Our Additive-Free Tequila Program: The Particulars

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Why it exists, the way it works, and what it is best to count on.

For the previous a number of years we’ve been conducting blind tasting occasions for bartenders, aficionados, and informal tequila followers. These teams of individuals are inclined to have wildly completely different preferences on the subject of tequila, however there’s one factor that unites all of them: their perspective towards the undisclosed use of components.

We realized this since on the finish of every blind tasting there’s a dialogue interval and inevitably somebody will ask one thing like, “The place does that intense vanilla, cake-batter aroma come from in pattern quantity 3?”

The reply, in fact, is components. Though components are permitted, they’re not often talked about within the trade and by no means seem on the label*. After years of examine, now we have turn out to be accustomed to tequila profiles that depend on components, and those who don’t.

Once we inform a taster a specific tequila’s profile is because of components –whether or not they initially favored it or not– they typically really feel tricked. Their subsequent query is, “How can I discover a checklist of tequilas that don’t have components?”

It didn’t exist, so we determined to do one thing about it.

With a scarcity of readability from manufacturers and distilleries, and no authorized requirement to declare additive use, we started to consider what sort of program we may put collectively to assist inform shoppers on which tequilas are additive-free.

(That is our checklist of Additive-free Tequilas.)

We knew this is able to be a formidable job. Though the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) does an intensive job at supervising manufacturing in accordance with the tequila NORMA, we additionally knew that solely a minute amount of “abocantes” (as they’re referred to as within the trade) are wanted to utterly change a tequila’s profile.

Might we give you a foolproof plan to detect any/all additive use, and catch any dishonest that would presumably occur when the CRT isn’t trying? Most likely not.

However, we interviewed a number of trade professionals with first-hand expertise utilizing components (below strict confidentiality) and with their assist finally got here up with a program that we imagine is rigorous and goes a good distance in displaying the clear and trustworthy nature of any model that indicators up for it.

Our course of is an evolving one. Taking part manufacturers and distilleries are conscious that their participation have to be renewed annually, and the primary yr is free. As we be taught extra, the method will possible change, turning into stricter.

We’re not doing this as a result of we predict components are dangerous, or we wish to name out manufacturers which are utilizing them. Components serve a official function within the trade. Likewise, if somebody enjoys tequilas that comprise components, we aren’t saying these individuals are mistaken. Above all, drink what you want and don’t really feel dangerous about that.

For us, that is merely a matter of transparency. As tequila lovers, we imagine that components needs to be disclosed as a result of they’re creating confusion within the market as to how a pure tequila actually tastes. If too many individuals get the concept tequila is saccharine, intensely vanilla or cake-like, how will they choose the marginally candy, refined and sophisticated profiles of additive-free tequilas?

Our course of contains a number of steps, together with a deep tour of every distillery, and a comparisons of samples taken by numerous phases of manufacturing with bottles which are obtainable in retail shops of the identical batch.

So, right here’s a fast reminder on how components are used within the tequila trade:

Components (and “abocantes”) are usually used to vary the aroma, taste, shade, mouthfeel, and depth of sweetness of tequilas. Their acknowledged function is to keep up consistency between batches. Permitted components/abocantes embrace:

– Glycerin (for mouthfeel)
– Caramel Coloring
– Oak Extracts
– Sugar-based Syrup

Nevertheless, there are tequilas that transcend refined rectification and as a substitute depend on the usage of abocantes and components to construct their whole taste profile. Use of components may be refined, or dramatic, and it’s all completely authorized.

See our story “The Lowdown on Tequila Components” for extra details about every of those classes, and the way they’re used.

Right here’s how our additive free program works:

First, it’s vital to grasp that each distillery or model is completely different, so our inspection course of must be versatile whereas nonetheless being full. The inspection for a complete distillery is completely different than that of a single model inside a distillery.

Course of: Total Distillery

For a distillery that produces one or a number of manufacturers, the method includes the next:

– Signing of a non-disclosure settlement in order that the distillery may be utterly trustworthy with us always. If, throughout our go to we’re uncovered to commerce secrets and techniques, proprietary manufacturing processes or methods, or different protected info, we aren’t allowed to reveal this to anybody. Our job is to substantiate the non-use of components, and nothing extra.


A “testigo” (witness) bottle, left, is in contrast with a bottle of the identical lot bought in a retail retailer, proper.

– A full tour of the power, past what is usually offered on excursions. We have to be approved to see any space of the distillery that we want.

– Entry to manufacturing log books and switch data that present purchases of provides out and in of the distillery

– Assortment of samples of blanco tequila direct from the nonetheless, and aged tequilas direct from the barrel. We should witness the gathering of those samples, and be capable of take them again to our workplace for extra evaluation as wanted.

– A side-by-side comparability of samples taken instantly from the stills or barrels, with a retail model of that very same batch. (They need to match with a view to cross.)

If throughout the distillery inspection course of additive use is both found or disclosed, the distillery should then provide detailed details about which manufacturers or merchandise are utilizing them, and in what quantities.

As well as, if we uncover that the manufacturing processes for a specific product don’t match what the model states publicly, then the product is not going to earn the “additive-free” designation. An instance of that is if a model states their methodology of extraction is curler mill, however we be taught by our go to that they’re shopping for some or all of their product from one other distillery that makes use of a diffuser.

It’s doable that some manufacturers from a distillery will earn the “additive-free” designation whereas others is not going to.

Charges and Prices: There is no such thing as a price for the primary yr. If you happen to want to renew in years 2 and past, the payment for a complete distillery is $2,000 USD/yr.

Course of: Single Model

For a model that doesn’t have the distillery’s permission to evaluate manufacturing data, the method includes the next:

– Contact us to precise your curiosity in this system. We are going to then pre-taste your merchandise and comply with up with you on our advice for subsequent steps. If we really feel that your product could comprise components (or “abocantes”) we’ll warn you earlier than going any additional.

– Signing of a non-disclosure settlement in order that the distillery or model representatives may be utterly trustworthy with us always

– A full tour of the power displaying the entire gear used to supply tequila for that model. (This offers us an thought of the aromas/flavors naturally produced throughout their course of. If the top result’s dramatically completely different, this is able to be a clue to dig deeper.)

– Assortment of samples of blanco tequila direct from the nonetheless, and aged tequilas direct from the barrel (or assortment tank) for that model. We should witness the gathering of those samples, and be capable of take them again to our workplace for extra evaluation as wanted.

– A side-by-side comparability of the “witness” (take a look at pattern) bottle with a retail model of that very same batch. (They need to match with a view to cross.)

– We could request lab checks in your product, at both the start of the method, or on the finish. We may have these checks carried out in your behalf, and give you the outcomes.

If we really feel that lab testing is required we’ll warn you prematurely, and supply the prices of the checks. Typically, the associated fee for these is $600 USD per pattern examined, except extra checks are required which is able to contain extra charges. These prices are decided by the lab, and there’s no markup on our half.

Though there are limits to what testing can determine, the lab is ready to detect pure and synthetic sugars in addition to glycerin and Propylene Glycol.

– Charges and Prices: There is no such thing as a price for the primary yr. If you happen to want to renew in years 2 and past, the payment for a single model is $1,000 USD/yr.

Course of: Sensorial + Laboratory Analysis (Distillery + Single Manufacturers)

Each processes contain sensorial evaluations by us. Our tequila training has included intensive coaching from tequila trade professionals within the use and detection of components. This coaching has been specialised, non-public, and below strict confidentiality.

Though laboratory chemical analyses may be useful in some situations (and utilized by us on an as-needed foundation), they can not detect every little thing. We are going to use liquid chromatography checks to determine pure and synthetic sweeteners, in addition to glycerin and propylene glycol. We are going to carry out these checks along with our sensorial analysis.

Throughout sensorial analysis periods, we search for consistency of product by the latter phases of manufacturing: distillation, resting/growing old, and bottling. The modifications within the product needs to be minimal to none between these steps.

Ought to dramatic modifications seem abruptly, the distillery may have a possibility to clarify the causes and additional investigation into these claims can be made to independently validate them, which may embrace lab testing.

Throughout inspections, we could carry retail store-bought bottles bought by us into the method. These are then matched with the take a look at samples (“witness” bottles of the identical batch) and in contrast sensorially both on-site throughout the inspection, or in our workplace after the inspection.

That is an evolving course of and we count on to be including to this doc sooner or later. We are going to proceed to replace you on our course of and ideas. Within the meantime, we hope we’re offering invaluable work for tequila lovers, and the trade at giant.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions (and solutions):

– What are the subsequent steps I must take as a model or distillery to get my merchandise on the checklist?

– Is that this endorsed by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT)?

No, it’s an unbiased initiative designed to substantiate the data that manufacturers give us about their merchandise in order that our database is as correct as doable. It’s not related to the CRT or a part of any official regulatory course of.

– Which tequilas have been already listed as additive-free?

– Aren’t all 100% agave blancos purported to be additive-free?

Sure, and no. There are some complicated guidelines within the NORMA that seem to permit the usage of components in a blanco.**

– Will you disclose which tequilas DO comprise components?

No, we’ll solely checklist the merchandise which have handed our inspection course of. If a tequila fails, we don’t name them out — we merely received’t add them to our checklist.

– Are diffuser-made merchandise eligible for this program?

Sure. We don’t disqualify merchandise primarily based on their manufacturing methodology. Nevertheless, if a diffuser is utilized in manufacturing however not publicly disclosed, then the product is not going to cross the method.

– Are you taking into consideration modifications to the ultimate product on account of oxygenation and filtration, and never components?

Sure, we acknowledge these are widespread practices that change some qualities of the tequila, equivalent to mouthfeel. That’s why figuring out the model’s full course of is vital.

– How do I get my model on this checklist? Is there a price for the inspections?

– Are shock inspections carried out with out discover to the distilleries?

No, this isn’t crucial. As a result of we take samples of tequila direct from the nonetheless and barrels, we’re capable of evaluate these samples with what’s publicly obtainable in retail shops. Components are launched into the method on the very finish, simply earlier than bottling. If there’s a large distinction between what comes instantly from the nonetheless and what it obtainable in retail shops, then this will recommend additive use. Exhibiting up unannounced to a distillery is due to this fact not crucial, nor wouldn’t it be efficient since we want cooperation from the distillery to undergo our course of.

– Do you carry out fuel chromatography checks on samples to detect components?

Gasoline chromatography machines can be utilized to detect unstable compounds in a tequila, however except you recognize the precise compound’s distinctive signature and focus, then you definately received’t find a way discover it in a take a look at. Since we by no means know what could have been added to a product, we don’t know what signatures to search for. Due to this fact fuel chromatography checks usually are not helpful for the detection of components. Nevertheless, we do carry out liquid chromatography checks which might detect pure and synthetic sweeteners in addition to glycerin and propylene glycol.

– Who’s funding this program?

The funding for this challenge is offered fully by us, plus no matter charges and donations are collected from manufacturers, distilleries, and beneficiant tequila fans. This isn’t a money-making enterprise. Our objective is to interrupt even. We’re completely unbiased and never affiliated with any manufacturers or distilleries.

– Components are legally permitted within the tequila NORM, so why are you doing this?

We don’t have an issue with authorized additive use, however we do assume that additive use needs to be disclosed on the label so the patron can resolve for themselves. We are going to contemplate this program successful if/when there’s a change to the NORM that requires absolutely clear labeling. If that day comes we’ll fortunately shut down this system.

– Do you examine each batch a model produces?

No. We examine every product as soon as per yr, as outlined above. So long as the product profile stays constant all year long there isn’t a must re-inspect. Retail-purchased bottles are commonly checked (aroma and taste comparisons) by us between inspections. Ought to the product abruptly change, we’ll make one other go to to the distillery the place the inspection course of may be repeated.

– My model is kosher, does it robotically qualify?

No. Though kosher certification does state that components usually are not permitted, there are various kinds of kosher certifications, and a few are extra rigorous than others. Additionally, remember that kosher components can be found, and use of those components is not going to trigger a product to fail a kosher certification course of.

– My model is USDA Natural, does it robotically qualify?

No. “Natural” certification doesn’t imply that no components are used.

– Does including wooden chips to barrels rely as “components”?

No. It is a manufacturing approach utilizing pure wooden, and there are not any official guidelines in opposition to it.

– The distillery that makes my model received’t permit any inspections. What can I do?

Our course of requires a distillery go to. Make it possible for your distiller is aware of that there’s a distinction between a complete distillery inspection vs. a single model inspection. (Learn the descriptions above to grasp the distinction.)

In case your distiller nonetheless is not going to permit us to examine your batch as it’s being produced then you could wish to discover one other distillery associate who will.

– Are “mixto” (non-100% agave) merchandise certified for affirmation?

Sure. Nevertheless, the tequila have to be made and bottled the place we will examine it. If the tequila is shipped in bulk to a different nation and bottled by a 3rd celebration, it isn’t eligible for our program.

We do acknowledge that some bigger producers have a separate bottling facility below their identical NOM, and this is able to not disqualify them.

* We’re speaking about 100% agave tequilas, not flavored tequilas, or tequilas that comprise greater than 1% by quantity, that are legally required to be labeled.

** Within the 2012 NORMA, part 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas needs to be “sin abocante” (with out components). Nevertheless, part 6.1.1.1 states that the merchandise outlined in 5 sections, together with 4.36.1, permits for “edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretaría de Salud” (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Well being Secretary.)