El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Don Julio. Let's discuss it. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. 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. Choose from blanco, aejo, reposado and more. We are legit worried that the sweeter, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the publics idea of what a natural tequila is. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. Clooney, and co-founder Rande Gerber, say they wanted to make, the best-tasting, smoothest tequila that didnt have to be covered up with salt or lime.. 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. 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 say keep it pure and natural. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. 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. 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. Espoln Blanco Tequila. DISTILLATION: 2x distilled. 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. Total Wine. 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. The best tequila brands use only the heart of the pia (the heart of the agave) and a slow pressing method using a tahona, which is a large stone disc used to crush the juice from the pias after they have been roasted and/or steamed, she says. Grover and Scarlet, This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Now confused. Siempre. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. 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. 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. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Look for a tequila producer that uses 100% blue agavesome companies add other flavors that distort the flavors, and you can really taste the difference, says Roy. I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Trending Casa Del Sol. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. $149.99. 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. This year's offering of . So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? 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. The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Sip this tequila, from the "house of the sun," in Spanish. Its best sipped slow for a warm, inviting mouthfeel. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. Love my Cimarron. 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. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . This works as a great party idea too. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. Interestingly, another brand that is 100% additive-free told me "rarely will a distiller commit to never using color, because sometime in the future, there could be a day that some tequila comes off the barrels lighter, and distillers would rather add a couple drops of organic caramel coloring instead of jeopardizing a stock of tequila that has inconsistent color on the shelf." Read Full Article. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. So in the end I would say, do one of two things. I wish something like this was posted in stores. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. significant growth in bars and restaurants. 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! Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. Find which tequilas are right for you. Thank you. There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. Any comment would be most welcome . The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. 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. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. This unique process creates a flavor profile thats both familiar and brand-new: Its light and fresh like great tequila, but also has a hint of the smokiness we look for with mezcal. Oct 28, 2022. I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. View more. JAJA is proudly additive-free. Reposado means rested in Spanish. Fortaleza Blanco. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Break this one out for the most special of occasions. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. They are a reality, and remember it's legal, but only up to 1% of total volume, on additives of: caramel color, oak extract, glycerin and "sugar-based syrup" (like agave nectar), but not necessarily ONLY from agave. DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. 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. 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." All of the tequilas in the Casamigos line (they have a blanco, reposado and aejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave pias that are slow-roasted in brick ovens. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. Popular Brands. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. These wine barrels let the spirit age in a different direction (dont worry; it doesnt taste like wine), and impart the unique rosy glow that gives Calirosa its name. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. We deserve to know, don't you think? 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 exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. Thanks. Thank you for the clarification. . Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. 4. It would be a handy reference when shopping. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 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". You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. 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. 1. Handcrafted using the time-honored tahona process, the Roca Patrn Tequila collection offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile thats an elegant and elevated take on tequila. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. They can change the taste, by making the tequila sweeter with sugar based syrups or "jarabes", which can also include flavors and aromas, and this isn't just agave syrup, but a number of sugar based products, like cane sugar, aspartame, corn syrup, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. The margarita has always held a place in our hearts as an excellent sunny-day drinkmainly because it's refreshing and super simple to make. Check Price. 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. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . SHOP NOW. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. 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. 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. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. 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. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. 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. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Bartenders love Cenote in a Paloma too, and the company responded by introducing the first-ever World Paloma Day last May. 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 addition to auditing the production, we ask a lot of questions and perform a sensorial analysis throughout various stages of the tequila-making process. 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? What additives can you taste? Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. 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. 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. "We choose to . The majority of tequila does have additives. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. Teremana Tequila, $35+, El Cristiano Tequila handcrafts sustainable, additive-free and gluten-free tequilas with only the finest aged Weber blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. 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. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. 1. Notes of pepper and vanilla balance the buttery profile along with hints of citrus. 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. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. The best Tequilas are not overly-priced, nor do they typically come in extravagant bottles and 99.9% of the time they are not celebrity owned or hyped. 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. These additives aren't illegal, per se. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. You just need to know what to look for. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn. 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. 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 . This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila (aptly named Codigo) off his 2019 album, Honkey Tonk Time Machine.. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom): Sophie Decobecq of 'Calle 23' said we use no additives and as for caramel "this is why our color is not consistent, which is why my last anejo batch is much clearer, and I am fine with this." The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? And fun fact: It was created in tribute to the year Don Julio Gonzlez started his tequila-making journey. 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.