Why ‘100% Agave’ Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think
These are freshly extracted agaves that were delivered to our distillery, waiting to head to the ovens to be cooked.
See “100% agave” on a tequila label? It sounds straightforward, but there’s more behind those words than most people realize. Mexico’s Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) allows producers to add caramel coloring, oak extract, sweeteners, and glycerin — up to 1% of the total liquid — and still call it “100% agave.”
That might not seem like much, but even small amounts of additives can change how a tequila tastes, looks, and feels. Some producers use them to smooth out flavor differences between batches. Others use them to make a younger tequila taste older, or to create a sweeter, softer sip.
When you know this, reading a label becomes a lot easier. “100% agave” doesn’t always mean nothing else is in the bottle — it just means the base spirit comes from agave.
Why Producers Use Additives
Additives aren’t always about cutting corners. They’re used for a few main reasons:
Consistency — Large producers want every bottle to taste the same, year after year. Additives help mask natural variations.
Shortcuts — Oak extract, caramel coloring, or glycerin can simulate aging and add smoothness without the time investment.
Market preferences — Some drinkers have come to expect a sweeter, softer tequila, and additives help meet that demand.
Knowing this helps you see why the practice exists — and why it matters if you’re looking for authenticity.
Why Additive-Free Matters
For many tequila fans, choosing additive-free is about tasting agave in its purest form. Here’s why it stands out:
True flavor — Without additives, what you taste is agave, fermentation, distillation, and time in the barrel. Nothing else.
Transparency — Additive-free means what’s on the label is what’s in the glass.
Cleaner experience — Fewer sugars and synthetics often make for a smoother sip, neat or in cocktails.
Respect for tradition — Additive-free tequilas reflect craftsmanship rooted in heritage, not shortcuts.
Interest in additive-free tequila is on the rise, reflecting the larger movement toward transparency and authenticity across food and drink.
How to Spot the Difference
Unfortunately, additives don’t have to be listed on tequila labels. But you can still look for clues:
NOM number — This identifies the distillery. Research the NOM online to learn about its practices.
Independent certifications — Resources like Tequila Matchmaker’s database flag brands that are confirmed additive-free.
Taste and feel — Additive-free tequila usually has more variation from batch to batch. If a tequila tastes unusually sweet or “too smooth,” it may be enhanced.
It takes a little effort, but once you know what to look for, you’ll start noticing the difference.
Final Sip
At the end of the day, the best tequila is the one you enjoy. But if you want the unaltered taste of agave, paying attention to what’s really in the bottle makes all the difference.
If you’re curious to taste tequila made without additives, check out our collection. Every bottle is crafted with transparency and tradition in mind — pure agave, water, and time.
