Our Additive-Free Tequila Program: The Particulars

Why it exists, the way it works, and what you need to anticipate.

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 relating to tequila, however there may be 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, after all, is components. Though components are permitted, they’re hardly ever talked about within the trade and by no means seem on the label*. After years of research, we’ve turn out to be conversant in tequila profiles that depend on components, and those who don’t.

After we inform a taster a selected tequila’s profile is because of components –whether or not they initially favored it or not– they usually really feel tricked. Their subsequent query is, “How can I discover a record 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 no authorized requirement to declare additive use, we started to consider what sort of program we may put collectively to assist inform customers on which tequilas are additive-free.

(That is our record of Confirmed Additive-free Tequilas.)

We knew this could be a formidable process. Though the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) does an intensive job at supervising manufacturing, creating an in depth chemical evaluation for each batch, and implementing the rule that components can solely be used when they don’t exceed 1% by quantity, 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.

May we give you a foolproof plan to detect any/all additive use, and catch any dishonest that might probably 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 ultimately 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. Collaborating manufacturers and distilleries are conscious that their participation should be renewed every year, and the primary yr is free. As we study extra, the method will seemingly change, turning into stricter.

We’re not doing this as a result of we predict components are unhealthy, or we need to name out manufacturers which might be utilizing them. Components serve a professional goal within the trade. Likewise, if somebody enjoys tequilas that comprise components, we’re not saying these individuals are incorrect. Above all, drink what you want and don’t really feel unhealthy about that.

For us, that is merely a matter of transparency. As tequila lovers, we imagine that components must 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 floral, or cake-like, how will they decide the marginally candy, delicate and complicated 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 way of varied levels of manufacturing with bottles which might be accessible in retail shops of the identical batch.

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

Components are usually used to alter the aroma, taste, shade, mouthfeel, and depth of sweetness of tequilas. Their said goal is to keep up consistency between batches. Permitted components embrace:

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

Nevertheless, there are tequilas that transcend delicate rectification and as a substitute depend on using components to construct their total taste profile. Use of components might be delicate, 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 know 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 might 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’re not allowed to reveal this to anybody. Our process is to verify 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 often supplied on excursions. We should 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 to take them again to our workplace for extra sensorial evaluation as wanted.

– A side-by-side comparability of the official “witness” (check pattern bottles saved in every distillery used for every batch for chemical evaluation) with a retail model of that very same batch. (They have to match with a view to go.)

If through 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 selected 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 study by way of 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.

Course of: Single Model

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

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

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

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

– A side-by-side comparability of the “witness” (check pattern) bottle with a retail model of that very same batch. (They have to match with a view to go.)

Course of: Sensorial 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, personal, and below strict confidentiality.

Though chemical analyses might be useful in some situations, trendy components are extraordinarily concentrated and will not register within the lab.

Throughout these analysis periods, we search for consistency of product by way of the latter levels of manufacturing: distillation, resting/getting older, and bottling. The adjustments within the product must be minimal to none between these steps.

Ought to dramatic adjustments seem instantly, the distillery can have a possibility to clarify the causes and additional investigation into these claims will probably be made to independently validate them.

Throughout inspections, we could carry retail store-bought bottles bought by us into the method. These are then matched with the check samples (“witness” bottles of the identical batch) and in contrast sensorially on-site through the inspection.

As that is the primary yr of this system, we anticipate to be including to this doc, and can proceed to replace you on our course of and ideas. Within the meantime, we hope we’re offering beneficial work for tequila lovers, and the trade at massive.

Regularly Requested Questions (and solutions):

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

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

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

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

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

– Will you disclose which tequilas DO comprise components?

No, we are going to solely record 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 record.

– 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 go the method.

– Are you taking into consideration adjustments to the ultimate product as a consequence of oxygenation and filtration, and never components?

Sure, we acknowledge these are frequent practices that change some qualities of the tequila, comparable to mouthfeel. That’s why understanding the model’s full course of is vital.

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

Use our contact type to ship us a message indicating your curiosity. We’ll observe up with you on the subsequent steps. There is no such thing as a price for the preliminary yr. Annual renewals will contain a small cost to cowl bills. The price for renewals is a flat price per every day go to to a distillery.

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

No, this isn’t mandatory. 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 accessible in retail shops. Components are launched into the method on the very finish, simply earlier than bottling. If there’s a huge distinction between what comes instantly from the nonetheless and what it accessible in retail shops, then this will likely recommend additive use. Displaying up unannounced to a distillery is subsequently not mandatory, nor wouldn’t it be efficient since we’d like cooperation from the distillery to undergo our course of.

– Do you carry out gasoline chromatography assessments on samples to detect components?

Fuel chromatography machines can be utilized to detect compounds in a tequila, however until the precise compound’s distinctive signature and focus, then you definately received’t give you the option discover it in a check. Since we by no means know what could have been added to a product, we don’t know what signatures to search for. Subsequently gasoline chromatography assessments will not be helpful for the detection of components.

– Who’s funding this program?

The funding for this mission is supplied fully by way of us, plus no matter charges could also be collected from manufacturers or distilleries sooner or later. This isn’t a money-making enterprise. Our objective is to interrupt even. We’re completely impartial 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 suppose that additive use must be disclosed on the label so the patron can resolve for themselves. We’ll take into account this program successful if/when there’s a change to the NORM that requires totally clear labeling. If that day comes we are going to 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 is no such thing as a must re-inspect. Retail-purchased bottles are usually checked (aroma and taste comparisons) by us between inspections. Ought to the product instantly change, we are going to make one other go to to the distillery the place the inspection course of might be repeated.

– My model is kosher, does it robotically qualify?

No. Though kosher certification does state that components will not be permitted, there are several types of kosher certifications, and a few are extra rigorous than others. Additionally, remember the fact 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. This can be a manufacturing method utilizing pure wooden, and there aren’t any official guidelines towards it.

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

Our course of requires a distillery go to. Ensure that 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 know the distinction.)

In case your distiller nonetheless is not going to enable us to examine your batch as it’s being produced then chances are you’ll need to discover one other distillery accomplice who will.

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

Sure. Nevertheless, the tequila should 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 social gathering, it’s not eligible for our program.

We do acknowledge that some bigger producers have a separate bottling facility below their similar NOM, and this could 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 labelled.

** Within the 2012 NORMA, part 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas must 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.)