Clasa Azul is an additive-loaded tequila of low quality and is extraordinarily overpriced. The margarita has always held a place in our hearts as an excellent sunny-day drinkmainly because it's refreshing and super simple to make. 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. HONORING CRAFT AND TRADITION MIJENTA IS AN AWARD-WINNING, ADDITIVE-FREE, SUSTAINABLE TEQUILA FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF JALISCO THAT CELEBRATES THE TRADITIONS OF MEXICAN CULTURE AND EMBODIES THE BEST OF THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE. Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Aejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region, says Lavenue. We review which brands of tequilas are free of additives. 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. 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. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. Plus, Revel offers a Reposado and an Aejo expression of the Avila, as well as the Blanco (linked below). Want to know more? DO NOT get fooled by the 1% rule, as this may not sound like a lot, BUT IT IS!! Tequila producers also use some additives, like glycerin or sugar-based syrup, to change the mouthfeel or intensify the brand's sweetness. 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. Aging Process: Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. Hi Keith. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. (They even make their own compost!) Editors picks The Reposado expression is also aged in stripped and recharred American Oak bourbon barrels, which gives it a deliciously herbaceous toasted flavor. There are three main types of tequila to choose from. While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenotes Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. 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. 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. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. Again it's YOU that decides this. (NOM 1579) [6 brands] Vivanco . However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. 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. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. Im just hell-bent, and Guys got the same passion.. 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. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. Photo credit: Courtesy. Marcos Higareda of 'DesMaDre' said "we do not use ANY additives, never used and never will use caramel coloring, and it's all natural color, taste and aromas from natural barrel aging." There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. Its like a fine wine thats been aged to perfection. Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. 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. 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". Don't believe us? Look for bottles labeled 100%, which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. 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. 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 result is a clean, smooth tequila. Adam Levines Calirosa mashes up classic tequila-making techniques and California wine know-how for a bottle of tequila that tastes as unique as it looks. Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future? I am just reporting what these brands are saying is the truth. What do you think about that do you agree? And if its a Tommys-style margarita, even better, says Justin Lavenue, owner/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. I want to stay away from additives. No additives If youre hosting a party or large gathering, youll want to stock up on bottles of Espoln. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. 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. $149.99. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. 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. 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. Pros. This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. 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. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. A silky and savory tequila, Chamucos goes as well with Baja fish tacos as it does with a simple lime slice. Plus, all of Espolns tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. 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. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free! Gran Coramino, $60+, Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. 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. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White pepper, Agave, Mint. First sip I was like wow this stuff is sweet. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. Adding additives and or color usually occurs towards the end of production before bottling, in the 'rectification'. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Initially launching in California, Florida, Texas, New York . They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. 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. These additives aren't illegal, per se. Thank you. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. If you are looking for something with a little more flavor, tequila may be the better choice. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? 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. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. This crystal-clear . Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. I say keep it pure and natural. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. In addition to a number of other brands, Don Julio, Tequila . Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . I think this is the most important thing with tequilaat least the tequila that I want to drink. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 1. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila, adds Sylvi Roy, bar manager at Twelve in Portland, Maine. Region of Origin: All tequila comes from the Tequila region of Mexico, and in order for a spirit to call itself tequila, it must be distilled from agave plants grown in that region. 74.95. 1. This is one tequila brand youll want to display prominently on your bar cartand savor every last drop of! Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. Thanks. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? We cant release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit. STILL: Copper Pot. I wish something like this was posted in stores. It's up to you all to decide what to believe, and although brands can tell me things, it doesn't mean I believe them or that it makes my personal list of additive free brands. I am excited to have this list in list forminstead of finding them individually on TMM app. Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your Cinco de Mayo margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party. 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. 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"). Their reposado and aejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door. . Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? Buy El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila $39.99. I just dont see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist. Dulce Vida, $28+, This rare, handcrafted extra aejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. This means youll pick up some herbs and light smokiness with a mellow bite, making the Santo Mezquila great for adventurous cocktails or unique tasting on its own. Avoid these tequila brands: . 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." Grover and Scarlet, The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. Your email address will not be published. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. It has a smooth, even finish. I mean its a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. 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'. 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. 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. The reason caramel coloring is used, is to add a rich and darker color to make it appear that the aging was longer than it actually was. Or is there a separate list for non-diffuser made tequilas? 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. 4. I am totally independent & honest. Why mess with a good thing? On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. Why? Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Of course they know they are using them though, as they actually have to put them in, but most will deny to me or anyone who asks them point blank, if they use additives. Youve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch in 2020. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. . Elegant and complex, on the nose you'll find sweet spice, elegant oak and . With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. Let's discuss it. According to recent market research, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants across the country over the last couple of years. 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. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. 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. 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. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. Sure, tequila shots are fun at parties (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about shots of Patrn have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. 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. A distillery can still be verified if they have additive use in their facility they just need to declare which ones are using additives so we can focus on the ones that dont. The brand has been around since 1950. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes. Popular Brands. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. 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. Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. A small sip reveals aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak. Any comment would be most welcome . Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. The popular Reposado goes from $150-$170 a bottle, and the Anejo is .