(ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) 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. August 4, 2021. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Hi Josh. Why mess with a good thing? "Additives are designed to soften the rough edges of a tequila, to add a flavor that is not present in tequila when it is distilled.", explained David Alan, director of business education and mixology of PATRN to Vine Pair. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. Whats more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and theyre committed to doing good for the environment. Although I want to trust all the brands, keep in mind that it's always possible that a distillery may do whatever it takes, so there can be no guarantee. Everything is made in with 100% blue weber agave and is confirmed all-natural and additive-free for a tequila that goes down smooth and silky. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. Another best-selling brand, Don Julio launched in 1942 and was named after Don Julio Gonzlez, the brand's first Jimador. Popular Brands. Unless the distillery owns the brand, the brand may have no definite idea what's in their bottle, and they have no choice but to trust the distillery. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. 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.". 3. "We choose to . The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. Oct 28, 2022. $159.99. Two questions: But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretara de Salud (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.). Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. Handcrafted using the richest Agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, JAJA Aejo's tasting notes consist of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and vanilla. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Surprise Surprise. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. 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. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. 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. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. My favorite expression in our portfolio is, of course, our new limited edition bottle that we just released to honor the 100-year anniversary of our original reposado recipe from 1922, says Martinez. Thanks, Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. Thank you for all the info. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Don Abraham Organic Blanco Tequila. A new entry into the tequila market, El Bandido Yankee launched in 2021 by former NFL player Jim Bob Morris and restaurateur and NHL Hall of Fame Hockey Player Chris Chelios. 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. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Trending When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. 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. Check Price. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? 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. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. W/ additives. and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal? (They even make their own compost!) This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. The female-owned and led brand was co-founded by CEO Bertha Gonzlez Nieves, the first female maestra tequilera certified by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. 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. Cazcabel. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. 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. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. Do you believe that? Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. Required fields are marked *. Charring could add smoke, or add some wood quality, but when you can taste a heavy presence of aging, like strong caramel or vanilla, and the color is dark and rich after only a short aging process.. you need to wonder about additives. 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.. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . . I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: Also be on the lookout for Santos excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. 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. 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.) I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Frank Mendez of 'Gran Dovejo' said "we are 100% transparent which include being 100% additive free and the idea of creating GD actually came about due to the use of additives and misleading marketing practices found in the industry." An award-winning tequila, its aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. Several factors come into play at each stage of this process, but at the very least, for a tequila to be great, it must be all agave, with no additives. Now available! 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. Highlights: Mezcal made with sustainably cultivated agave by a company that is highly socially engaged. . Want to know more? Pick Up Some of These Gloves First On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. . Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. We dont have much production information on this product either. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. I have a couple questions: 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. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. 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. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. 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. Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. Don't believe us? The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. Are they true, who can you believe? Vanilla and Cocoa powder (chocolate) are also considered a type of oak extract, and although vanilla is not part of the 1% group, vanilla is something that can occur naturally in a barrel, but it is naturally 'subtle'. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. I am very happy I found this website and this list. 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. 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. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . .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. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. 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. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. 1. 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/. When will the list be available on the app? Thank you for creating it. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlingerare all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery? 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". 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. An incredible effort here! $68 at Reserve Bar. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. 9 Things You Should Know About 818 Tequila. Keep in mind that technically, if you exceed the 1% total volume rule, it must be labeled as a 'licor' or a 'crema', like these (ABOVE), and that's the way it should be. It's funny because if you were, or still are a whiskey/scotch, bourbon, cognac, or brandy drinker, I feel you are more likely to 'accept' overly oaky aromas and flavors as normal, as you enjoy this profile. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. Espoln Tequila, $32+, Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. Good for them.and Good for us. 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! 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.. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and (minus sugary juice mixers) is fairly low-calorie, too. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. 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. Remember they are saving time and money using them. 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. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. Eduardo Orendain of 'Arette' said "we are 100% additive free, and we don't use caramel and yes we do have color consistency problems because of this, where some batches are lighter or darker than others." I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Patrn Tequila, $56+, Casamigos has an A-list history: The brand was launched by friends George Clooney and Rande Garber (husband to Cindy Crawford), who worked with a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico over the course of many years to get the taste just right. Avion founder Ken Austin, said that Avion is 100% additive free, and cited the light color in the anejo. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Total Wine. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. 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. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason.