The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. . Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. 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. 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. Don't believe us? Thank you for all the info. 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. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. 1. 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. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. 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 $350 . "Additives are designed to soften the rough edges of a tequila, to add a flavor that is not present in tequila when it is distilled.", explained David Alan, director of business education and mixology of PATRN to Vine Pair. Best tequila with no additives/ sweeteners under 80$ and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, ADDITIVES IN TEQUILA & MY PERSONAL LIST OF ADDITIVE-FREE TEQUILA BRANDS, http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. The best tequilas in 2023. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. The reposado, with an ABV of 40%, is aged for four months in ruby port wine casks that give it a signature pink color. 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. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. Thank you for the clarification. Jessica Alba, Tinx, Jojo Fletcher and Kristin Cavallari are just a few famous faces that are mega fans of theiraward-winning varietiesCucumber Jalapeo, Valencia Orange and Grapefruit Hibiscusbut we have a feeling this isjust the seed of something bigger, flavor-wise. Thank you for your time and commitment. 3. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. 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. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. 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". If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. 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? 3. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. 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.) We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. 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. All Rights reserved. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. A Carlos Newton describes himself on the label as the Master Distiller with the content described as extra aged 100% de agave batch A-9. 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! When El Bandido Yankee Tequila founders made the decision to delve into the rich and storied world of handcrafted tequila, they knew one thing for certain: Their tequila would be authentically crafted the right way with zero additives. Grover and Scarlet, Good for them.and Good for us. For example, if youre looking to make cocktails, then you should choose a blanco or reposadobut if youre looking to sip tequila on its own, then you should select an aejo or one of its variations, says Martinez. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. Are they true, who can you believe? The result is a collection of blanco, reposado and aejo spirits that are made from 100% blue agave and perfectly capture summer in a bottle. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list! Casa Del Sol. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? 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. Additive-free tequilas do not require salt or lime to enjoy. I'd rather have the 'natural color' after aging, and blend it that way with the other batches, without ANY colorings. 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. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. The . 1. 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". A carefully handcrafted tequila produced in small batches, the Chamucos Blanco features notes of vanilla, citrus, cinnamon and fennel. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. 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. Let's discuss it. Rodriguezs favorite in the collection is the classic Patrn Silver. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. 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. "We choose to . 1. Besides margaritas, Roy shares these three delicious cocktails you can make with tequila: Related:15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, From blanco to reposado to aejo, Patrn offers every type of tequila you could desire. 6. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. So in the end I would say, do one of two things. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. do you agree with these brands? 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. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. 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." And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. The pictures ABOVE and BELOW are courtesy of Grover Sanschagrin of 'Taste Tequila' whose excellent recent Video/Report is linked HERE- http://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. 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). 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. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Why? The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. 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. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. Its a liquor made using 100% Weber Blue agave and a distillation process that combines techniques from both tequila and mezcal-making processes most importantly, smoking and steaming the agave. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. Eterno Verano, $52+, 21Seeds was started in 2019 by three moms turned female entrepreneurs whose vision was to create a great-tasting, smooth spirit with the infusion of fresh ingredients. 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. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? 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." Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . 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. 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. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. 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. These are some images taken during our additive free visits. . Is Your Tequila Confirmed Additive-Free? - El Bandido Yankee 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. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. He is correct, anyone can say anything, but I will say, that after tasting all of Felipe's products and talking with him for years, he is one producer I trust solely on his word. One of the most-awarded bottles on our list, Danos Aejo Tequila is aged 18 months in virgin French white oak barrels and produced using 100% agave at a family-owned distillery that dates back to 1840. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? 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. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. 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. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. One way is to get familiar with the products that are on the list, and then the additive-filled stuff becomes much easier to detect. The Hands-Down Best Tequila to Drink Now - Yahoo! News An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. 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. The ultra-premium highlands tequila uses all the beverage buzz words, like small batch production, and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. But beyond the hype, its a smooth, easy to drink option; naturally sweetened with the rich aroma of mature agave plants, with a clean finish. 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. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. 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. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. 20 best tequila brands of 2023 for sipping or mixing margaritas Find which tequilas are right for you. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? The brand has been around since 1950. This means youll pick up some herbs and light smokiness with a mellow bite, making the Santo Mezquila great for adventurous cocktails or unique tasting on its own. Tequila Matchmaker on the App Store There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? Like all of Casa Nobles offerings, this one is certified organic, and has a limited number of bottles in select cities around the country. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. If Casamigos is what you serve at your party, Clase Azul is what you break out for the select few invited to stick around after the crowd leaves. 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. The Best Tequila Under $50 To Try in 2022 - Next Luxury Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. 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. 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. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. Sugar-based Syrup. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. These brands are going 'on record' here, as being an ADDITIVE FREE TEQUILA BRAND, and I have contacted a wide variety of brands to ask if they are 100% additive free. Nathan. We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. SEE OTHER GREAT EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES and HONEST TEQUILA REVIEWS along with REAL TOP TEQUILA LISTS- HERE ON- LONG ISLAND LOU TEQUILA - SEE all the tabs above, and PLEASE LIKE on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 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. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Good stuff!! It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. In some parts of the world they are. 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. Thanks, Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Best Value: Pueblo Viejo Blanco. What they probably say to themselves is, 'we don't exceed the 1% rule, so there is no need to discuss this at all', and as far as they are concerned .they are NOT using additives. Using a few drops of caramel coloring is one thing, but this additive problem seems to go much further, using these additives to cover up mistakes, a low quality product, or mask deficiencies in the final product. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 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. Its a very special blend elaborated with agave that is grown on our property and was aged in a combination of our best hand-selected American oak and new French oak barrels. In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. Top 10 Blanco Tequilas - Food & Wine Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. Best Tequila Brands 2022: Casamigos, Patron, Teremana Blanco and Anejo Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. Bribon Reposado Tequila. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. 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. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. 9. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. 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.
best no additive tequila brands