Fortaleza Blanco Tequila. What does YOUR nose and taste tell YOU? There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas you can get for under $100 too. We can do both, cant we? Patrn Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) [2 brands] El Pandillo (G4, Terralta, etc.) If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. "We choose to . To be honest, I'm actually more than fine with all this myself, and I see this as a sign of integrity, and makes me appreciate these brands and respect them even more. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espoln, which means spur in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. When you taste too much vanilla, and we call that a 'vanilla bomb', that often means extra vanilla extract powder was added. Reuters There is a "proper" way and no, it's not in a shot. 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. Pick Up Some of These Gloves First, Tired of Standing? Hard to believe, but I'm told it's very possible. 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." Theyre made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations. Patrn Aejo Patrn Aejo is a carefully . They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and aejo. The legal requirement is at least 51% blue agave. There are some outstanding tequilas that have flavor added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. 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. This crystal-clear . This list is awesome! Hi Luis. Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us. Lalo is a great tequila blanco with no additives. Trending In addition to the core expressions, if you're really looking to splurge you can try the extra anejo, aged for seven long years in ex-whiskey barrels, and priced at $350 . Smooth. This list is small now, but I hope to add more brands if it is warranted. Reposado means rested in Spanish. I don't agree, but if that's true, people need to start thinking differently. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Fortaleza Blanco. 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. Find which tequilas are right for you. I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. Thank you! 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. 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. . As far as alcohol goes, it's not a bad option. Espolns collection also includes a reposado, aejo, reposado chardonnay and aejo cristalino. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. 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). We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process. The caramel, vanilla and wood notes are strong, but thankfully the agave isn't lost in the aging. 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. What Are the Best Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Other Than Margaritas)? Simply pour a small amount of tequila into your palm, then rub it between your hands as you would hand sanitizer. Break this one out for the most special of occasions. 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. All that aside, the tequila is good, made using traditional methods with no additives, according to the brand. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab . David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist Who Shaped the Sound of Soft Rock, Dead at 78 When 1% of total additives are used there is no requirement to tell the consumer, so I suppose for this reason, brands that put additives into their product will often make claims that they are not using any at all. Its fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and a hint of earthiness. A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand Tequila Anejo at Costco 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. 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. All of Casa Dragones tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Thank you for all the info. El Jimador Tequila Silver Price: $16-$30. (Rule number one: Never buy tequila that . JAJA is proudly additive-free. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year. I couldnt even drink it in Margaritas. There are 4 types of additives allowed by law for use in all** 100% agave tequilas: 1. Also be on the lookout for Santo's excellent Blanco and Reposado tequilas. Thanks to investment and refinement from some pioneering brands, long gone are the days when Tequila was known only for its harsh palate. Oct 28, 2022. 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. This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. Now that you know the basics, here are nine more things you should know about the supermodel-approved premium tequila brand. 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. The additive-free spirit retails for $125.99 and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected pias that are harvested at peak maturity. 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. 1. Zarpado Tequila Blanco. Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! 27 February 2023 By Alice Brooker. El Jimador Tequila Silver is the best Blanco tequila for making mixed drinks. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. Related There are . Essences or flavorings are still additives, and these can include vanilla or herbs used to alter or create a flavor. You can enjoy them neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Now available! 2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. 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. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping! It's also free of common allergens. Jessica Alba, Tinx, Jojo Fletcher and Kristin Cavallari are just a few famous faces that are mega fans of theiraward-winning varietiesCucumber Jalapeo, Valencia Orange and Grapefruit Hibiscusbut we have a feeling this isjust the seed of something bigger, flavor-wise. 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. 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. What additives can you taste? The . Casa Del Sol. If your bottle doesnt have a NOM, that means its not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer. 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/. Casa Noble, $45+, Theres a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. Our top pick is the Tequila Ocho Plata La Caada 2022, a single-estate tequila that's perfect for sipping. We dont have much production information on this product either. 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. Are we assuming that tequilas on the additive free list are automatically not diffuser made as well? Patrn is the world's number one super-premium tequila brand to receive the verification. Vandoliers Play Tennessee Concert in Dresses to Protest State's New Drag Bill He uses different distillation equipment and different agaves grown at different altitudes, as an alternative, and as long as you have the additional equipment, use your head, and not take the easy way out, this is a perfect solution instead of using additives. These distilleries are: Patron Tequila (NOM 1492) Tequila Fortaleza (NOM 1493) -2 brands. Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best . I assume these brands tell themselves that it's part of the 'tequila making procedure'. View more. Founded by three best friends in Canada, Siempre combines a unique flavor profile (think notes of pepper, sea salt/brine, sweet berries and candied citrus) with a traditional tequila making process using 100% agave. Sugar-based Syrup. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not! 74.95. This year's offering of . 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. No, this is good tequila because it's a crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile spirit. Ritual Beverage Company is entering the tequila market. Smooth and delicate, Cdigo 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. For example, if youre looking to make cocktails, then you should choose a blanco or reposadobut if youre looking to sip tequila on its own, then you should select an aejo or one of its variations, says Martinez. So keep in mind the above mentioned brands that 'claim' to be 100% additive free may be just that, and most are high quality and fine tasting brands that I enjoy myself. Don Julio 1942, specifically, is one of the most premium options from the brand (hence why it comes with a hefty price tag). 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. Good, clean fun: Organic tequila is the Best Tequila. Olmeca Altos has won quite a few awards over the years and are worthy of a place on your bar cart. What do you think about that do you agree? I want the Real Thing. Additives can greatly change the color (SEE ABOVE- again thanks to Taste Tequila), making the appearance of longer aging, with caramel coloring. Its less harsh on the tongue and wont give you as strong as a hangover provided that youre sipping responsibly of course. Others like Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble told me "we use no additives, that is why we do the kosher certification." Although this is perfectly legal, it is WRONG, and hopefully this will get cleared up soon on a future CRT ruling. none of the artificial additives that make you pucker); try it over ice for a refreshing summer tequila tasting too. A typical tequila is composed of 60% Agave oil, with no flavor. This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America's perceptions about tequila, he says. However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretara de Salud (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.). Are they true, who can you believe? Our propietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. Each carefully harvested pia is steamed in an autoclave and fermented in steel tanks, resulting in beautifully clean tequila. So very helpful! 2. ArteNOM 1579 - NOM's 1079, 1580, 1549, 1146, 1414, 1579, 1123. Look for a tequila producer that uses 100% blue agavesome companies add other flavors that distort the flavors, and you can really taste the difference, says Roy. YOU and only you will have to make that decision, to believe these brands by tasting and trusting them. This brand is one of the top-shelf tequilas that are pure with no additives included. Drink brands from Europe where GMOs are (nearly) banned. 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. Extra aejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. 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.
