The popularity of tequila has been steadily increasing in the United States, making it the second-best-selling spirit in the country. However, this surge in popularity has led to increased competition, with some brands resorting to less desirable methods and making confusing claims.
The term “100% agave” may mislead buyers into thinking that the tequila is entirely natural, without any additives. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to legal standards, up to 1% of the content of a tequila brand can consist of additives and still be labeled as “100% agave.” The 1% rule was enacted to allow producers to use a minimal amount of additives to ensure consistency throughout their product line during the rectification phase (second distilling).
Immature agave plants have not developed enough sugar to make tequila without using additives.
Only 1% does not seem like much, but the additives used in tequila today are incredibly powerful, meaning they can greatly alter a tequila’s taste and appearance, even in such small amounts. Brands are not obligated to disclose the additives used, leaving consumers, especially those with chemical sensitivities, unaware of what they are consuming and possibly putting them at risk of adverse reactions.
Producing high-quality tequila demands mature agave plants, which take seven years to grow. Coupled with aging time, creating a top-tier product is time-consuming. Brands seeking to expedite production and place more bottles on shelves resort to additives and shortcuts, creating tequila that artificially seems to be smoother and older, attempting to mimic traditionally produced tequilas.
Additive-Free Tequila
Additive-free tequila is now proudly advertised by distillers and brands, highlighting the authenticity of their products. Tequila Matchmaker, launched in 2022, helps consumers identify brands that are genuinely additive-free and proudly crafted using time-honored methods, resulting in the highest quality tequila with pure, natural agave flavors.
