Hiatus has three award-winning expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo. The blanco, reposado and aejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. Total Wine. Dano's Dangerous Tequila Pineapple & Jalapeo Fresh Fruit Infusion. Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. This is just artificial flavor, and another trick being presented to the tequila drinking community. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol. Popular Brands. From budget-friendly to top-shelf options, here are the best tequilas to add to your bar cart right now. Sip this tequila, from the "house of the sun," in Spanish. Your email address will not be published. This tequila is from a distillery in the Jalisco, Mexico region featuring an ABV of 40%. 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. In addition to being healthier than Smirnoff vodka, tequila has a plethora of health . 74.95. This is a terribly misleading and sneaky trick, but sadlya legal practice. The List: Best Tequila, According To Experts. Checking production records at NOM 1123 (Cascahun), Checking production records at NOM 1492 (Tequila Patrn). Price at time of publish: from $29 for 750ml Bottle. 1. He said people have their opinions about Productos Finos de Agave, but he was clear that any sweet profile is strictly from very ripe agaves. Heres a rundown of each one: This is tequila in its purest form without aging and is clear in color, says Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for Tequila Cazadores. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. Best Non Alcoholic Tequila with Photos and Mocktails Tested 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 . But that said, despite what . 3/1/2023 0 Comments At Aroma Thyme Bistro, we are passionate about supporting local and sustainable businesses. 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. Santo specializes in high-end old-style tequila, but the brand is anything but old-fashioned. Martinez adds that a reposado tequila can also work well in a margarita. Is it possible to get some of the additive free cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store? Within the aejo category, there are also two variations: aejo cristalino and extra aejo. Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry. Its an easy-drinking bottle, ideal for upgraded cocktails (think, Aejo old fashioneds) or sipping on the rocks. In other words. to deceive us. Produced using the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras, the tequila is meticulously aged inFrench White Oakred wine (Cabernet) barrels from Napa Valley. Types of Tequila: Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Had to give it away. 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. REGION: Jalisco (Los Altos Southern) COOKING: Stone/Brick Ovens. One percent today, with condensed additives are enough to change things. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. :-). 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. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Owned by spirits-giant Diageo, Don Julio is enjoyed by tequila lovers all over the world and is known for being a staple brand. When will the list be available on the app? 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. Hi Josh. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. 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. Whats inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, aejo and gold varieties. Additives are allowed if they account for under 1% of the total liquid. Top 5 Tequilas For No Hangover. Our organic processes does not include any additives, which some tequila brands use to manipulate color, flavor, aroma, etc. 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. 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. Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. 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. No additives A new entry into the tequila market, El Bandido Yankee launched in 2021 by former NFL player Jim Bob Morris and restaurateur and NHL Hall of Fame Hockey Player Chris Chelios. Casamigos is a favorite among the Hollywood crowd, thanks to its co-founder George Clooney, but its actually got a lot of substance to go with its style. What are the additive-free tequila brands - American Post 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. $68 at Reserve Bar. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list. 2. Its called Mezquila, the worlds first and only tequila-mezcal blend. Store Bought Tequila Brands Ranked Worst To Best - TastingTable.com 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. I just want to give you some statements and some brand names to explore. This ensures the freshest agave flavorand you can tell. Thanks. Additives in Your Tequila? Here's How to Test It Yourself This is tequila thats only aged for a few weeks, so it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. (ICYMI, Hornitos means "little ovens" in Spanish!) Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. (They even make their own compost!) Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. What do you think about that do you agree? However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. 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. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. Why? Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! 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). 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. Although not technically tequila, Revels Avila should be on every tequila and mezcal fans radar. We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico, says Gonzlez. In fact, the brand is named for the breathtaking underground water systems that are unique to this region. The best tequila brands use only the heart of the pia (the heart of the agave) and a slow pressing method using a tahona, which is a large stone disc used to crush the juice from the pias after they have been roasted and/or steamed, she says. If youre hosting a party or large gathering, youll want to stock up on bottles of Espoln. According to 'THEM', these brands are 100% ADDITIVE FREE. 1. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. 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. The brand offers blanco, reposado and aejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Thank you so much for this list! 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. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and local agave. $46 at Reserve Bar. Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . Tequila Health Benefits: Low-Sugar and Low-Carb They are a reality, and remember it's legal, but only up to 1% of total volume, on additives of: caramel color, oak extract, glycerin and "sugar-based syrup" (like agave nectar), but not necessarily ONLY from agave. Brands aren't required to put additives on the label, and even 100 percent agave tequilas commonly use them. Cincoro Tequila, $90+, Lavenue says Espoln Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. 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. The flavors are complex and sophisticated while still being approachable and easy to drink. This amazing additive-free liquid is produced using only the Good stuff!! The . I'm told that some distilleries will use additives because it's cheaper and faster to get things done, and who's to say if this is with or without the owners knowledge? 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.. Buy Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Anejo $159.99. An incredible effort here! There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. At the time, that was enough for us. Thats why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. CODIGO 1530. Long Island Lou Tequila's Personal Additive - Free Favorites List. Named after the Spanish word for diamond, Diamante was created with no additives. LALO Tequila, $50, Speaking of Don Julio, no list of the best tequila brands would be complete without this iconic option! 6. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. 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. Thankfully for you, we're breaking down store-bought tequila brands and ranking them from worst to best to help you find the perfect bottle for your taste preference and budget. If you're still going for corn-based alcohols (not just whiskey, bourbon and rye, but some gins and vodkas, too), pick ones made with non-GMO corn. These are often referred to as a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. 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): We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/. This crystal-clear . Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico's art and history, and the story of Espolon - the spur of a rooster - is great for starting conversations. They can also use glycerin to make the mouthfeel 'rounder', slicker, thicker, oilier, sweeter and different altogether. They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. 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. We mention products that contain additives in our content, but were not going out of our way to promote them. I want to stay away from additives. You can read more about our methods and program goals, here. But if youre looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says Gonzlez. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. Tequila - No Additives - Page 3 - Old Town Tequila The 5 Best Organic Tequila Brands The Honest Consumer 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. Founder Don Francisco changed the tequila process forever as he was the first person to cook agave in little ovens. One of the top-selling brands in the world (it clocks in at sixth! FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks, 100% agave, Open-air fermentation, Fermentation without fibers. 3. Read Full Article. Still, its $500+ price-point doesnt exactly make it an accessible bottle to buy. 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. Check Price. 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. Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. The Mezquila is more flavorful than your typical tequila, but not in-your-face smokey like most mezcals. Fortaleza Blanco. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. $149.99. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives? What you get is pure flavor thats perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. Cincoro Tequila produces five tequilas: blanco, reposado, aejo, extra aejo and the newest addition to their collectionCincoro Goldwhich blends the best of all four of their other varieties into one ultra-premium tequila. There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. All of Cenotes tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, aejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brands master distiller and master blender. This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region . High-quality tequila producers will use 100%, but others may use things like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, adds Roy. 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.