Tequila Transparency Crisis: End of Additive-Free Badges
The Crackdown That Shook the Tequila World
In late 2024, the Mexican tequila industry experienced a transparency crisis that sent shockwaves through craft distilleries and enthusiast communities. The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) moved decisively to halt independent "additive-free" claims, effectively ending one of the most trusted consumer resources for identifying pure tequilas.
What Was Lost
For years, the Tequila Matchmaker app displayed "Verified Additive-Free" badges on tequila listings that passed rigorous independent inspection. This Additive Free Alliance (AFA) program, launched in 2020, had become a comprehensive resource for transparency-minded tequila fans. About 100 brands underwent on-site audits, lab testing, and yearly renewals to earn this coveted status.
The program filled a critical gap: roughly 70% of all tequilas on the market use some additives, yet Mexican regulations allow even "100% agave" tequilas to include up to 1% additives by volume without disclosure.
The CRT's Swift Action
On September 30, 2024, the CRT sent warning letters to several small tequila brands prohibiting terms like "additive-free" on labels or marketing materials. The letters threatened severe penalties—including product seizures—for non-compliance. Most critically, the CRT warned it could hold producers accountable for "additive-free" language appearing on third-party websites, explicitly naming platforms like Tequila Matchmaker.
"Tomorrow, we will be removing all tequila brands from the Additive Free Alliance list to protect them from retribution and legal action from their own regulator," announced Grover Sanschagrin, Tequila Matchmaker's founder, in October 2024.
Industry Fallout
The crackdown hit small producers particularly hard:
- Yéyo Tequila had to halt bottling runs and scramble to change labels
- Mijenta Tequila saw already-printed labels invalidated, forcing them to cover banned phrases with stickers
- Many artisan producers felt targeted by what they saw as the CRT's "vendetta against smaller brands"
Why the CRT Acted
The regulator justified its stance by claiming "additive-free" is potentially misleading. In their view, certain allowed additives (like oak extracts) are chemically similar to naturally occurring compounds from barrel aging, making it "impossible to verify" additive absence with total certainty.
The CRT also bristled at an independent body "verifying" purity, asserting that it alone has authority to certify tequila.
The New Reality for Consumers
With Tequila Matchmaker's badges gone and producers banned from additive-free claims, consumers now face:
- No positive or negative additive statements on bottles
- No independent verification lists readily available
- Reduced transparency across the entire industry
Finding Additive-Free Tequilas Today
Despite these challenges, informed consumers can still identify pure tequilas:
1. Leverage Tequila Matchmaker's Database
While no longer labeled "additive-free," the app still provides detailed production info. Look for distilleries known for traditional methods like:
- NOM 1579 (El Pandillo, home of G4)
- NOM 1123 (Cascahuin)
- NOM 1493 (Fortaleza)
2. Research Brand Communications
Many brands signal their "no additives" philosophy through detailed production descriptions. Look for mentions of "traditional brick-oven cooking" and "open fermentation" without mention of other ingredients.
3. Reference Known Additive-Free Brands
While official badges are gone, many brands that previously held additive-free certification continue operating with the same transparency standards. Here's a comprehensive list of brands that were verified as additive-free:
| Brand | Last Updated | NOM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Amigos Tequila | 01/05/23 | 1570 |
| Aficionado Tequila | 09/09/24 | 1465 |
| Aguasol Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Alma del Jaguar Tequila | 15/03/23 | 1414 |
| Alto Canto Tequila | 15/03/24 | 1636 |
| AltoPaso Tequila | 09/09/24 | 1465 |
| Amatiteña Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1477 |
| Ambhar Tequila | 11/10/23 | 1608 |
| Arette Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1109 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1123 Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1123 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1146 Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1146 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1414 Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1414 |
| ArteNOM Selección de 1579 Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1579 |
| AsomBroso Eros Silver Tequila | 02/02/24 | 1424 |
| Atanasio Tequila | 09/02/23 | 1599 |
| Authentico Tequila | 04/10/24 | 1124 |
| Azuñia Tequila | 28/04/23 | 1426 |
| Bajarriba Tequila | 07/07/24 | 1107 |
| Cabal Tequila | 18/09/24 | 1646 |
| CaliFino Tequila | 29/09/23 | 1514 |
| Cambio Tequila | 25/05/23 | 1605 |
| Campo Azul 1940 Tequila | 25/05/23 | 1416 |
| Campo Bravo Tequila | 20/06/23 | 1566 |
| Cantera Negra Tequila | 04/10/23 | 1554 |
| Carrera Tequila Tequila | 27/03/23 | 1465 |
| Carreta de Oro Tequila | 24/01/24 | 1551 |
| Casa Loy Tequila | 04/07/23 | 1633 |
| Casa Real Tequila | 16/02/23 | 1468 |
| Cascahuín Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Cayéya Blanco Tequila | 11/03/24 | 1424 |
| Cazcanes Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1614 |
| Chamucos Tequila | 30/08/22 | 1586 |
| Chinaco Tequila | 12/09/24 | 1127 |
| Cierto Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Cimarron Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Corrido Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1412 |
| Cuernito Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Defrente Tequila | 18/09/24 | 1509 |
| De Nada Tequila Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1414 |
| Doce Casas Tequila | 15/03/24 | 1634 |
| Don Felix Tequila | 15/09/23 | 1412 |
| Don Fulano Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Don Lorenzo Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Don Rico Tequila | 09/06/23 | 1608 |
| Don Roberto (Plata) Tequila | 28/08/24 | 1437 |
| Don Vicente Tequila | 02/10/23 | 1579 |
| Dulce Vida Tequila | 18/07/23 | 1443/1566 |
| El Ateo Tequila | 17/09/24 | 1635 |
| El Bandido Yankee Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1107 |
| El Gran Legado de Vida Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| El Negócio Tequila Tequila | 06/07/23 | 1123 |
| El Mexicano Tequila | 09/08/22 | 1588 |
| El Pintor Tequila | 06/11/23 | 1137 |
| El Rey Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| El Tequileño Tequila | 16/06/22 | 1108 |
| El Tesoro de Don Felipe Tequila | 12/09/22 | 1139 |
| Elevación1250 Tequila | 09/08/23 | 1522 |
| El Viejito Tequila | 17/09/24 | 1107 |
| Elvelo Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1137 |
| Entremanos Tequila | 09/06/23 | 1522 |
| ESPACIAL Tequila | 29/08/23 | 1414 |
| Espero Blanco Tequila | 15/03/24 | 1551 |
| Flecha Azul Tequila | 23/08/24 | 1110 |
| Flor y Canto Tequila | 20/07/23 | 1414 |
| Fortaleza Tequila | 05/08/22 | 1493 |
| Fuenteseca Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| G4 Tequila | 17/09/24 | 1579 |
| González 1939 Tequila | 01/05/23 | 1570 |
| Gran Dovejo Tequila | 06/10/21 | 1414 |
| Hacienda Vieja Tequila | 15/09/23 | 1412 |
| Humano Tequila | 30/08/24 | 1585 |
| Insólito Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1558 |
| Inspiro Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1614 |
| Kapena Tequila Silver Tequila | 25/05/23 | 1468 |
| KOKORO Tequila | 23/03/24 | 1604 |
| La Gritona Tequila | 09/11/23 | 1533 |
| La Pulga Tequila | 31/03/23 | 1068 |
| Lagrimas Del Valle Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1123 |
| Lalo Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1468 |
| Lapis Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Leyenda de Mexico Tequila | 09/10/23 | 1533 |
| Loco Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Los Abuelos Tequila | 05/08/22 | 1493 |
| Los Dos Carnales Tequila | 25/02/24 | 1619 |
| Lost Lore Tequila | 27/05/23 | 1414 |
| Madre Desde Siempre Tequila | 28/08/24 | 1584 |
| Mala Vida Tequila | 09/08/22 | 1588 |
| Mascota Tequila | 09/11/23 | 1533 |
| Mijenta Tequila | 31/01/24 | 1412 |
| Montagave Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Nosotros Tequila | 06/08/24 | 1438 |
| Not A Celebrity Tequila Tequila | 09/09/24 | 1517 |
| Nueveuno Tequila | 09/02/23 | 1426 |
| Onda Tequila | 18/02/24 | 1607 |
| Paladar Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1109 |
| Partida Tequila | 23/12/23 | 1502 |
| Pasote Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1584 |
| PM Spirits Tequila Tequila | 16/02/23 | 1468 |
| Primo 1861 Tequila | 02/10/23 | 1579 |
| Purasangre Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Puro Potro Tequila | 03/10/24 | 1514 |
| Qui Tequila Tequila | 16/09/24 | 1605 |
| RG Legado Tequila | 26/09/23 | 1502 |
| Rosaluna Mezcal | 30/08/24 | O691X |
| Santo Fino Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1107 |
| Siembra Valles Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
| Siempre Tequila Tequila | 03/05/23 | 1137/1414 |
| Siete Leguas Tequila | 31/01/23 | 1120 |
| Sor Juana Tequila | 28/02/24 | 1630 |
| Suave Tequila Tequila | 01/11/21 | 1522 |
| t1 Tequila Uno Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Tanteo Blanco Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1551 |
| Tapatio Tequila | 12/09/22 | 1139 |
| Tau Tequila | 01/02/24 | 1414 |
| TCapri Tequila Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1584 |
| Tears of Llorona Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Tepozan Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1584 |
| Tequila 30-30 Tequila | 25/05/23 | 1068 |
| TC Craft Tequila | 09/11/23 | 1533 |
| Tequila General Gorostieta Tequila | 30/11/22 | 1414 |
| Tequila Ocho Tequila | 12/09/22 | 1474 |
| Tequila Taddel Tequila | 04/07/23 | 1633 |
| Terralta Tequila | 02/10/23 | 1579 |
| Tierra de Ensueño Tequila | 28/11/23 | 1580 |
| Tierra Noble Tequila | 16/09/24 | 1558 |
| Tierra Y Libertad Tequila | 20/09/24 | 1577 |
| Tierra Zafiro Tequila | 09/11/23 | 1633 |
| Tres Agaves Tequila | 01/03/24 | 1614 |
| Tres Cuatro Cinco Tequila | 11/07/23 | 1146 |
| Trujillo Tequila | 14/03/24 | 1634 |
| Valor Tequila | 09/02/23 | 1599 |
| Villa Lobos Tequila | 12/09/22 | 1139 |
| Volans Tequila | 02/10/23 | 1579 |
| Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila | 30/06/23 | 1523 |
| Weber Ranch Vodka | 11/06/24 | ---- |
| Wild Common Tequila | 29/03/23 | 1123 |
Note: This list represents brands that were previously verified as additive-free before the regulatory changes. While official certification has ended, many of these producers continue to maintain their traditional, additive-free production methods.
4. Trust Enthusiast Communities
Forums like r/tequila maintain collective knowledge about which brands uphold traditional quality standards. Seasoned drinkers often share trusted additive-free brand lists.
5. Develop Your Palate
Learn to spot signs of additives: overpowering vanilla aromas in young tequilas, artificial sweetness, or unusually thick "legs" on the glass can indicate additive use.
Top 10 Additive-Free Tequilas: A Curated Selection
Despite the regulatory challenges, discerning tequila enthusiasts have compiled recommendations for exceptional additive-free expressions. Based on research from sources across the web and the legacy of the now-defunct Additive Free Alliance, here are ten standout tequilas that represent the pinnacle of pure agave craftsmanship:
The Elite Ten
1. Cazcanes No 7 Reposado - A masterfully aged expression that showcases the harmony between agave and oak without artificial enhancement.
2. Cazcanes No 7 Añejo - The older sibling to the reposado, offering deeper complexity while maintaining purity standards.
3. LALO Tequila - A crisp blanco that has garnered critical acclaim for its clean, unadulterated agave profile.
4. Siete Leguas Reposado - From one of Mexico's most respected distilleries (NOM 1120), representing generations of traditional craftsmanship.
5. Arette Tequila Reposado - A well-balanced expression from NOM 1109 that demonstrates how proper aging enhances rather than masks agave character.
6. G4 Blanco - Felipe Camarena's flagship blanco from El Pandillo (NOM 1579), widely regarded as the gold standard for additive-free tequila.
7. G4 Reposado - The aged counterpart that maintains the distillery's commitment to traditional production methods.
8. Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo - A premium expression that proves luxury tequila doesn't require artificial enhancement.
9. Tequila Ocho Reposado - From the pioneering "single estate" tequila program, showcasing terroir-driven flavor profiles.
10. ArteNOM 1146 Añejo - Part of the respected ArteNOM portfolio, highlighting small-batch distillation excellence.
Why These Brands Matter
These selections represent more than just individual expressions—they embody a philosophy of tequila production that prioritizes:
- Traditional production methods including brick oven cooking and natural fermentation
- Transparency in sourcing with clear distillery identification numbers (NOMs)
- Artisanal craftsmanship over mass production techniques
- Authentic agave character that reflects terroir and traditional aging
Each of these brands previously held or would have qualified for Additive Free Alliance certification, making them reliable choices for consumers seeking pure tequila experiences.
Note: While official additive-free certification is no longer available, these producers continue to uphold the traditional standards that made them trusted choices among tequila purists.
The Bigger Picture
This crackdown represents more than regulatory enforcement—it's a fundamental shift in how tequila transparency operates. The removal of independent verification systems benefits large producers who commonly use additives to mass-produce smooth, sweet-tasting tequila.
As the industry moves forward, the question remains: will transparency advocates find new ways to inform consumers, or has the window for independent verification closed permanently?
The craft tequila movement continues, but consumers must now work harder to find the pure, additive-free expressions that showcase true agave character.