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. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. Average Price: $115. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. Hey, we're all about being social! Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. Bribon Reposado Tequila. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. I want the Real Thing. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. 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. 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 . We dont have much production information on this product either. 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. . Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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. 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. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! 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 lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. JAJA is proudly additive free. Hi Keith. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. Give it a try! Choose from blanco, reposado and aejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. So very helpful! Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). 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. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. This 'cutting corners' can reduce the quality of the tequila. The blanco, reposado and aejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. Espolon Blanco Tequila. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? 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. 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. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. We have to stop thinking a dark and rich color is always the real thing, and start thinking about realistic, clean, additive free tequila, regardless of the color or lack of color. I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. Avoid flavored and colorful alcohol, which can contain additives, high fructose corn syrup (made from GMO corn), food coloring and more. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. I have a couple questions: 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. Cons. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. 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. $68 at Reserve Bar. View more. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. 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. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. Blancos are also usually cheaper. An incredible effort here! There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. 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. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. 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. 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 . The distillery actually sits on the edge of an extinct volcano, whose porous foundation acts as a natural filter for the spring water used to make their tequila. Hi Luis. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. 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. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. In other words. to deceive us. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. 1. 2. Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. 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. 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. 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. 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". 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. No Additives. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. Blanco tequila is the ideal choice for margaritas, says Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio Gonzlez of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. We can smell what The Rocks drinking, and its good! The Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or NOM) is assigned by the Mexican government and certifies that the bottle youre holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. The ones that have indicated to me that they 'only' use some caramel coloring (even with no flavoring) to avoid differences in color, will not be mentioned below, as that doesn't cut it here. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. Maybe it's time brands realize we are fed up with additives, and overly sweetened tequila, which is sometimes referred to as "Americanized" Tequila, as well as fake coloring. 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". It's also free of common allergens. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. Thank you for the clarification. significant growth in bars and restaurants. I'm told that some distilleries will use additives because it's cheaper and faster to get things done, and who's to say if this is with or without the owners knowledge? Oct 28, 2022. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. The brands Aejo expression begins with 100% blue weber agave, which is double distilled and then aged 18 months in ex-California wine barrels. I am totally independent & honest. 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. 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. 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'. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? Now available! 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. Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is . 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. View more. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. This list is awesome! . Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . 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. 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. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. I'm guessing many of these drinkers do not detect the taste of agave or try to, and it seems to take a backseat to the flavor of oak. I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. . Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Required fields are marked *. 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. Discover the Best of New York Wines with Hermann J Wiemer at Aroma Thyme Bistro. The brand has been around since 1950. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, and delicate notes of bright citrus, greens and pepper lead to a crisp and smooth finish. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. 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 are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! . All Rights reserved. 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. Your email address will not be published. 5. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? ABV/PROOF: 54% abv (108-proof) Confirmed Additive Free Tequila. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. 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. However, it smells smoky like mezcal or charred wood, and there's a hint of that tequila agave scent. I do believe it's safe to say that products made by the quality brands mentioned below on my favorites list, seem to be completely additive free. 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. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. 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. We like what the brand is doing with the no-for-profit S.A.C.R.E.D too, which re-invests 100% of proceeds from merchandise and a portion of tequila sales back into the local Mexican communities where agave spirits are made to identify and support vital needs. The result is a clean, smooth tequila. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time 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. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. 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. Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. "And nobody is hitting the . View On Drizly View On Caskers. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Aejo cristalino is aged at least one year in white oak barrels then is filtered to remove its color and specific components to make it mellower, while conserving the sensory qualities of an aejo tequila we want to preserve, says Martinez. 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/. 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. 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.. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Had to give it away. 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. Have you heard anything from their distillery? What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Smooth. 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): Thank you! "We choose to . Find which tequilas are right for you. 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. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . Remember they are saving time and money using them. JAJA is proudly additive-free. Popular Brands. I would say so, and it's up to your eyes and your pallet to decide. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. You can even substitute the orange liqueur for agave nectar to make a . FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. Patrn, one of most well-known tequila brands in the world, actually offers a diverse portfolio of authentic tequilas that you wont find in nightclubs or seedy bars. ), El Jimadors tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. 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. The story you mention is from 2017: I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. 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. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Patrn Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) [2 brands] El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. 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.". I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits. 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. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. EXTRACTION: Tahona. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. March 3, 2023 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. 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. 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. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. Thank you so much for this list! Buy Santo Mezquila $49.99. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. Again it's YOU that decides this. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. 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. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. You just need to know what to look for. Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. Cincoro Tequila produces five tequilas: blanco, reposado, aejo, extra aejo and the newest addition to their collectionCincoro Goldwhich blends the best of all four of their other varieties into one ultra-premium tequila. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. 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 for them.and Good for us. All of Patrns tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrn using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! What additives can you taste? ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . Frankly, there is a certain elitist/snobbish feel to the concept of no additives allowed, we wont mention you or discuss your offerings if you dare. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. Sauza, $20+, Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila inspired by the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Hi Josh. 4. . A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco 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. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! Total Wine. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Thank you for creating it. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. 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 secret to Cenotes smoothness? 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. Any comment would be most welcome . 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! Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. :-). Tequila Bribn, $26+, If youre looking for a budget-friendly tequila that tastes like it costs way more, then look no further than El Jimador. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. Related 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. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us.
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