Natural foods and drinks has seen regular development in recent times, particularly amongst youthful generations. Natural tequila is rising sooner than different spirit segments, due to shopper tendencies round well being, authenticity, sustainability, and premiumization. In response, a lot of tequila producers have stepped up with licensed natural tequilas to enchantment to those aware shoppers.
In accordance with the Agave Matchmaker database, there are at the moment 22 tequila distilleries with USDA Natural certification, so we thought it could be attention-grabbing to check merchandise from totally different distilleries in a blind tasting with members of the Agave Matchmaker tasting panel. Have they got an identical aroma and taste profile? And are they totally different from non-organic merchandise?
To search out out we chosen 10 high-quality natural blancos, all from totally different distilleries, to see how they in contrast when tasted blind by 22 members of our tasting panel.
Earlier than we get into the outcomes, let’s get into some attention-grabbing information and clear up misconceptions about natural tequilas.
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– Natural agave fields are sometimes stuffed with weeds that may cowl the agave vegetation, as seen within the photograph above. Some farmers will reduce the weeds again by hand, or enable animals (horses, mules, cows, and so on) to eat the weeds. Herbicides and pesticides are usually not allowed for use except they will come from pure, licensed natural sources.
– To earn an natural certification, a distillery should use 95% of their supplies from traceable natural sources. This leaves 5% for non-organic elements.
– If a product is “licensed natural”, it doesn’t imply that it’s additive free. As talked about above, that additional 5% leaves loads of room for non-organic components. Plus, natural components are additionally out there.
– The USDA doesn’t make use of inspectors. As a substitute, they depend on impartial companies to carry out the required annual on-site inspections and prolonged documentation audits. That’s why distilleries in different international locations can nonetheless get hold of a USDA certification.
– The USA isn’t the one nation with guidelines for natural certification. Europe and Japan, for instance, have their very own set of necessities. The identical companies which are licensed to carry out USDA inspections are often additionally able to certifying merchandise for these different international locations.
– Natural agaves value extra. The non-use of pesticides usually ends in a decrease yield, and farming practices are extra labor intensive. In consequence, costs are increased. Proper now, producers inform us that costs are roughly 50% increased for natural agaves in contrast with non-organic agaves of the identical age. That is why natural tequilas usually value slightly extra.
Now let’s get to the outcomes of our blind tasting.
We chosen these tequilas as a result of, a) they’re all wonderful examples of natural tequilas, and b) they’re correct representations of the distillery that makes them. We had been most enthusiastic about figuring out the aromas and flavors that our tasters would discover in a blind setting to see if there are any similarities between natural tequilas made at totally different distilleries.
Trujillo Tahona Blanco
NOM 1634
The tequila that scored essentially the most factors for taste and advice was Trujillo Tahona Blanco, but it completed in the midst of the pack, fifth place, when it got here to worth.
This can be a 100% tahona-crushed tequila. Agaves are cooked in brick ovens, then fermented in open air chrome steel tanks with out fibers. Distillation occurs in copper pots with fibers, and it clocks in at 40% abv.
Trujillo Tahona Blanco, made on the Trujillo Distillery (NOM 1634), stood out within the lineup as a result of it has a mixture of cooked agave sweetness and natural depth. It persistently confirmed off a large fragrant vary: cooked agave with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Vanilla, cinnamon, mint, pear, citrus, and even hints of banana bread confirmed up greater than as soon as within the varied tasting notes, together with honey and mineral accents that added depth and heat.
On the palate, it has a creamy, full-bodied texture with roasted agave at its core. A number of tasters famous the buttery, barely oily texture and picked up inexperienced and earthy tones like thyme, jalapeño, and recent soil. Most tasters discovered it well-rounded, with layers of fruit alongside clove and vanilla.
The end is peppery with a mild dryness and a contact of spearmint-citrus sweetness. General, Trujillo Tahona Blanco reveals off the craftsmanship behind this distillery. It’s expressive, advanced, and stuffed with character, providing an fragrant profile that rewards sluggish sipping and a spotlight to element.
Nueveuno Blanco
NOM 1426
The following highest common rating was for Nueveuno Blanco, a tequila made by Nohemi Partida’s staff. We’ve positioned this tequila in blind tastings earlier than and it at all times does properly.
This can be a small batch tequila that doesn’t get sufficient consideration. Mature agaves are cooked slowly in brick ovens, extraction is through curler mill, fermentation is open air, and it’s distilled in chrome steel pot stills.
Made at Rancho Miravalle (NOM 1426) and authorized natural, Nueveuno Blanco comes throughout as vibrant, grounded, and sincere. On the aroma, tasters discovered cooked agave adopted by mint, sage, and a contact of wildflower. There’s loads of citrus. Lemon and lime for positive, perhaps even a touch of orange peel and a few earthiness to maintain it from feeling too clear. A couple of tasters caught these savory notes you are inclined to solely discover in agave-forward tequilas: olive, inexperienced pepper, slightly artichoke, and a faint mineral streak working by means of it.
The palate follows by means of with that very same simple stability. A couple of discovered a contact of warmth or bitterness, whereas others obtained comfortable, nutty or lactic undertones that added a delightful depth. One taster referred to as it “nearly gin-like.”
The end is brief however satisfying, clear, and peppery. Most agreed it comes throughout as pure and pure. General, Nueveuno Blanco appears like tequila stripped all the way down to its necessities: cooked agave, natural edges, slightly brine, and straight-forward. It’s a simple one to achieve for for those who like your blancos recent, sincere, and agave-centric.
Tequila Alquimia Blanco
NOM 1468
Very shut behind, in third place (and in 4th place for worth), is Alquimia Blanco. This can be a actually small batch tequila made utilizing agaves grown by the model proprietor, Don Adolfo Murillo, himself.
For those who’re unfamiliar with him, or his model, there’s one huge distinction that separates this tequila from the remaining. Don Adolfo grows his personal natural agave, and solely makes a batch when his agave is prepared. This implies a few years will cross between batches. He’s in no rush to money in, and his product is beloved by aficionados in consequence.
It’s made at Grupo Tequilero México (NOM 1468) in Arandas, Jalisco, and is a very long time tequila geek fave, recognized for its clear, balanced profile and quiet complexity. Our reviewers described the aroma as comfortable and stylish, led by cooked agave, honey, floral notes, and a contact of citrus. Many picked up pure sweetness, caramelized agave, apple cider, and lightweight vanilla, whereas others famous minerality, olive, or brine that replicate its Los Altos origin. Some discovered the nostril a bit shy at first, however as soon as it opened up, most agreed it carried a pure freshness and delicate sweetness that felt inviting.
On the palate, Alquimia Blanco begins with candy cooked agave and lightweight citrus, then strikes into peppery, natural, and mineral territory. Tasters usually talked about its creamy, buttery texture. A couple of famous faint lactic tones paying homage to cider or comfortable cheese, which added rustic depth. The flavour walks that line between candy and savory. It’s not a daring or flashy tequila, nevertheless it’s cohesive and true to the proprietor’s natural agave.
The end is reasonable, with touches of pepper, mint, and lingering buttery sweetness. A couple of tasters discovered it a bit quick, whereas others appreciated its clear fade and refined heat. General, Tequila Alquimia Blanco is a refined and approachable natural tequila that highlights the pure sweetness of its very particular single-estate Los Altos agave. It makes it a chic selection for many who recognize stability and authenticity over depth.
Alto Canto Blanco
NOM 1636
Within the 4th slot, and solely separated by 0.17 common factors, is Alto Canto Blanco. This can be a small batch product, 100% tahona crushed, wooden tank fermentation, and distilled in small copper pots. In consequence, it’s costly, retailing for $80 USD in some locations.
This isn’t one other “contract model,” as a result of the proprietor, Daday Suarez, constructed his personal distillery simply to provide it. Very not often will you ever see a brand new distillery created with the intention of solely producing a single model.
It’s made at Tequila El Rocio (NOM 1636) in Valle de Juárez, Jalisco, showcases a particular natural profile that blends vibrant inexperienced natural tones with earthy minerality and refined sweetness. The aroma was extensively praised for its complexity. It options notes of pine, grass, clay, moist earth, and recent herbs like mint, sage, and thyme. Many tasters described it as “inexperienced” and “recent,” with secondary nuances of citrus (particularly grapefruit, lime, and tangerine), floral touches, and mineral “moist stone” character. Although just a few discovered the ethanol barely pronounced, most appreciated the pure, earthy scent that evoked agave fields after rain.
On the palate, it balances vegetal and mineral notes with underlying agave and citrus. The mouthfeel was described as thick or calmly oily by a lot of the raters. General, it’s an expressive tequila that captures each the country, earthy qualities of the excessive altitude Valle de Juárez terroir and a crisp, garden-fresh vibrancy.
The end is usually peppery, minty, and barely bitter, fading into mineral and saline tones. Taken collectively, Alto Canto Blanco comes throughout as an adventurous natural tequila. It’s distinctive and daring – a tequila for many who recognize earthy, and naturally expressive profiles.
Casa Azul Blanco
NOM 1646
In fifth is Casa Azul Blanco, a tequila that not too long ago moved to a brand new distillery, so for those who haven’t tried it shortly you could discover a refined distinction.
Agaves are cooked in brick ovens, extraction with a curler mill, and distillation occurs in a copper pot nonetheless.
It’s now made at Destiladora La Roca (NOM 1646) in Amatitán, Jalisco, and it’s an natural tequila that sparked a variety of dialog amongst tasters. It’s an earthy, fragrant tequila with each intrigue and edge.
On the palate, Casa Azul Blanco walks the road between savory and candy. A couple of tasters discovered distinctive notes of root beer, and even corn masa and tamarind, which added layers of texture. The physique leans to creamy and buttery. It’s a tequila that shifts with every sip—earthy, natural, and spicy one second, then exhibiting flashes of sweetness the following.
The end is heat and peppery with a contact of minerality that lingers. Some discovered a faint bitterness, whereas others in contrast its earthy spine to one thing like El Tesoro. General, Casa Azul Blanco is daring and stuffed with character, capturing the rugged, mineral-driven character of Amatitán.
Authentico Blanco
NOM 1124
Subsequent up is Authentico Blanco, which scored excessive (third place) with regards to worth, with a mean retail worth of $44 USD.
Agaves are cooked in a low stress autoclave, fermentation occurs in closed tanks with out fibers utilizing their very own particular yeast, and distillation makes use of a mix of chrome steel pot and column stills. It clocks in at 40% abv.
This tequila is made at Tequilas del Señor (NOM 1124) in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. It’s an natural tequila that stays true to its roots whereas exhibiting off just a few refined twists. Tasters discovered a gradual mixture of cooked agave, natural spice, and vibrant citrus. They picked up on candy and earthy layers of vanilla, anise, mint, grapefruit, and inexperienced pepper, with mineral and moist stone notes including construction. The nostril ranged from clear and gentle to barely sharp or ethanol-forward, however after slightly time within the glass, it opened up properly with floral, buttery, and fruity undertones that introduced a pure sweetness into stability.
On the palate, Authentico Blanco delivers an easy, agave-first expertise. The flavors are traditional: cooked agave, citrus rind, mint, and a contact of vanilla and anise, with a mild peppery kick. The feel sits comfortably within the center (neither skinny nor heavy) generally exhibiting a lightweight creaminess that makes it simple to sip. It reminded a number of panelists of conventional “old-school” blancos that put the agave entrance and middle with out the fashionable gloss of components or extreme sweetness.
The end is crisp and peppery, fading with a contact of mint and citrus. General, Authentico Blanco is a stable, no-nonsense tequila that captures what many love about traditional agave spirits.
Tres Agaves Blanco
NOM 1614
Tres Agaves Blanco is a top quality, properly priced natural tequila that’s extensively distributed, making it a simple possibility for anybody out there for an natural product. It completed in first place for worth. We paid $30 USD for the bottles used on this blind tasting, which is an absolute cut price.
It’s made on the TTAP Distillery (NOM 1614) in Amatitán, Jalisco, and it drew combined reactions from tasters. The aroma got here throughout as distinctive and a bit unpredictable. Many picked up cooked agave, citrus, banana, cherry, and coconut, together with baking spices like cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Some described fruity tones, even “fruit punch sweet”, whereas others caught earthy and funky notes of barnyard, leather-based, and moist hay. The general impression was a mixture of candy fruit, spice, and rustic earth.
On the palate, Tres Agaves Blanco leans towards the candy facet. The feel various from oily and creamy to thinner and greener, relying on who was tasting. Some discovered minerality and stability, whereas others felt that the agave was a bit muted. Even so, most agreed there’s a stable agave core that retains it grounded and offers it construction.
The end is comfortable and simple, with a contact of sweetness, mint, and a lightweight bitter edge. General, Tres Agaves Blanco is a contemporary, fruit-forward natural tequila that trades conventional crispness for a rounder, flavorful model.
Dulce Vida Blanco (80 proof)
NOM 1443
One other extensively out there, tremendous clear, reasonably priced possibility is Dulce Vida Blanco’s 80-proof model, which scored #2 in worth.
Dulce Vida Blanco, made at Grupo Industrial Tequilero de Los Altos de Jalisco (NOM 1443) in San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, is an natural tequila that highlights the intense, inexperienced facet of highland agave. Tasters described the nostril as recent and energetic, with cooked and uncooked agave, citrus zest, lemongrass, and moist stone. Many seen mild tropical fruit notes like peach, pear, and apple combined with earthy and briny undertones. A couple of talked about comfortable floral or lactic hints, just like yogurt or white wine, which added depth and curiosity.
On the palate, Dulce Vida Blanco reveals daring agave taste, vibrant citrus, and a peppery kick. Widespread flavors included cooked agave, lime, grapefruit zest, minerality, anise, and lightweight touches of vanilla or honey. A number of tasters commented on an nearly champagne-like texture, whereas others targeted on its natural core, however most agreed that it’s easy and simple to drink.
The end is medium in size and calmly peppery with lingering notes of citrus, mineral, and agave. General, Dulce Vida Blanco stands out as a recent and expressive natural tequila with pure vitality and clear taste. It captures the Highland terroir and can enchantment to anybody who prefers a crisp, earthy blanco that feels pure and alive.
4 Copas Blanco
NOM 1480
Subsequent up is 4 Copas Blanco, an old style favourite that has been within the natural tequila sport from again earlier than it was cool.
4 Copas Blanco, made on the Las Américas Distillery (NOM 1480) in Amatitán, Jalisco, is an natural tequila with loads of character and a texture that units it aside. Tasters described the aroma as wealthy and expressive, stuffed with cooked agave, vanilla, and floral notes. Candy tropical and dessert-like tones added one other layer of depth. A number of tasters additionally picked up savory notes like olive brine, mushroom, and recent corn tortilla that gave it an earthy edge. A couple of caught lactic or ethanol-forward hints, however others appreciated its comfortable, buttery heat and rounded sweetness that reminded them of a pastry store greater than a nonetheless home.
On the palate, 4 Copas Blanco has a thick, oily mouthfeel and a energetic mixture of candy, savory, and vegetal flavors.
The tequila’s texture drew a variety of reward as a result of it’s chewy and wealthy, with a sweetness and spice that hangs round, however just a few tasters thought the ethanol felt too robust or the sweetness was slightly an excessive amount of. For some, it was a daring, fashionable blanco with actual character; for others, it pushed the boundaries of what they sometimes anticipate for a blanco.
The end is medium in size, with butter, citrus, and a faint peppery chunk. General, 4 Copas Blanco is an expressive tequila that blends candy agave richness with earthy depth. It gained’t please each palate, nevertheless it’s a memorable pour for anybody who enjoys blancos with taste and texture to spare.
Be aware: The model is within the technique of transferring distilleries, and their future releases might be made at NOM 1522, Hacienda de Oro.
Polano Tequila Blanco
NOM 1633
And eventually, we’ve got Polanco Tequila Blanco, a brand new product available on the market that took some effort to search out. We ultimately grabbed the bottles wanted for this tasting from the model’s web site for $57.99 every.
Polanco Tequila Blanco is a barrel-rested tequila made at Tequilera De Los Altos Casa Loy (NOM 1633) in Ayotlán, Jalisco. It reveals off an intriguing mixture of highland sweetness and rustic character. Tasters described the aroma as each clear and floral, with moments that leaned barely lactic. Most picked up candy cooked agave, vanilla, citrus, and delicate spice, whereas others discovered greener notes like celery, bell pepper, and pine. Some detected dessert-like aromas resembling lemon cake, cupcake, even cotton sweet, balanced by minerality and a contact of ethanol.
On the palate, Polanco Blanco leans on the creamy facet, balancing candy agave, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus zest with mild natural tones. Many tasters seen its buttery or barely oily mouthfeel, together with mild minerality and a vibrant pepper spice. A couple of remarked that it drinks with the punch of a higher-proof tequila, with extra taste than anticipated at 40% ABV.
The end is medium in size, trailing off with notes of mint, cinnamon, and citrus peel. General, Polanco Tequila Blanco feels vibrant and flavorful, a tequila that highlights the spicy, citrusy character of their Los Altos agave.
Takeaways
Studying the outcomes, there doesn’t seem like a dramatic distinction between natural merchandise and what we see in different blind tasting experiments with non-organic merchandise. There’s nonetheless all kinds of aromas and flavors to be discovered, and distinctive personalities for every product.
That being stated, one of many 22 tasters appropriately guessed the natural theme of the lineup, which was a primary! Perhaps there’s a refined component that may be detected by a pointy palate.
However for many drinkers who choose natural tequilas, it’s a selection with well being, sustainability, and environmental affect in thoughts. The complexity of favors is a pleasant bonus.
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