The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. At the time, that was enough for us. Thank you! El Jimador Tequila Silver Price: $16-$30. No additives 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 am totally independent & honest. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. 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. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. no headache-inducing fillers). Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. 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 List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. 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. This crystal-clear . It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. 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. Good for them.and Good for us. The big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. The exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Made from 100% pure Weber Blue Agave harvested after 7 to 10 years of growing, this tequila is clean and crisp, and perfect for making margaritas and other mixed drinks. The . Don Julio. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com. Technically a barrel which has not been overused, will not need to have additives or essences. Murillo also made a great point, saying he would lose his USDA Organic Certification, if he added any other ingredients, including color. How To Make The Perfect Tequila Cocktail - BlackTailNYC.com This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. "We choose to . 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. 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? Patron Anejo Barrel Select. Organic Tequila vs. Regular - Drinking the Best Tequila - Aldez Tequila Hi Josh. 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. 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. We deserve to know, don't you think? Surprise Surprise. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. 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. 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 Bribn, $26+, If youre looking for a budget-friendly tequila that tastes like it costs way more, then look no further than El Jimador. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Nobu AND QUI Tequila Launch Nobu Rare 2008 Reserve Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. The company says it sources naturally filtered water from an artesian well located at their distillery, which sits at the base of the Jalisco volcano. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. 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. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. The story you mention is from 2017: 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. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. 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. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project! They were. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. All Rights reserved. Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself In February of 2021, Kendall Jenner announced her latest venture: 818 Tequila, a small-batch brand Jenner claims is the end result of a 3.5-year "journey to create the best-tasting tequila." The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones. So when a brand says "we are 100% additive free" there is no way you can prove it. 4. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet, Another (Celine) Portrait: See Bob Dylan in Fashion Brand's Latest 'Performer' Series, The Best Wireless Range Extenders to Use (and How They Work), Outdoor Buds: These Fully Waterproof Workout Earbuds Are Just $30, NBA 'Investigating,' Team Suspends Ja Morant After Allegedly Flashing Gun on Social Media, See the Beths Deliver Refreshing 'Expert in a Dying Field' Mini-Set on 'CBS Mornings', Netflixs Sex/Life Is Back to Satisfy Your Softcore Desires, Alex Murdaugh Juror Says Cellphone Video, 'Big Liar' Testimony Led to Guilty Verdict. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. Sophie Decobecq of 'Calle 23' said we use no additives and as for caramel "this is why our color is not consistent, which is why my last anejo batch is much clearer, and I am fine with this." El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Jessica Alba, Tinx, Jojo Fletcher and Kristin Cavallari are just a few famous faces that are mega fans of theiraward-winning varietiesCucumber Jalapeo, Valencia Orange and Grapefruit Hibiscusbut we have a feeling this isjust the seed of something bigger, flavor-wise. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. I'm sure the brands are well aware of this, which only makes the problem worse. Which tequila brands are verified additive-free? Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. Now thats a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List, ArteNOM 1579- NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123, Patron - NOM 1492-(no additives but "Americanized"). This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. 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". I do this as my passion, & nothing else. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. One way is to get familiar with the products that are on the list, and then the additive-filled stuff becomes much easier to detect. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. A new addition to the tequila category, this blanco burst onto the drinks scene in 2021, garnering rave reviews for maximal flavor at a minimal price. 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. So what do people think about all these claims? Agave nectar, corn syrup, cane sugar, aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), and stevia could all be used as a sweetening . Maybe Distiller could help for you? And fun fact: It was created in tribute to the year Don Julio Gonzlez started his tequila-making journey. Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. 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. Now available! Guillermo Erickson Sauza of 'Fortaleza' told me "we don't add any additives, and we don't make tequila for anyone", and I was told that 'Siete Leguas' never uses any flavorings, colorings, or additives, as well as 'Tequila Caballito Cerrero' and San Matias. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . 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". Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? The 30 Best Tequilas for 2022 | VinePair Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in, says Roy. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish. Tequila Casa Del Sol. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. Guillermo Erickson Sauza (Fortaleza), or Felipe or Carlos Camarena are easier to believe, when they say they are additive free. Tequila Gran Diamente Is An Award-Winning, Top-Shelf Spirit Break this one out for the most special of occasions. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. 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 . I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Espoln Blanco Tequila. So what do you think? I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. Hey, we're all about being social! In other words. to deceive us. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. (NOM 1579) -6 marks. Thank you! Best Tequilas 2023 | Tried and Tested | Esquire UK 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. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. Bribon Reposado Tequila. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. 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! Thanks, 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. 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong, RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands Were Drinking Right Now, Looking to Start Boxing After Watching 'Creed III'? Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. Casa Noble Blanco is a tequila brand that uses local agave, particularly estate-grown agave. This is an all-around crowd-pleasing tequila, too, with a wonderfully distinct flavor profile thats at once rich and complex. "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. 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 choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. 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. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. Tequila Matchmaker is the only rating system smart enough to detect your personal preferences and match you with the tequilas that are right for you. With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. $159.99. 18 Best Sipping Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now - Delish 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. When I drink tequila, I want to be drinking tequila and nothing else. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. 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. 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. That's why we are proud to offer wines from Hermann J Wiemer, one of the most celebrated wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. In some parts of the world they are. The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , So in the end I would say, do one of two things. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. 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. 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." The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? The tequila finishes with a little heat before going down smooth. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. 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.