The Additive-Free Tequila Movement
The biggest term in Tequila right now is "additive-free". Something very familiar to us in the store, most brands we've carried over the last 10+ years have been additive-free. It is awesome to see the increase in not only brands getting behind the idea, but also seeing the general public looking for brands that are making "clean" Tequila. Over the last 3 years the news has come out about how many additives (coloring, flavors and stuff you don't want to know about) are legally allowed to be in Tequila. Most big Tequila brands, the ones that can afford celebrity endorsements, who can put up Billboards around the country or be the official sponsor of a sport or sporting event are filling their Tequilas with laboratory made flavors so it can "taste smooth" or have a sweeter profile than naturally possible or always taste the same even though Agave is an agricultural product and will naturally taste different each harvest. So if it's worked for them, why are these smaller brands looking to make their Tequilas additive-free?
What makes BBQ from Shady Grove taste better than BBQ from Tony Roma's? What makes your asada or al pastor taco you get at your favorite Taco Stand of Pop-up better than what you can get at Taco Bell or Del Taco? Just like there are people out there who want to serve you delicious, not chemically packed food, there are Tequila producers who want to show off what Agave tastes like on its own. They want to highlight their region, their traditions in making a libation that has ties to ancient civilizations. Producers are allowing the true flavor of the Agave to come out no matter how different it tastes from the product they made last year. With aged tequilas, they aren't adding any type of brown coloring so you can tell just by sight it's been aged in oak. Obviously this is harder work, which does mean a higher cost, but you get what you pay for! Wagu beef and the beef you get that is red tagged at your local grocer have a different cost and it can be tasted. Just like how you can taste the difference between mass produced, get it on the shelves as soon as possible Tequilas and this hand crafted, it will be ready when it's done additive free Tequilas. If you and I have talked about Tequila, you have heard me talking about brands like Insolito, Don Fulano, Nosotros, Mijenta and the tricky to find (for now) Fortaleza. But here are some newer additions of our additive free line up to check out.
Carrera Tequila Still Strength Blanco $67.99 per bottle
Sip cautiously, this 54% abv Blanco drinks a little too easy. Soft coating mouthfeel, rich tropical fruit, a good amount of pineapple. Just a little grassy on the finish, to remind you you’re enjoying a Blanco.
Carrera Tequila Reposado $55.99 per bottle
Aged for 3 months is used Tequila barrels. Vibrant orange zest hits your palate first and is paired with notes of coco. Bright white pepper leads to subtle fall spices. Fruity mid-palate, nectarine and hints of mango. More white pepper on the finish.
Amatitena Tequila Blanco $74.99 per bottle
Crushed with Tahona, open air fermentation. Soft smokiness up front leads to earthy soil characteristics with hints of lime. To some the smoke might be unsettling at first since you're expecting Tequila and not Mezcal, but by your second or third sip, you appreciate the depth the smoke adds. Savory white pepper gives you that agave forwardness people love in Blanco Tequilas, and lingers on the palate longer than the smoke does.
Amatitena Tequila Reposado $83.99 per bottle
Only aged for 2 months, so if Amatitena wanted to be "cute" they could call this a Blanco. Light oak spice amplifies the smokiness you taste in the Blanco and gives the flavor more staying power on the palate. You're not gonna get much sweetness out of a barrel in only 2 months, so there is still nice earthy characteristics and soft white pepper.