The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia , The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. 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. Do you believe that? Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. The best tequilas in 2023. 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. When will the list be available on the app? The Best New-School Tequila Brands. 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. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. 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. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? Just mix 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec, and a squeeze of fresh lime. 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. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. According to The Spirits Business, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First $159.99. This is a 'Hot Topic' and people will hold these brands accountable. 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. 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. 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. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. 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. What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. El EZ E, Im also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. Hi Keith. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. The rosado tequila is positioned as a daytime-friendly reposado, providing a high-quality option for afternoon sipping. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. As Taste Tequila reported, you don't need to use additives to make a profile, if you are being creative, as Sergio Mendoza does at Don Fulano. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. 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. When mixed together, both vodka and tequila can be a good option with coke zero. $149.99. 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. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but that's not why it's good. Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. 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. Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Limited Bottling Anejo Tequila. What a great resource you have put together. Named after the Spanish word for diamond, Diamante was created with no additives. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Danos Tequila just won Best in Class Aejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Additives - especially caramel coloring or oak extracts - are most commonly found in aged tequilas to boost a tequila's appearance. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium extra aejo, youre sure to love these award-winning spirits for their taste and quality. Remember they are saving time and money using them. Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. The more tequilas you taste and really scrutinize, the easier it gets to pick out additive flavorings. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Don't believe us? According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. 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. We love the Grand Patrn Burdeos (find it here), which is twice-distilled and aged in used American and new French Oak barrels, before being finished in vintage Bordeaux barrels (Burdeos means Bordeaux in Spanish). What do you think about that do you agree? Trending dried fruit, and vanilla. Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. It would be a handy reference when shopping. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! Best tequila overall: Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022. Sugar-based Syrup. A sneaky trick is to 'flavor' additives, which some brands endeavor to cover up, by simply naming them 'essences'. I do believe it's safe to say that products made by the quality brands mentioned below on my favorites list, seem to be completely additive free. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. In the spirit world, pure vodka is earthy and mildly sweet, whereas vodka containing rye is bland and sweet. Others gave similar statements, while others could have.. but would not. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. 2. 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. JAJA is a small batch Tequila that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Casamigos, $55+, The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Siempre. 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. 2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. Handcrafted using the time-honored tahona process, the Roca Patrn Tequila collection offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile thats an elegant and elevated take on tequila. 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. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. Buy Casa Noble Marqus de Casa Noble $175.99. 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." 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. Hey, we're all about being social! I would love to know how to have my husbands tequila reviewed. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! Your email address will not be published. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an aejo or extra eejo work perfectly.. do you agree with these brands? Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. 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. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila thats flavorful without overwhelming the palette. Its great to know which ones already meet the criteria, but to the point about Don Julio, how do we know if a brand has been tested and failed, versus not being tested? Reposado means rested in Spanish. 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. W/ additives. Avoid these tequila brands: . The . Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. This works as a great party idea too. Thank you for all the info. 1. 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. 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 big problem is that additives aren't required to be disclosed, although I believe they should be, even if it's 1%. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. Excited to be launching the World's Most Awarded Tequila - Cierto! The tequila is made from 100 percent all-natural, fully matured Blue Weber agave artisanally produced without additives or diffusers. Best tequila blanco: Siembra Azul Blanco. 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. Grover & Scarlet January 9, 2021 Blog. 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. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in copper. 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. Tears of Llorona, $285, Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the worldand for good reason. So who knows what a distillery may do to 'enhance' a contract brands juice, for their own convenience. Again it's YOU that decides this. 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. We deserve to know, don't you think? Instead, youll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palette of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. This is an unpretentious, no-nonsense tequila with nothing added, just 100% blue Weber agave. Blanco tequila is the ideal choice for margaritas, says Eduardo "Lalo" Gonzlez, co-founder and master distiller of LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio Gonzlez of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. But if you want a drink that is a little smoother, vodka may be the way to go. It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production. Great for sipping, Siempre is incredibly smooth and naturally sweet (I.e. 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. . Its affordable, accessible and goes down easy. So what do people think about all these claims? 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. Sometimes youll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila. Comparing production samples at La Altea (NOM 1139). Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 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. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! Sauza crafts all of their tequilas using a process known as gentle extraction, which involves using the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after theyve been extracted from the pia. Herradura got back to me saying that they're 100% additive free including their El Jimador line of products. The 'jarabe' can also contain natural fruits and herbs to add even more aromas and flavors, too. These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink, says Roy. If after a few seconds the tequila maintains its consistency and your hands feel dry as they would from a few drops of water, then you likely have an additive-free tequila. 2. 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. 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. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. An undertone of sweet cooked agave recalls this tequilas fresh Blanco roots. Hi Josh. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. In other words. to deceive us. 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. 6. And fun fact: It was created in tribute to the year Don Julio Gonzlez started his tequila-making journey. They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. 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. Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. This isnt a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store. This list is awesome! Syrup, or "jarabe", is a mixture of different ingredients, primarily for the purposes of creating a sweeter product. German Gonzalez of t1 explained he is "free of additives" for t1 products as well as his 'Tears of Llorona' as well as David Suro, who as an early believer of tequila transparency, said at 'Siembra Spirits' "we don't use any additives or artificial flavors in any of our expressions". All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. 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." What additives can you taste? 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. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. I have tried without success to find out a little more about this particular offering which a number of my friends and myself are now drinking . Needless to say, this is one of the more complex tequilas on our list making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Cenote Tequila, $41+, Olmeca Altos tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with a similar clean agave taste. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and aejo. 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. Thanks, This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. Thank you so much for this list! Why mess with a good thing? https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/, In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom): 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. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. 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. El Jimador, $21+, This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila brand is the only one to earn B Corp certification. We need to let each other know, of the 'obvious offenders', even though it's legal up to this 1% limit. 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. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Shots are not the proper way to taste tequila. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Vivanco (NOM 1414) -7 brands. $68 at Reserve Bar. The usual list is G4, Terralta, Pasote, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, El Tesoro, Tapatio, Siete Leguas, Olmeca Altos, and a few others. Siempres blanco tequila is deceptively simple clean and crisp to start, with a floral and complex finish. I respect people that want quality and are not cutting corners, and promise they will never use any additives. Total Wine. 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." Coloring and other additives usually go in after aging and before bottling. 1. I say keep it pure and natural. Best value tequila: Corralejo Reposado. 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. Now, the Red Rocker is throwing his hat back in the ring with Santo, a joint effort tequila brand with Guy Fieri. I want to stay away from additives. There are four total categories of additives according to the Consejo Regulador . 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. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. I didnt realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. 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. 21Seeds Tequila, $31+. This type of tequila has been aged a minimum of two months to one year in oak barrels, which gives the liquid a light golden color, says Martinez. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. 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. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. 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.

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