Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. This works as a great party idea too. 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. Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? Each year, the agave is harvested from a different farm/estate, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarenaso each single estate bottling showcases its own distinct characteristics which truly highlights the terroir (or terruo in Spanish) of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Tequila Ocho, $49+, LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! It's simply sneaky in many ways, to alter or attempt to make 'better' an 'unbalanced' or 'rough' sub par spirit, or to make it look or taste more aged than it is. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. 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. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. 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. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! This crystal-clear . An incredible effort here! Good stuff!! However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. Olmeca Altos, $28+, Tequila Bribn is the result of a two-year mission to produce high-quality tequila that appeals to newbies and aficionados alike. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. I say keep it pure and natural. Others who are more true to agave spirits, may not like that profile and would prefer a more agave forward presence. March 3, 2023 Break this one out for the most special of occasions. 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. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. As of January 2020, the below distilleries, some of which produce multiple tequila brands as designated by their NOM assignment, have been credited as verified additive-free. .because as much as there are definitely trustworthy and talented owners like German Gonzalez and Adolfo Murillo, and I trust them just as much, the average brand that 'contracts', (meaning renting space at someones else's distillery), often have to go by practices at that distillery, and they can't be at the distillery 24/7. I am very happy I found this website and this list. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. 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. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. 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. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. Don Julio 1942, $160, Back in 2019, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched Cincoro Tequila alongside a few other NBA ownersand in just three short years, the brand has sold a million and a half bottles and won more than 20 awards. We dont have much production information on this product either. 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. This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. 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. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. 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. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. Smooth. Below, we're sharing everything you need to know to find your perfect tequila, plus our picks for the best tequila brands, chosen by master distillers, bartenders and industry experts. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. I'm told it's possible a brand who contracts at a distillery may not even be aware if there are additives in their own tequila. 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. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. Grover and Scarlet, Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. Though we prefer El Bandido Yankee as a sipping tequila (it really is as criminally smooth as the brand says), the flavor has enough bite to make for some beautiful cocktails, too. It's almost too easy to not do it, being legal to a certain extent, and too hard to ever get caught. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. 1. . Mijenta Tequila, $43+, Eterno Verano, which means "endless summer" in Spanish, was inspired by the 1966 movie The Endless Summer. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? 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. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. This year's offering of . Ive been out of the tequila world for many years, but loved the NOM look up to be able to see other tequilas that may have a similar profile. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the . When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. Pros. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. 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. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. All of Cincoros tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . 6. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). 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.) No additives Are they true, who can you believe? 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. Do you believe that? Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. They could contain additives and still be considered organic.. Spirit of the Earth, he says. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. 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. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. . Thank you. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. Each batch is distilled for a minimum of two months in stainless steel barrels, and delivers a nice mix of sweet agave, light citrus and just a hint of vanilla. The Reposado features notes of sweet vanilla, oak, mushrooms, ginger, caramel and citrus, which gives it that perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness with an easy finish and no lingering aftertaste. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . 74.95. Each tequila decanter is handcrafted by indigenous artisans in a small village in Mexico who create beautiful patterns on the ceramic surface of each bottle. There are brands that have actually admitted to me that they use coloring to match each 'batch', so as to keep consistency between runs. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. Maybe Distiller could help for you? This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. Thank you for your time and commitment. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. 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. 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. 2. 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. 4. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Hi Keith. You dont get the same distinct flavor profile as some of the other bottles on our list, but for a refreshing, straightforward Blanco, this one is a no-brainer to pick up. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. 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. High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. 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. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn. 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. The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. Casa Dragones, $70+, Most tequilas are aged in American oak, but Casa Noble is different. 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. 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. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. 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. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. 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. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Tequila Casa Del Sol. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time 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. Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. $159.99. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Don Julio. Sugar-based Syrup. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. 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. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. 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. Answers: From budget-friendly to top-shelf options. All Rights reserved. 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. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. 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.
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