We want to hear it. Had to give it away. STILL: Copper Pot. 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 . There is a variety of flavors to tequila, depending on the amount of sugar in it as well as how long it has been aged. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. 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. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are both listed as an additive-free distilleries, but their respective XAs are not marked as Additive-free. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. 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. 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. 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. It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn't get much better given its price point. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+, One of the top five selling tequilas in the world, Hornitos is a premium tequila brand crafted with 100% blue agave. When will the list be available on the app? It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. 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. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. On Sale. We love the Grand Patrn Burdeos (find it here), which is twice-distilled and aged in used American and new French Oak barrels, before being finished in vintage Bordeaux barrels (Burdeos means Bordeaux in Spanish). According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. 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. Tired of Standing? An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Hornitos, $29+, Founded by Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Teremana Tequila crafts their tequilas in a small Mexican town up in the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. $46 at Reserve Bar. 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. Required fields are marked *. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. 1. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. Marcos Higareda of 'DesMaDre' said "we do not use ANY additives, never used and never will use caramel coloring, and it's all natural color, taste and aromas from natural barrel aging." Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. 6. This is tequila thats only aged for a few weeks, so it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. Gran Coraminos tequilas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and barrel-aged. Don't believe us? "Bribon is a solid tequila for its price," says Fallon. Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. 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. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. 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. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? Of course they know they are using them though, as they actually have to put them in, but most will deny to me or anyone who asks them point blank, if they use additives. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! 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. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. . The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. 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. 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.". This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? Want to know more? Your email address will not be published. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! 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. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. 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. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. I want to stay away from additives. Spirit of the Earth, he says. Find which tequilas are right for you. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. Founded by three best friends in Canada, Siempre combines a unique flavor profile (think notes of pepper, sea salt/brine, sweet berries and candied citrus) with a traditional tequila making process using 100% agave. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. It's funny because if you were, or still are a whiskey/scotch, bourbon, cognac, or brandy drinker, I feel you are more likely to 'accept' overly oaky aromas and flavors as normal, as you enjoy this profile. "We think it's 70% by sales volume last year, so there will always be fewer additive free-tequilas," Scarlet tells me. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. Popular Brands. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. Produced using the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras, the tequila is meticulously aged inFrench White Oakred wine (Cabernet) barrels from Napa Valley. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. I am totally independent & honest. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. 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. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. Its aged in a sequence of Islay Scotch, Spanish brandy and Spanish sherry oak barrels for five years before being blended by the brands master distiller. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. 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. Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Adam Levines Calirosa mashes up classic tequila-making techniques and California wine know-how for a bottle of tequila that tastes as unique as it looks. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but its great for mixed drinks as well. Youll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brle, toast and rich vanilla. Aejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. This list is awesome! The . Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. 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 . The secret to Cenotes smoothness? It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. If after a few seconds the tequila maintains its consistency and your hands feel dry as they would from a few drops of water, then you likely have an additive-free tequila. 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.). 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. Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. 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. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. 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. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. 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. Certain producers like Felipe Camarena wouldn't dream of doing any of this, and Camarena told me "it's about credibility, not about promises from the producer". Patrn Tequila, $56+, Casamigos has an A-list history: The brand was launched by friends George Clooney and Rande Garber (husband to Cindy Crawford), who worked with a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico over the course of many years to get the taste just right. I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: 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. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. Many thanks. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? . Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . Editors picks And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. 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. Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 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. This works as a great party idea too. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. Aejo tequila can often be recognized by its rich, caramel color, and it must be aged for at least one year (though most are aged three years) to bear the Aejo name. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. With notes of fresh-cut grass and tropical fruit, you can always have it in a cocktail, but this is a fantastic tequila to pair with dinner, or a good cheese plate. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. 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. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. 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. 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 . 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. 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. View more. Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. 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. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. Not with the usual agave spirit you know and lovethe NA spirits brand has launched an alcohol-free tequila, the first of its kind. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. 15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for, Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of, Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of. Region of Origin: All tequila comes from the Tequila region of Mexico, and in order for a spirit to call itself tequila, it must be distilled from agave plants grown in that region. March 3, 2023 Thank you. 2. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong, RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands Were Drinking Right Now, Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . 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? 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. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Your email address will not be published. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time Vanilla and Cocoa powder (chocolate) are also considered a type of oak extract, and although vanilla is not part of the 1% group, vanilla is something that can occur naturally in a barrel, but it is naturally 'subtle'. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Let's discuss it. Using only the best ingredients and a meticulous process, we are inspired by a vision of what tequila should be: complex, balanced and gastronomic. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Thank you! 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.
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