You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . Silver (or Blanco) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. Making tequila requires thoughtful consideration of both legal and technical factors defining the spiritand many choices in the production process can have a tremendous impact on the final distillate. When it comes to flavor, Rodriguez says tequila can range from smooth and mellow, to a warmer and bolder profile. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. This tequila gets its name from the year of its creation, so yeah, you've got a spirit with a more than 200-year history. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! Do you believe that? We feel its a better service to the community that we highlight the non-additive products so that people can familiarize themselves with those products. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. . I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. When will the list be available on the app? According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. 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. Let's discuss it. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region, so it wont exhibit the same sweetness or fruit-forward flavors as some of the other picks on our list. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. 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. The tequila has a really smooth, sweet taste with notes of citrus, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and more to give it a unique tasting experience that I really enjoy. Tequila Cazadores,$23+, Tequila Ocho is my personal favorite brand, says Lavenue. Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. 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. (They even make their own compost!) Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. 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. 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. I say keep it pure and natural. STILL: Copper Pot. 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. 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. Surprise Surprise. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . Sauza crafts all of their tequilas using a process known as gentle extraction, which involves using the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after theyve been extracted from the pia. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. An incredible effort here! With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Theyre one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and aejo varieties to suit any taste. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. If youre hosting a party or large gathering, youll want to stock up on bottles of Espoln. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave pia and vintage-inspired label. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Casamigos is a favorite among the Hollywood crowd, thanks to its co-founder George Clooney, but its actually got a lot of substance to go with its style. 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 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! Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. 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. Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice! 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. Smooth. 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. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439, First step: Getting the product listed in the app. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. 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. . Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. As you can't always believe Company Reps or Ambassadors who may not know for sure, I have personally contacted many Brand Owners, Executives or Master Distillers. The problem with additives as I see it, is even though it may be legal at 1%, it's also 'cheating' and unnecessary, and seems many brands don't act like they're using additives, as long as it's only the legal 1%. There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. 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 . WATER SOURCE: Natural spring water, Rain water. 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.. who cares? Required fields are marked *. He uses different distillation equipment and different agaves grown at different altitudes, as an alternative, and as long as you have the additional equipment, use your head, and not take the easy way out, this is a perfect solution instead of using additives. Don Julio. So in the end I would say, do one of two things. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Realize that caramel coloring is not used for adding sweet flavor, but more so, for a darker color to make the aged spirit 'look' more aged, or to change the color of batches to balance them out (consistency), in the stage called 'rectification'. 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. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. . Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. All we can do is taste ourselves, to the best of our ability, and to believe these brands. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. Editors picks 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.) Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and elegant flavor. Despite the brands hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrn En Lalique: Serie 2 going for up to $7,500 online. As Taste Tequila reported, you don't need to use additives to make a profile, if you are being creative, as Sergio Mendoza does at Don Fulano. To compensate for a light hue, it seems a large number of suppliers are placing caramel color into their aged reposado tequila or anejo tequila, although I know a good amount of quality brands, that although impossible to prove, appear not to use any additives, including colorings. My adviceif it doesn't taste natural or has an abnormal aroma or taste, has overly strong and unbalanced flavors, or is too sweet or has a sweet aftertaste, or is too dark in color for short aging, try one of the more trusted brands below, to see the difference. Lightweight and well balanced, it's a great option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers alike. Roy adds that shes a fan of Patrns Roca collection because the brand uses juice from the tahona rolling process, which pulls only the most flavorful liquid from the pias they roast for almost three days. 1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives. I contacted Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Sauza to ask about any additives in their 100% agave tequilas to see what they'd say. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. JAJA is proudly additive-free. 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. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. I'd rather have the 'natural color' after aging, and blend it that way with the other batches, without ANY colorings. Pros. 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. Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Consider that mission achieved, plus they've built quite the celeb following! Jose Cuervo has been in the tequila game for more than 250 years and was actually the first tequila brand to bottle the spirit individually. El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. SHOP NOW. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. There are three main types of tequila to choose from. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Espolon Blanco Tequila. "Bribon is a solid tequila for its price," says Fallon. These additives aren't illegal, per se. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? The reposado, with an ABV of 40%, is aged for four months in ruby port wine casks that give it a signature pink color. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In the world of spirits, tequila is currently having a moment. 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. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. So very helpful! There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve. 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. What a great resource you have put together. Thank you for your rapid response, I love it. 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. There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. 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. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. 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. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. I want the Real Thing. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! 4. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. Thank you! El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. The Best New-School Tequila Brands. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 4. Taste: Ritual Zero-Proof's Tequila Alternative is golden in color, suggesting it's an alternative to reposado tequila. Popular Brands. It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. Don't believe us? 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. It's almost too easy to not do it, being legal to a certain extent, and too hard to ever get caught. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. But that said, despite what . ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. Fortaleza Blanco. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . 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. I wish something like this was posted in stores. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Cierto Tequila, a luxury portfolio of award-winning, 100% additive-free authentic tequilas, begins its U.S. rollout this month. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. Like all of Casa Nobles offerings, this one is certified organic, and has a limited number of bottles in select cities around the country. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Named after the Spanish word for diamond, Diamante was created with no additives. We like the Maestro Dobel 50, a smooth and complex Extra Aejo Cristalino thats aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels, then twice-distilled in copper pot sills. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. 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. Love my Cimarron. View more. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. 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. 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. 3. . 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. 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. 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. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. 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. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This list is awesome! 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Reposado's tasting notes consist of sweet maple, cooked agave, and toasted wood. 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. 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." It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. 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. FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. Cazcabel. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. 1. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! 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. To celebrate the release, Dobel collaborated with the Mexico City-based design firm Onora on a custom hand-painted bottle stopper inspired by the traditional Mexican folk art craft known as Amate. Only 200 bottles were produced of the Maestro Dobel 50 Onora, which retails for $250. In other words. to deceive us. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! 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! Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. So thats one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program. 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. 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. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. 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. Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? Usually in this purest form of tequila, you can taste the care given to the elaboration process of any brand. This is the standard tequila youll see in cocktails due to its versatility, he adds.
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