News

Browse any Reddit post, algorithm-tailored news headline, or spirits e-commerce front page and you'll be bombarded with "additive-free tequila" talk. But WTF is additive-free? What additive are we talking about? Isn't everything we consume outside of farmer's markets full of additives? Let's dig into that, shall we?

The Rise of Additive-Laden Tequila

Tequila, once made purely from 100% blue agave, now often contains additives like caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, and sweeteners. These are legally allowed in mixto tequilas (at least 51% agave sugars) and even in 100% agave tequilas—up to 1% of the total volume—without disclosure. Additives help standardize flavor, smooth out harshness, and appeal to a wider audience unfamiliar with the natural complexity of pure agave spirits. Many brands use them to create a sweeter, milder taste that mimics aged tequila or hides production flaws.

The use of additives grew with tequila’s global boom, especially in the late 20th century, as large producers sought ways to make it more appealing to international drinkers. Additives sped up aging, ensured consistency, and made mass production more efficient, leading to their widespread use in commercial tequila.

Why Additive-Free?

Additive-free tequila contains no added flavorings, sweeteners, colorings, or texture enhancers, letting the true agave flavor shine. Made using traditional methods—fermentation, distillation, and natural aging—it offers an authentic, high-quality experience. As more consumers seek transparency and craftsmanship in their spirits, additive-free tequila is gaining popularity. Enthusiasts appreciate its earthy, peppery, and naturally sweet flavors, driving demand for brands that proudly market their purity and tradition.

Are Other Spirits Full of Additives?

Other spirits, such as whiskey, rum, and vodka, also commonly contain additives. In rum, for example, caramel coloring and sugar are often added to adjust flavor and consistency. Some whiskeys use flavoring or additional filtration to create a smoother profile, and many vodkas contain glycerin or citric acid for mouthfeel and balance. However, the conversation around additives in these spirits is less prominent because they have long histories of accepted practices regarding enhancements.

In contrast, tequila has historically been marketed as a "pure" spirit made from agave, making the presence of undisclosed additives feel more like a betrayal to enthusiasts. The recent movement toward additive-free tequila is part of a larger trend in the spirits industry, where consumers are pushing for greater transparency and traditional production methods.

Some Additive-Free Tequilas Worth Sipping

El Tesoro Tequila

El Tesoro Blanco Tequila is traditionally crafted using a tahona to crush agave, resulting in a pure expression with earthy, citrus, and peppery notes. The Reposado is aged for 9–11 months in American oak, balancing cooked agave with hints of vanilla and soft oak. Aged for 2–3 years, the Añejo delivers rich caramel, roasted agave, and warm spice. The Extra Añejo, with five years of aging, develops deep layers of dried fruit, oak, and chocolate. The Mundial Collection: Knob Creek Rye Edition Añejo Tequila matures in Knob Creek rye barrels, blending agave sweetness with bold rye spice. Paradiso Extra Añejo, aged in French oak, showcases dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. The 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo is a special release aged in Booker’s bourbon barrels, offering luxurious caramel, toasted oak, and rich agave flavors.

Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho Plata is a single-estate, unaged tequila that highlights the natural sweetness of agave with minerality and citrus. The Reposado, aged in used American whiskey barrels, introduces light vanilla and caramel while maintaining agave brightness. Aged for one year, the Añejo blends rich cooked agave, oak, and warm spice. The Single Estate 2024 Plata Puntas Tequila is bottled at high proof, offering an intense agave character with spice and floral notes. Meanwhile, the Single Estate 2023 Plata Puntas 106 Overproof is a robust, overproof blanco with concentrated agave flavors, pepper, and citrus zest.

Mijenta Tequila

Mijenta Maestra Selection No. 1 Blanco is a limited-edition, artisanal tequila that showcases bright agave, floral notes, and a silky-smooth finish, perfect for those seeking a refined blanco experience.

G4 Tequila

G4 Blanco Tequila is made with a blend of rain and spring water, creating a crisp, smooth tequila with rich agave flavors. The Reposado, aged for six months in used whiskey barrels, adds soft vanilla and oak without overpowering the agave. Blanco 108 High Proof is a bold, high-proof expression with intensified pepper and mineral complexity. Blanco de Madera, fermented in wooden tanks, delivers a unique depth and earthiness. The Reposado de Madera Día de Muertos 2023 Edition is a special release, aged in wooden tanks and barrels for a rich, spiced profile.

Tapatio Tequila

Tapatio Blanco 80 Proof is a classic, clean tequila with fresh agave sweetness, citrus, and peppery spice. The Reposado, aged for four months, balances vanilla and caramel with bright agave notes. Aged 12–18 months, the Añejo offers deep caramel, oak, and spice with a silky finish. Tapatio Blanco 110 Proof is a bold, high-proof blanco with intensified agave, pepper, and citrus flavors.

Volans Tequila

Volans Blanco is a crisp, unaged tequila that highlights sweet agave, citrus, and light minerality. The Reposado, aged in oak, adds warmth with soft vanilla, caramel, and gentle spice. The 6-Year-Old Extra Añejo is an ultra-aged tequila that delivers a luxurious, velvety texture with deep oak, dried fruit, and spice.

Tequila Arette

Tequila Arette Blanco is a smooth, earthy tequila with bright citrus and herbal notes. The Reposado, lightly aged, blends soft vanilla and oak while preserving fresh agave flavors. Arette Artesanal Blanco is a small-batch expression crafted with traditional methods for a richer agave profile. The Artesanal Reposado is aged in oak barrels, introducing honey, vanilla, and baking spices. The Artesanal Blanco Fuerte 101 Proof is a higher-proof blanco that amplifies agave richness, pepper, and citrus. Aged longer, the Artesanal Añejo is a refined tequila with deep caramel, oak, and spiced vanilla. The Artesanal Gran Clase Extra Añejo is a premium, ultra-aged tequila with luxurious layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and oak.