In 2020 we launched our Tequila Matchmaker Additive-Free program for brands and distilleries that want to be super transparent about their production processes and their non-use of additives. It is an opt-in program, which needs to be renewed each year.
Inspections are done on-site and can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many brands and products we are reviewing at the distillery. In addition to auditing the production, we ask a lot of questions and perform a sensorial analysis throughout various stages of the tequila-making process.
You can read more about our methods and program goals, here.
This list will be updated each time a brand is added (or removed) from the program. You can use the form (below) to subscribe to email alerts any time this list changes.
| Brand | Type | Completed | NOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Amigos | Distillery | 2023-05-01 | 1570 |
| Aguasol | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Alma del Jaguar | Brand | 2023-03-15 | 1414 |
| Amatiteña | Brand | 2023-02-01 | 1477 |
| Arette | Distillery | 2022-05-12 | 1109 |
| ArteNOM Seleccion de 1123 | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1146 | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1414 | Brand | 2021-10-06 | 1414 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1579 | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| Atanasio | Distillery | 2023-02-09 | 1599 |
| Azuñia | Brand | 2023-04-28 | 1426 |
| Cambio | Brand | 2023-05-25 | 1605 |
| Campo Azul 1940 | Brand | 2023-05-25 | 1416 |
| Carrera Tequila | Brand | 2023-03-27 | 1465 |
| Casa Real | Distillery | 2023-02-16 | 1468 |
| Cascahuín | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Cazcanes | Distillery | 2021-11-06 | 1599 |
| Chamucos | Brand | 2022-08-30 | 1586 |
| Cierto | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Cimarron | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Codigo 1530 | Distillery | 2023-02-22 | 1616 |
| Corrido | Brand | 2022-09-15 | 1412 |
| Cuernito | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| De-Nada Tequila | Brand | 2021-10-06 | 1414 |
| Don Fulano | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Don Lorenzo | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Don Vicente | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| El Bandido Yankee | Distillery | 2022-12-18 | 1107 |
| El Gran Legado de Vida | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| El Mexicano | Distillery | 2022-08-09 | 1588 |
| El Rey | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| El Tequileño | Distillery | 2022-06-16 | 1108 |
| El Tesoro de Don Felipe | Distillery | 2022-09-12 | 1139 |
| Elvelo | Brand | 2022-10-02 | 1137 |
| Espero Blanco | Brand | 2022-04-02 | 1551 |
| Fortaleza | Distillery | 2022-08-05 | 1493 |
| Fuenteseca | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| G4 | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| González 1939 | Distillery | 2023-05-01 | 1570 |
| Gran Dovejo | Brand | 2021-10-06 | 1414 |
| Hijole! | Brand | 2021-11-01 | 1522 |
| Insólito | Brand | 2022-05-18 | 1558 |
| Inspiro | Distillery | 2022-09-14 | 1614 |
| Kapena Tequila Silver | Brand | 2023-05-25 | 1468 |
| La Pulga | Brand | 2023-03-31 | 1068 |
| Lagrimas Del Valle | Distillery | 2023-04-01 | 1123 |
| Lalo | Brand | 2022-05-11 | 1468 |
| Lapis | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Loco | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Los Abuelos | Distillery | 2022-08-05 | 1493 |
| Los Dos | Brand | 2022-03-16 | 1414 |
| Lost Lore | Brand | 2023-05-27 | 1414 |
| Mala Vida | Distilery | 2022-08-09 | 1588 |
| Mijenta | Brand | 2022-06-04 | 1412 |
| Montagave | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Nueveuno | Distillery | 2023-02-09 | 1426 |
| Paladar | Distillery | 2022-05-12 | 1109 |
| Partida | Brand | 2021-12-23 | 1502 |
| Pasote | Distillery | 2023-01-25 | 1584 |
| PM Spirits Tequila | Distillery | 2023-02-16 | 1468 |
| Primo 1861 | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| Purasangre | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Santo Fino | Distillery | 2022-12-18 | 1107 |
| Siembra Valles | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Siempre Tequila | Brand | 2023-05-03 | 1137/1414 |
| Siete Leguas | Distillery | 2023-01-31 | 1120 |
| Suave Tequila | Brand | 2021-11-01 | 1522 |
| t1 Tequila Uno | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Tanteo Blanco | Brand | 2022-04-02 | 1551 |
| Tapatio | Distillery | 2022-09-12 | 1139 |
| Tau | Brand | 2021-10-06 | 1414 |
| TCapri Tequila | Distillery | 2023-01-25 | 1584 |
| Tears of Llorona | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Tepozan | Distillery | 2023-01-25 | 1584 |
| Tequila 30-30 | Distillery | 2023-05-25 | 1068 |
| Tequila General Gorostieta | Brand | 2022-11-30 | 1414 |
| Tequila Ocho | Distillery | 2022-09-12 | 1474 |
| Terralta | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| Torai | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| Tres Agaves | Distillery | 2022-09-14 | 1614 |
| Tres Cuatro Cinco | Distillery | 2022-04-28 | 1146 |
| Villa Lobos | Distillery | 2022-09-12 | 1139 |
| Viva Mexico | Brand | 2021-10-06 | 1414 |
| Volans | Distillery | 2022-09-01 | 1579 |
| Volcan de Mi Tierra | Distillery | 2021-11-19 | 1523 |
| Wild Common | Distillery | 2023-03-29 | 1123 |
| Yeyo | Brand | 2022-05-03 | 1414 |
If you are a brand and you want to be added to this list, you can start the process by using this form.
Additive-Free Alerts
Use this form to receive email alerts of any changes to this list. Updates include when brands are added, removed, expired or renewed.
Image Gallery
These are some images taken during our additive free visits. We are granted full access to all areas of the distillery, and have permission to take samples from any part of the process.
I am excited to have this list in list form…instead of finding them individually on TMM app. I think this is the most important thing with tequila–at least the tequila that I want to drink. I love that some of my favorites are already here and some that I need try. I will go from this list next time I am picking a tequila to taste and buy. I hope more brands/distilleries jump on this protocol.
Just wondering how I can tell is a brand that is not on your list is or is not additive free.
One way is to get familiar with the products that are on the list, and then the additive-filled stuff becomes much easier to detect.
Yes, please. I like this approach!
An incredible effort here! Thanks for leading the charge and creating transparency in the industry.
Thank you! I am passionate about tequila and I will keep this list close.
Thank you so much for this list! The more expressions I try, the more sensitive I become to artificial flavorings. So excited to confidently try some expressions that are verified free of additives. I hope more distilleries become a part of this project!
This is a fantastic resource and will be a great help in my future purchases and recommendations.
Thank you for the list, what kind of additives are you talking about? I understand that this is an opt-in program, so may other brands may be additive free, but they have opted not to be added (IDK what they would not….), just want to know what kind of additives they would use.
Hi Luis. We go into detail about that here: https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/
A colleague introduced me to a Kirkland brand – Tequila Anejo at Costco –
The labelling states it was produced and bottled by : Destileria Santa Lucia ,
Servidumbre De Paso a Las Agujas 4SO , Col. Las Agujas , Zaropan Jalisco CP 4S200 .
A “Carlos Newton” describes himself on the label as the Master Distiller with the content described as ” extra aged ” 100% de agave – batch A-9.
I have tried without success to find out a little more about this particular offering which a number of my friends and myself are now drinking . Any comment would be most welcome .
We don’t have much production information on this product either.
You can taste the additives in Kirkland tequila…The best option is to not buy what doesn’t disclose.
El EZ E, I’m also a fan of the Kirkland Anejo. What additives can you taste?
Chock full of artificial sweeteners by my pallet. In fact it was after I bought it that I even discovered tequila could have added sweeteners including things like aspartame and saccharin. First sip I was like “wow this stuff is sweet. Good stuff!! Then next sip I thought, wow, I can’t believe how sweet this is” 3rd sip and I was getting that aftertaste and I was like “this stuff is too damn sweet, it tastes like artificial sweeteners, but that’s impossible”. I searched the web and found this list and was shocked that 100% only equals 99% when it comes to tequila. Try it again and think diet Pepsi and tell me you can’t taste the artificial sweeteners. I couldn’t even drink it in Margaritas. Had to give it away.
This is fantastic information and your website is an unbelievable resource, which I greatly appreciate. I have a couple questions:
1. I’m verifying that any blanco I get, say a Calle 23 Criollo, can be assumed to be Additive-free, despite not being marked as such on the Matchmaker site?
2. Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are both listed as an additive-free distilleries, but their respective XA’s are not marked as Additive-free. Can I assume that if the distillery is verified, that all of their products are free from additives?
Hi Josh. Answers:
1) Yes, there are many tequilas that are additive free, but have not gone through our process. Our program exists to give a third-party layer of assurance.
2) Both Pasote and El Tesoro de Don Felipe are additive free in their entire lineup. I will need to check to see if our database needs to be updated to reflect that. Also, no, you cannot assume that if a distillery is verified it means that all of their products are additive-free. A distillery can still be verified if they have additive use in their facility — they just need to declare which ones are using additives so we can focus on the ones that don’t.
Thank you for your rapid response, I love it.
I will add the Pasote and El Tesoro XA’s, as well as the Calle 23 Criollo, to my personal additive-free list.
Keep up the great work, I know I greatly enjoy the content.
Thank you so much for putting this together and committing to keeping it updated! Two questions:
1. Not clear on the response to Josh Ohlinger…are all blancos additive-free, regardless of distillery?
2. Will you add a quick link to this list on your app so it is readily viewed there? It would be a handy reference when shopping.
Thanks,
Nathan
Answers:
1) No, some blancos definitely contain additives.
2) We will eventually create this list within the app itself. There won’t be any need to link to this version of the list.
ok, but your 2018 post titled ” The Lowdown on Tequila Additives” stated that was banned by the norma . Now confused.
Hi Keith. The story you mention is from 2017:
https://tastetequila.com/2017/the-lowdown-on-tequila-additives/
In that story, and right after that claim is an asterisk, which states (at the bottom):
“** – There are some confusing rules in the NORMA that appear to allow the use of additives in a blanco. In the 2012 NORMA, section 4.36.1 says that blanco tequilas should be “sin abocante” (without additives). However, section 6.1.1.1 states that the products defined in 5 sections, including 4.36.1, allows for “edulcorantes, colorantes, aromatizantes y/o saborizantes permitidos por la Secretaría de Salud” (sweeteners, coloring, aromas and flavors allowed by the Health Secretary.)”
When we wrote the story we based that information on what CRT representatives were saying about the issue. At the time, that was enough for us.
We later learned that additives were indeed being used in blanco tequilas and that a loophole in the NORMA made this possible. This was confirmed when producers directly told us (off the record) that they were making use of this confusion within the NORMA. So that’s one of the big reasons why we decided to start up the verification program.
Thank you for the clarification. This saddens me that this is all being done all in the name of profits vs integrity & honesty. That’s why I stick to and fully endorse the products from NOM1146 . Love my Cimarron.
Hi there!
Are we assuming that tequilas on the “additive free” list are automatically “not diffuser made” as well?
Or is there a separate list for “non-diffuser made” tequilas?
Many thx,
Diffuser-made products *can* be additive-free, but as of this writing there are no products made with a diffuser on the list.
Do you have any plans to verify if Don Julio is additive-free? Have you heard anything from their distillery?
They have not contacted us about this.
Is there a list of the tequilas that have been tested are NOT additive-free? It’s great to know which ones already meet the criteria, but to the point about Don Julio, how do we know if a brand has been tested and failed, versus not being tested?
Thank you! This list is awesome!
We can’t release that type of information without the risk of a lawsuit.
I wish all things ingested would list ingredients. In some parts of the world they are. Many thanks.
Absolutely 100% agree.
I am very happy I found this website and this list. I wish something like this was posted in stores. It has greatly increased my enjoyment exploring tequila. I wish something as concise was available for other agave spirits.
You rock, Grover and Scarlet! Thanks for a complete list and for clarifying about Blancos and the NOM loophole, as well as everything else you do. :-)
Is it possible to get some of the “additive free” cards to display on the shelves of the certain tequilas in a store?
That’s a good idea.
When will the list be available on the app?
Soon. We are working on an update now.
I just got your email today about your additive-free list and had to come check it out. I didn’t realize that the use of additives was such a thing in the tequila industry. From now on, I may honestly just shop for tequilas that are on your list. When I drink tequila, I want to be drinking tequila and nothing else. What a great resource you have put together. Thank you for creating it.
Thank you for your time and commitment. Looking forward to having this list on the app to access when shopping!
I like the app and web site very much, but may I suggest that you have a 2 tiered rating system:
1. No additives
2. W/ additives
Frankly, there is a certain elitist/snobbish feel to the concept of “no additives allowed, we won’t mention you or discuss your offerings if you dare”. There are some outstanding tequilas that have “flavor” added, and I would like to see reviews, ratings and discussion on them as well. We can do both, can’t we? A complete one stop tequila review app/web site. Now that’s a game changer APP that would get you many more subscribers.
Having a 2 tiered system, which would require that additives be declared to be used, would likely cause legal problems for us.
We mention products that contain additives in our content, but we’re not going out of our way to promote them. We feel it’s a better service to the community that we highlight the non-additive products so that people can familiarize themselves with those products. We are legit worried that the “sweeter”, more vanilla, candy-like additive products will change the public’s idea of what a natural tequila is.
There are plenty of other websites, YouTube channels, Instagram and TikTok accounts that happily promote additive-filled tequila. I just don’t see us going there, even if we come off as snobby or elitist.
Grover, would you consider adding a score column to the list in the future?
Which score are you looking for?
panel score
Can anyone recommend some of the “sweeter” non additive, non Blanco tequilas? Trying to get my wife to become a tequila drinker but she leans towards sweeter spirits. I want to stay away from additives. Thanks.
Thank you for all the info. So very helpful!
Are tequilas marked organic additive free?
Organic tequila usually means that the agaves used were grown organically. They could contain additives and still be considered “organic.”
Azunia, which is also made at Ranco Miravalle, NOM 1426, is additive free.
I thought patron was in the list?
They were. But they were removed when they were not able to complete the annual re-confirmation process.
Thank you. I only start drinking Patron because of they were additive free. A lot of the brands on the list are not easily found in my area.
Is there a way to see which brands are inactive/not re-certified?
We don’t show those on the list. But there has only been 1 so far removed from the list.
Grover and Scarlet,
I so much appreciate the app and have let it assist in guiding my agave journey!
Do you have plans or know of any plans to do something similar with Agave Spirits? and is there an app you prefer for Mezcal?
The app can support any agave spirit, including mezcal. However, we need someone willing to be the curator of each spirit. The tech side is easy, the admin side is not!
As much as I love Tequila Matchmaker, I sadly have to use Distiller for my mezcal. I mean it’s a decent app, I would just rather keep it all in TM. Maybe Distiller could help for you?
I love your reviews? I do enjoy Clasa Azul which is made by Productos Finos de Agave, I believe. Do they have additives? Is there something that taste like theirs which is better for you?
I don’t have any scientific evidence, but Clase Azul–like Don Julio 1942–taste suspiciously and unnaturally sweet to me.
What is NOM?
It is a number that appears on every bottle of tequila that indicates which company or distillery is responsible for its production.
I would love to know how to have my husband ‘s tequila reviewed. Tequila Kateri Nom 1439
First step: Getting the product listed in the app. Please send us production information and photos of the bottle on a white background. Send to: tequilamatchmaker@gmail.com
Is Patron no longer additive free as of 10/2022?
They are no longer on the list.
Grover and Scarlet,
Thanks so much for this list and all your efforts to be able to share your research with us all. I’ve been out of the tequila world for many years, but loved the NOM look up to be able to see other tequilas that may have a similar profile. Now the additive list is also fantastic tool to recognize the brands that have a commitment to offering a true quality product. Great to see many of my favorites have made the list!
Enjoying catching up on your videos and love the passion you two have to this wonderful juice!
Thank you for all you do! SALUD!
Please check on CABAL tequila- spoke with them personally at an event and they claimed to be additive free!
They, and 14 other brands from that distillery, have requested our process. Their distillery (NOM 1480 – “Las Americas”) has denied their request.
Bummer/ thanks for your reply.
Cheers!
Grover, for the last 7 plus years I have worked for a gentleman that owns two liquor and wine stores in South Carolina. I got really interested in tequila myself about five years ago and now that is the only alcohol product I drink. I am very picky about which ones I buy for myself. Everything I have learned about tequila has come mostly from your web site. I have sheets in a binder at our store to show customers that process really matters in the quality that ends up in that bottle. I have a break down on every tequila we stock from the info on your site. This has really helped me and our customers to buy a good tequila and not by price alone. One question I do have for you and hopefully you will answer is, how does Casa Dragones Tequila brand or (why do they ask so much for their product) when it is cooked by Acid-Thermal Hydrolysis, extracted using a Diffuser and is Column Distilled. Because according to your site any product done this way has the worst results and the lowest ratings for a finished product? Their pricing is so high compared to other tequilas produced better with additives and the ones produced without additives.
Because pricing, marketing, and packaging can make things appear to be better than they are. Human psychology is interesting, isn’t it?
What does it cost to be on this list? If you’re spending days at a distillery, I’d presume you charge a fee to be a part of this program?
All details about the program are here: https://tastetequila.com/2020/our-additive-free-tequila-program/
“There is no cost for the initial year, unless we need to perform lab tests on your product. Annual renewals will involve a small charge to cover expenses. For a single brand, we ask for $1,000 USD/year, and $2,000/year for an entire distillery.”
Hey guys, thanks so much for doing this! I have a few things I’m wondering if you can help me out with…
1. Libelula Tequila claims to be additive-free, but on their website also mentions they don’t use any “unnatural” additives. Any idea what this could mean? Are they strangely trying to say that something like water is technically an additive?
2. 123 Tequila is not on the list, but I know that Las Americas in general didn’t allow you guys to come in, so I know that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not additive-free. But, they also don’t claim to be on their website, which I find odd. They talk about being organic but nothing about being additive-free (I know those two things can coexist)… any ideas? Are they one of the brands that requested your process?
3. Any idea is Don Ramon tequila is additive-free? The rep claimed they were, but I don’t see any evidence and the tequila doesn’t taste quite right.
Thank you!
I’m going to answer your questions privately, via email.
However, the CRT is responsible for making sure that everything printed on a label is true. What comes out of a rep’s mouth isn’t regulated by the CRT, so they can say whatever they want until someone checks them on it. If they are saying these things, yet that claim isn’t printed on the label, or isn’t appearing on our list, then you should continue to question that statement.
We started running lab tests on brands who claim to be additive free. Most of them come back positive for additives. I’m worried for these brands because it’s an easy false advertising lawsuit to win. If any brand makes these claims without first lab testing their products, they are opening themselves for legal issues.
Can we get the additive free list in alphabetical order? It would make it so much easier to find a tequila brand we are looking for.
All you have to do it hit the “brand” heading and it sorts alphabetically.
I’m happy to see Gonzales 1939 added to the list. It tasted clean when I tried it and while not mind blowing, I enjoyed it. It gets a bad wrap being sold and pushed by TW employees.
I’m very interested in learning to compare a tequila you have listed as “additive free” vs one that has been notably modified. I’d rather not spend a lot of money to compare the two. Grover can you please recommend the lowest priced and widely available examples of each? Gracias amigo!
We can’t publicly name any products that contain additives. But the ones people often talk about are a good place to start. :-)
I understand Grover, thank you, I can pick out a low-priced tequila that is not on your additive free list – but can you please at least name a few of the low priced and commonly available tequilas (blanco is ok) that ARE on your list so that I can taste additive free without spending a lot of money. Sorry to say I am new to tequila… gracias…
Grover sorry for my ignorance, but I did find a low priced Tequila on your additive-free list, El Tequileno (blanco). One last question: I noticed that on your list some are listed as “distillery” and others are listed as “brand”. Can you distinguish these? Does this mean that if a name is listed as “distillery”, does that mean that all brands and bottles from that distillery are additive free? And as for “brand”?
What does NOM stand for?
“The Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) certification is a set of regulations and standards that are required by the Mexican government for a number of diverse activities.”
Every tequila producer has an assigned number. It is a way to identify who produced the product.