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Additives are Ruining your Tequila

Brett Beckett

9 min read

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Dec 29, 2023

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Discover the truth about additives in premium tequila – Explore the natural essence of pure agave with Ameragave.

Unmasking the Truth: Additives in Premium Tequila

Tequila, a globally adored spirit, is often misunderstood. While it's true that most premium tequilas are labeled 100% agave, this can be a deceptive tag. These tequilas, despite their pure agave billing, are allowed to contain up to 1% additives. That might sound insignificant, but it's anything but.

Many consumers are under the impression that premium or 100% agave tequilas are free from additives. However, this is not entirely true. In fact, even most high-end tequilas have some form of additives in them. These additives can include anything from added sweeteners like vanilla extract or artificial sweeteners, to caramel coloring and oak extract.

With today's advanced food science, a little goes a long way. That 1% can drastically alter a tequila's color, aroma, and taste, veiling the authentic characteristics of the agave and the terroir it was grown in. Common additives include glycerin for a smoother mouthfeel, caramel color for an aged appearance, and sugar syrup for a hint of sweetness.

While these additives can create a more approachable and consistent product, they also obscure the true essence of the agave spirit. They paint an inaccurate picture of what tequila is – a spirit rich in history, culture, and complex flavors. It's akin to airbrushing a masterpiece painting – the result might look flawless, but it's not an authentic representation of the artist's original work.

At Ameragave, we're all about authenticity and transparency. We champion additive-free agave spirit, distilled from mature agave and bottled pure. Our limited production Silver and Gold labeled spirits are crafted to celebrate the agave's natural sweetness and the nuanced flavors developed during our meticulous production processes.

So why are these additives used? And what does it mean for the tequila we drink? In the next section, we'll dive deeper into each common additive typically used in tequila production, shedding more light on what they are, why they are used, and how they affect your favorite tequila's flavor profile. Stay tuned and get ready to become a more informed tequila aficionado.

The Common Additives in Tequila

Glycerin

Known for its thickening and sweetening properties, glycerin is a common additive in the tequila industry. This clear, odorless liquid is typically used to create a smoother, more velvety texture, thus enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the tequila. Glycerin can mask harsh alcohol notes, giving the illusion of a well-aged, smoother tequila.

This might sound like a good thing at first. But here's the catch: a smooth feel when drinking tequila isn't always a superior one. Sure, a smooth blanco tequila can be easier to drink, but it often lacks the rich agave character that authentic, additive-free tequilas possess.

It's like taking a scenic route only to find all the beautiful vistas hidden behind fog. You miss out on the true flavors, the peaks and valleys, the rawness, and the rich complexity inherent to a well-crafted tequila. So, next time you drink tequila, remember that 'smooth' isn't the be-all and end-all. Embrace the bold, natural flavors, and indulge in the true spirit of tequila.

Sugar Syrup

Commonly used to sweeten the pot (or in this case, the glass), sugar syrup is another typical additive in the tequila world. Its purpose? To create a sweeter tequila, masking any bitterness and giving the illusion of a tequila distilled from a mature agave, ripe with natural sugars. A touch of sugar syrup can transform a harsh tequila into a sweet, easy-to-drink spirit.

You might think this sounds great, but hold your horses! Yes, sweeter tequilas can be more palatable, particularly for those new to the tequila-tasting scene. But again, remember what we're missing out on: the authentic, rich agave character. Tequila isn't meant to be a sugary, dessert-like drink; its beauty lies in its inherent variety of natural flavors. When sugar syrup is added, the intrinsic flavor profile of the tequila can be drowned out, leaving you with a one-note sweetness that lacks depth and complexity.

So next time you're reaching for a glass of tequila, remember: a naturally flavorful tequila isn't synonymous with a sugary one. Try seeking out additive-free tequilas and enjoy the robust, varied flavors that pure, well-crafted tequila has to offer.

Caramel Color

Adding a splash of caramel color is another widely used trick in the tequila industry. But, why is it used, you might wonder? The answer lies in the power of appearance. People often associate the rich, amber color of tequila with high quality and maturity, especially in aged variants like reposado or extra añejo tequilas. Caramel color is used to mimic this inviting hue, making the tequila seem more premium than it might actually be.

But don't be fooled by this golden illusion! Caramel color doesn't add any flavor to the tequila; rather, it's a purely cosmetic addition. While it might make your tequila look more appealing, it masks the true color derived from the agave and the oak barrels, a symbol of its natural maturation process and its rich agave character.

So, next time you pick a bottle of tequila, don't let the color sway you. Go for an additive-free spirit, like Ameragave, where we are super transparent about our production processes. Enjoy the natural color and flavor profiles of a true agave spirit, bottled pure without any artificial sweeteners or colors. Remember – the best spirits are the ones that stay true to their roots!

Oak Extracts

Even in the world of premium tequilas, the use of oak extracts is a prevalent practice. These additives, often found in reposado and añejo tequilas, are used to mimic the effects of aging the spirit in oak barrels - a process that naturally infuses the natural tequila itself with a rich, woody character while smoothing out the harsh edges. Oak extracts can quickly impart similar flavors, such as notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices, thus accelerating the maturation process. However, these shortcuts can often lead to a flavor profile that lacks the measured complexity of a tequila aged naturally in oak barrels.

At Ameragave, we say no. Our Gold label is matured purely and innovatively with new, American Oak, allowing it to develop authentic, rich flavors without any color or oak extract. So when you choose Ameragave, you're not settling for an additive-tampered tequila, you're experiencing the true essence of a natural, additive-free agave spirit.

Vanilla Extract and Other Flavorings

In the quest for a more palatable tequila, many distilleries often dabble in the art of flavoring. Vanilla extract, caramel essences, and a smorgasbord of artificial sweeteners make their way into the tequila bottle to enhance its taste and aroma. While these additives may initially seem like innocent enhancers, they often mask the true essence of the agave spirit, diluting its rich character and unique flavor profile.

Vanilla extract, for instance, is commonly added to tequila to impart a sweet and creamy aroma, often mimicking the natural flavors that come from extended aging in oak barrels. Similarly, other tequilas may be laced with artificial sweeteners to make them more palatable to those with a sweet tooth, disguising the raw power of the agave and taming its fiery punch.

We at Ameragave believe in the authentic taste of agave spirits. We are committed to crafting additive-free spirits, preserving the rich flavors and aroma of mature agave, and bottling our spirits pure, without the camouflage of added sweeteners or artificial flavors.

The Reasons Behind Using Additives in Tequila

The use of additives in tequila is a contentious topic within the industry and among consumers. To fully appreciate the motives behind this practice, it's essential to understand what these additives are and why they're used.

Enhancing the Flavor and Aroma: The primary reason distilleries add additives to their tequila is to enhance the flavor and aroma. Some consumers favor sweeter tequilas, and the addition of artificial sweeteners and flavors such as vanilla extract and caramel can make the tequila more appealing to them. These additives simulate the natural flavors that develop when tequila is aged in oak barrels for extended periods.

Improving the Color Consistency: Another reason additives are used is to improve the color consistency. Caramel coloring is commonly used in extra añejo tequilas to give them a deeper, richer color that consumers associate with well-aged spirits. Despite the fact that the color of tequila can naturally vary depending on the duration and conditions of aging, a consistent color is often preferred for branding and marketing purposes.

Compensating for Inconsistent Agave Quality: Additives can also be used to compensate for inconsistent agave quality or lack of maturity. High-quality tequila is made from mature agave, typically harvested after seven to ten years of growth. However, the increasing demand for tequila and the consequent pressure on agave supplies can sometimes lead producers to harvest agave before it is fully mature. In these circumstances, additives can help to mimic the rich agave character that would otherwise be lacking.

While additives can be used to create a consistent product that appeals to the mass market, they often overshadow the authentic flavors of the agave and the unique characteristics imparted by different production processes.

At Ameragave, we are proud to offer a premium, additive-free, tequila alternative that showcases the true flavors and rich character of the agave. Our limited production Silver and Gold spirits are crafted in small batches, allowing us to maintain control over quality and deliver a product with measured complexity and exceptional taste.

Embracing the Authenticity: Ameragave - The Additive Free Spirit

From field to bottle, Ameragave proudly crafts additive-free agave spirits, a spirit crafted from cooked agave that embodies the true essence of the plant's rich character. Our limited production Silver and Gold label spirits are an homage to the time-honored traditions of tequila making, challenging the industry norm by refusing to use any added sweeteners, artificial flavors, or caramel coloring. Our agave spirit is distilled in small batches, ensuring that each bottle captures the natural aroma and flavor profile of mature agave, delivering a taste that is super transparent and true to its origin.

Our additive-free agave spirits are a delight for the tequila connoisseur and a pleasant surprise for those used to premiuim tequilas. The rich, nuanced flavors of our spirits are best appreciated neat, allowing the mature agave and subtle notes of oak, tropical fruits, and spices to dance on your palate. Next time you reach for a bottle of tequila, consider Ameragave. Experience the difference an additive-free, natural, American agave spirit can make in your drinking experience.

The Ameragave Difference: Premium and Natural

In the vast realm of alcoholic beverages, Ameragave stands out with a commitment to authenticity and transparency. Distilling spirits from 100% cooked agave, each bottle echoes the natural flavors and aromas, undiluted by any additives. The rich agave character forms the heart of our spirits, with the Silver boasting a crisp and vibrant profile and the Gold presenting a rich depth, matured to perfection with new American Oak. Unlike many tequilas that use sweeteners, vanilla extract, caramel coloring, or oak extract to augment their flavor, Ameragave is bottled pure, a testament to our dedicated production processes. Our agave spirits are a testimony to the beauty of simplicity and the immense potential of high-quality, mature agave, grown and harvested at the peak of its maturity. Whether you're a seasoned tequila aficionado or exploring the world of agave spirits, Ameragave promises an experience that is as refreshing as it is enlightening. An additive-free agave spirit is not just a choice, it's a lifestyle. Choose Ameragave, for a touch of nature in every sip.

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