Best Value: Pueblo Viejo Blanco. JAJA is proudly additive free. What additives can you taste? These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. Avoid these tequila brands: . Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Whether youre at an A-list after party or just chilling at home, nothing beats a Casamigos and soda for a refreshing, celeb-approved drink. I mean Jimador is a diffuser product, so this is quite interesting and hard to believe for sure. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? 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. $46 at Reserve Bar. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . Alcohol Beverages, Products & Brands Launched in February 2023 Danos also won the Gold Medal in the 2019 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition, and the Double Gold and Gold in the 2018 SIP Awards. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! 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. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. 5. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. 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. We deserve to know, don't you think? There are three main types of tequila to choose from. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. 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. . This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. The Best Tequila Under $50 To Try in 2022 - Next Luxury 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. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. EXTRACTION: Tahona. Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. 2. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. 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): How to Avoid Those GMO Booze Blues - FoodPrint 1. 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. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. I want the Real Thing. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Do you believe that? 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. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! 1. 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. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? So what do you think? Photo credit: Courtesy. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. The . Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. Read Full Article. 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? Because of how time-consuming it is to create (and how hands-on the distilling and aging processes are), its released in very small batches and comes with a large price tagbut the excellent taste makes it worth the splurge! I'd rather have the 'natural color' after aging, and blend it that way with the other batches, without ANY colorings. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. 3. WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! 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.