Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. Although partly owned by Bacardi since 2017, Ilegal remains one of the most sustainable and socially engaged mezcal brands around, having been founded in 2006 by John Rexer to supply his bar in Antigua, Guatemala. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. 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'? The idea: to create an ultra premium, ultra-smooth tequila at an accessible price point. 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. So who knows what a distillery may do to 'enhance' a contract brands juice, for their own convenience. Best tequila with no additives/ sweeteners under 80$ 1. and whole industries have grown from this use of additives. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or aejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. Sip this tequila, from the "house of the sun," in Spanish. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. 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. 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." Brands made at their own distillery can be easier to believe, when they proclaim themselves additive-free, as only the owner/distiller controls what goes in the juice. 100% Agave: Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. 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. For a similar experience at a more casual price point, we like the Roca Patrn Reposado, which is a lighter, more buttery take on the bold and robust Burdeos. Santaleza Tequila Enters the US Luxury Spirit Market The bottle, resembling an agave spear, is also eye-catching to display. Total Wine. Casa Del Sol. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. It makes sensewith its sweet, smooth taste, tequila is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in margaritas and other yummy cocktails as well as sipped straight or over ice. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. The oak extract can add oak aromas and flavors found in oak barrels, helping to confuse you even further in thinking it was aged much longer than it was. Avoid these tequila brands: . Blancos are also usually cheaper. 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. Blending of different barrels at the end before bottling, plays a major role in tequila making, and remember that although they use the barrels multiple times, they may also be blending with a fresh 'new' aged barrel of tequila as well, as this really is an art. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. Can anyone recommend some of the sweeter non additive, non Blanco tequilas? LALO only makes one tequilaan additive-free blanco. This INCLUDES the legal 1% allowance, and I made that an important point to each brand. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. . 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. 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. 15 Bartender-Approved Tequilas To Bridge Winter And Spring 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. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. 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.. 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. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time Best Non Alcoholic Tequila with Photos and Mocktails Tested I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. So very helpful! Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? So what do people think about all these claims? Clase Azul, $137+, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts some of the smoothest tequilas on the market. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. 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. Patron Anejo Barrel Select. There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Two questions: I love your reviews? JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Patrn Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) [2 brands] El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? 15 Best Blanco Tequila Brands To Drink in 2023 - Liquor Laboratory Keep in mind I only mention brands that make rested and aged expressions that I have personally tasted. Your email address will not be published. Find which tequilas are right for you. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. Dana Riley - Strategy Manager, Strategic Accounts - LinkedIn . Bell Flavors & Fragrances (above) and Symrise Flavorings are just two companies supplying these additives. 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. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Besides margaritas, Roy shares these three delicious cocktails you can make with tequila: Related:15 Interesting Things to Mix With Tequila, From blanco to reposado to aejo, Patrn offers every type of tequila you could desire. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. Hornitos, $29+, Founded by Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Teremana Tequila crafts their tequilas in a small Mexican town up in the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands. This is for Mixto junk as well as 100% agave. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. The 8 Best Cheap Tequilas of 2022 - The Spruce Eats 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. So, what exactly should you consider when shopping for tequila? Although trusting people is always a gamble, we really do have some very knowledgeable contract-brand owners, that know exactly what is in their products, have integrity, and are way more involved than some others. 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. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis. 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. Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. One of the smoothest, most natural tasting tequilas on our list, Casamigos is made in the Jalisco highlands from 100% agave. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, citrus zest, vanilla, herbs. 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. 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. Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. 9. This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. ** There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. Think of this as the cognac of tequila best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube. Best Value: Pueblo Viejo Blanco. He is correct, anyone can say anything, but I will say, that after tasting all of Felipe's products and talking with him for years, he is one producer I trust solely on his word. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. Best Tequila Brands 2022: Casamigos, Patron, Teremana Blanco and Anejo I texted, emailed, filled out forms in some cases, and attempted to call to get a statement. 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. 2. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. One of the most-awarded bottles on our list, Danos Aejo Tequila is aged 18 months in virgin French white oak barrels and produced using 100% agave at a family-owned distillery that dates back to 1840. 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. No Additives. El Jimador Tequila Silver Price: $16-$30. How To Make The Perfect Tequila Cocktail - BlackTailNYC.com Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. We deserve to know, don't you think? Sometimes using french oak barrels may make you 'think' there are additives, because it can taster very sweet, even overly sweet. A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. 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. In 2020 we launched our Tequila Matchmaker Additive-Free program for brands and distilleries that want to be super transparent about their production processes and their non-use of additives. 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. Hes been in the tequila business for almost thirty years, starting out with the award-winning Cabo Wabo brand back in 1991. 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. Alcohol Beverages, Products & Brands Launched in February 2023 3. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. Answers: According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Let's discuss it. 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." Average Price: $115. Drink experts agree tequila is best had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you can enjoy the complexity of the spirit. Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, co-founders of the brand, wanted the natural deliciousness . The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. The ultra-premium highlands tequila uses all the beverage buzz words, like small batch production, and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. But beyond the hype, its a smooth, easy to drink option; naturally sweetened with the rich aroma of mature agave plants, with a clean finish. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. 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. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. 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. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. Espolon Blanco Tequila. 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. Sugar-based Syrup. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. 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. Check Price. Though we prefer El Bandido Yankee as a sipping tequila (it really is as criminally smooth as the brand says), the flavor has enough bite to make for some beautiful cocktails, too. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn. I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system: When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. This works as a great party idea too. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? The taste is equally flavorful, with added notes of pumpkin spice and clove on the palette before it gives way to a subtle herbaceous and vanilla finish. This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. 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. El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) Before being triple distilled, this silver tequila had the tropical fruit cooked in traditional stone . Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you cant taste the artificial sweeteners. 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. This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. In addition to auditing the production, we ask a lot of questions and perform a sensorial analysis throughout various stages of the tequila-making process. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. STILL: Copper Pot. 40% alcohol by volume in tequila is typical. We can do both, cant we? Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. This list is awesome! "We choose to . Thanks, Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. BONUS: Use code RS20 to get $20 off your order at Drizly.com. Thank you so much for this list! Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . 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. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Related Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . When will the list be available on the app? 20 best tequila brands of 2023 for sipping or mixing margaritas This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. 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. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. I find that the extended barrel aging pulls out any astringent qualities that may have been in the originally distilled juice, making this the easiest to sip on its own., The best type of tequila for sipping is the one in which you can taste the complexity given by the best agave source, along with a good elaboration process, providing the smoothness and sweetness you can obtain from the agave, says Martinez. Other brands, some very popular did not answer me back on giving me their 'guarantee' and 'assurances' that no additives what so ever are used in their products. The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged with vegetal earthy notes that work well in a margarita, paloma, or old-fashioned, though Jessica Fallon, general Manager of Ladybirds in Houston, Texas, says she prefers drinking it on the rocks. But that said, despite what . 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. Hi Josh. Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? no headache-inducing fillers). As of January 2020, the below distilleries, some of which produce multiple tequila brands as designated by their NOM assignment, have been credited as verified additive-free. Those too are permitted by Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council . At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Youll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brle, toast and rich vanilla. Aejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy. Total Wine. The secret to Cenotes smoothness? Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. 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. Don Julio. Clase Azuls tequila comes in this instantly recognizable (and supremely collectible) bottle, which you see on the top shelf of high-end bars and restaurants. There are . The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? . This tequila is complex and full-bodied, and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well. 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. Unfortunately you need to understand the reality of what often goes on with 'Rested' (Reposado), 'Aged' (Anejo) and 'Extra Aged' (XA) Tequilas, concerning ADDITIVES - (SEE Kit ABOVE). We dont have much production information on this product either. Hiatus uses a ground-to-glass method which combines traditional methods and modern technology, produced by master distiller, Luis Trejo Rodrguez at La Cofrada. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first, but will leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. 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. Had to give it away. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. 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. If that's all they ever did, I guess it's livable, although I'd prefer an 'off color' myself, and being completely additive free. The 6 Best Sustainable Mezcal Brands - LeafScore Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. What are the additive-free tequila brands - American Post These are some images taken during our additive free visits. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. Reposado means rested in Spanish. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. If youre hosting a party or large gathering, youll want to stock up on bottles of Espoln. Often it is to 'balance' the batches in appearance, so they are the same color before blending. How Do You Tell If Your Tequila Has Additives? - Forbes Hi Luis. Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free. Thank you for creating it. 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. The story you mention is from 2017: Your email address will not be published. Store Bought Tequila Brands Ranked Worst To Best - TastingTable.com Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. I am very happy I found this website and this list. It's made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave (i.e. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. Jaja Tequila Reposado (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. The 6 Best Margarita Mixes of 2023 - The Spruce Eats Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 . . In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. 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.
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