Remember they are saving time and money using them. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. The exceptionally smooth Blanco has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish that creates maximum sippability. The repo, aged in new barrels for 2-6 months, is closer to what you'd usually find in an aejo. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Cushion and Support Your Feet. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area. 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. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. What a great resource you have put together. This is called the rectification stage, before bottling. 5 Best Tequilas For No Hangover Recommended by Experts (2023) David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. What additives can you taste? 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. Dano (yep, there's actually a Dano behind Dano's Dangerous Tequila) works with one of . Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. "We choose to . 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'. It's perfect as a mixer to liven any cocktail with its versatility and light body. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. There wont be any need to link to this version of the list. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. An incredible effort here! 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. They were. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. Love my Cimarron. Tequila's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and the top bottles now command cultish prices formerly reserved for the rarest of Scotches and small-batch bourbons. It has a smooth, even finish. "Among agave experts, Fortaleza is one of the most revered brands in tequila. 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. 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. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. 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. From blanco to reposado to aejo, all of Mijentas tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. 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. Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free. 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. Another tactic often used to fool the public into thinking that a particular tequila was aged longer or is richer, is to tint the bottle glass to a darkish or amber appearance. The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. Though it may be controversial, 818 Tequila is undoubtedly one of the most popular agave spirits on the market right now. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. 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 list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Tequila Matchmaker Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022? Tequila Matchmaker There's a tequila for everyone. . Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. 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. 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). Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. 5 Types of Tequila. Tequila Gran Diamante is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila that's stirring up excitement on the spirits scene. August 4, 2021. ), just want to know what kind of additives they would use. 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. 15 Best Tequila Brands Of 2021: Expert Sipping Guide - Luxe Digital These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. We deserve to know, don't you think? Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. Jose Cuervo, $26+, Related:35+ Best Canned Cocktails and Drinks, Looking for the best sipping tequila? You just need to know what to look for. Two questions: You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. . 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 so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey! For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. 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. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. How To Find Additive-Free Tequila - Matador Network 1800 Cristalino 1800 Cristalino. 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. 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. 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." This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Their distillery (NOM 1480 Las Americas) has denied their request. The brand founders wanted to recreate the sense of wanderlust experienced by the surfers in the movie. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. . Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. And legend has it, the first margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. The Tequila: I lean toward clean, unaged agave spirits for most of the year, however, spring is a nice time for reposado and aejo. do you agree with these brands? Thanks. Comparing the difference between a retail bottle and testigo sample. But that said, despite what . Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 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. This makes the Avila a great choice for solo sipping or mixing in cocktails. With most quality brands, especially ones in which the distillery owns, you may not have to worry as much about this next practice. Case-in-point is Santos debut tequila which isnt technically a tequila. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . At the time, that was enough for us. 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. " This is confusing because earlier in the guidelines, it says that tequilas can have 75 g/L of sugars, which, if you do the math, is WAY more than 1%. Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. Santaleza Tequila will be sold in the United States, with the . So what do you think? Read Full Article. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. 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. The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita, he explains. Check Price. Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Making tequila requires thoughtful consideration of both legal and technical factors defining the spiritand many choices in the production process can have a tremendous impact on the final distillate. When it comes to flavor, Rodriguez says tequila can range from smooth and mellow, to a warmer and bolder profile. 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. Its one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. 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." Produced in the heart of Tequila, Mexico, Fortaleza Blanco Tequila packs a quality punch with notes of citrus, olives, and black pepper. You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequilaThe best option is to not buy what doesnt disclose. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! Have you heard anything from their distillery? Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. . STILL: Copper Pot. 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. Patron has stepped up with this seriously smooth, barrel-aged anejo. Sugar-based Syrup. Want to upgrade your bar cart, but not sure where to start? The top five best-selling tequila brands run the gamut from budget picks to higher-end options. 1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. 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. 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. Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Whether you decide to sip Dulce Vidas blanco, reposado or aejo neat or include them in your favorite cocktails, youll be sure to enjoy their pure taste. Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you? This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. Consider that mission achieved, plus they've built quite the celeb following! Organic Tequila vs. Regular - Drinking the Best Tequila - Aldez Tequila Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. Are they true, who can you believe? Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. 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.. . Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? When it comes to celebrity tequila brands (or just premium tequila, for that matter), rock and roll legend Sammy Hagar is the original. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. When aejo tequila is done right, its at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. The distillery is steeped in a rich history, tracing its . 74.95. Santaleza Tequila Enters the US Luxury Spirit Market The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. Meeting the organic certification requirements of two separate regulating bodies isn't easy, and we take tremendous pride in it. What they probably say to themselves is, 'we don't exceed the 1% rule, so there is no need to discuss this at all', and as far as they are concerned .they are NOT using additives. 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. Jose Cuervo, Patrn, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Business. El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few . ok, but your 2018 post titled The Lowdown on Tequila Additives stated that was banned by the norma . We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. Jaja Tequila Aejo (750 ml) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart This tequila is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Best Tequila Brands 2022: Casamigos, Patron, Teremana Blanco and Anejo FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. Siembra Azul Blanco is an exemplary tequila blanco from the highlands of Jalisco. For everyone else, the regular (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo is available online starting from $159. The . The best tequilas in 2023. Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close. 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. View more. $46 at Reserve Bar. 2- If quality and purity is your concern, as it is for me, go with brands that are known for NOT using additives, or don't seem to care about dark and rich consistent colors, and don't taste overly sweet, artificial, or unnaturally rich. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. Youll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. Sip this tequila, from the "house of the sun," in Spanish. 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. Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? Hi Keith. 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 11 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - The Spruce Eats 2. 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. You have to train yourself to make an educated decision. Compared to a 100-calorie pour of tequila, that's pretty good. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed. The Aejo promises notes of vanilla, caramel, cacao, and butterscotch, while the agave takes a supporting role. You rock, Grover and Scarlet! With a clean and complex mouthfeel, its ideal for sipping neat. The product is kosher, organic, and certified clean industry. 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/. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance. 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. 1800 Agavales Altos Avion Casa Noble Casamigos Cazul . Thats what you get from Casa Nobles new aejo, a skillful and impressive blend of 12 extra aejos and nine aejos, aged in new French oak for one to five full years (most aejos are aged for a year max) with notes of ripe fruit, vanilla, white chocolate, roasted nuts, and spice. 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. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. When will the list be available on the app? This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. Don't believe us? Hi Luis. dried fruit, and vanilla. I even contacted ones that some people feel are definite abusers. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). 1. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. Bartenders and master distillers reveal 27 of the best tequila brands to buy. Siempre's blanco (plata) tequila was launched in 2015, and the reposado and aejo expressions arrived last year. 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. And while there are a number of tequila brands that have launched in recent months, this list runs the gamut from tried-and-true brands, to limited-edition releases that youll be smart to pick up if you see them available online. 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. Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? 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. 10 Best Tequilas to Drink in 2023 - insider.com Related This crystal-clear . 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. While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenotes Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. This micro-distillery produces premium tequila, inspired by the legend of a medicine man known as Don Cazcabel. Fortaleza Blanco. Are tequilas marked organic additive free? To celebrate the release, Dobel collaborated with the Mexico City-based design firm Onora on a custom hand-painted bottle stopper inspired by the traditional Mexican folk art craft known as Amate. Only 200 bottles were produced of the Maestro Dobel 50 Onora, which retails for $250. I mean Jimador is a diffuser product, so this is quite interesting and hard to believe for sure. It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn't get much better given its price point. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+, One of the top five selling tequilas in the world, Hornitos is a premium tequila brand crafted with 100% blue agave. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? I do this as my passion, & nothing else. 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.