What is the cleanest type of tequila? An Additive-Free Guide

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to tequila database Tequila Matchmaker, up to 85% of commercial tequilas contain additives to enhance flavor, color, or texture, without disclosing them. This means that to find the cleanest tequila, you need to look beyond marketing and focus on transparency and traditional production methods.

Quick Summary

The cleanest tequilas are additive-free, 100% blue agave spirits. This guide focuses on pure production methods, explaining why unaged blancos often represent the truest expression of agave. Discover how to identify high-quality tequilas and which brands are committed to transparency.

Key Points

Clean tequila definition: The term refers to tequila made exclusively from 100% blue Weber agave, water, and yeast, without any artificial additives.
Why blanco is cleanest: Unaged or lightly rested blancos offer the purest expression of the agave, as they are not influenced by oak or potentially masked by additives.
Additives are common but hidden: Up to 85% of commercial tequilas may contain undisclosed additives like glycerin, caramel coloring, or sweeteners to manipulate flavor and texture.
Look for 100% agave on the label: This is the first step to avoiding mixtos, which can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars.
Use resources like Tequila Matchmaker: Independent databases help confirm if a brand is truly additive-free, as this information is not required on the bottle.
Mindful sourcing matters: Supporting brands that prioritize traditional production methods and ethical sourcing not only yields better quality but also supports sustainable practices.

Understanding 'Clean' Tequila

When enthusiasts talk about "clean" tequila, they are not referring to the absence of congeners, but rather the absence of artificial additives and shortcuts in production. Traditional, high-quality tequila is made from just three ingredients: 100% blue Weber agave, water, and yeast. In contrast, many mass-market tequilas, especially mixtos, use additives like sweeteners, glycerin, or caramel coloring to create a consistent, often overly-sweet, flavor profile.

The Importance of Additive-Free

Additives are legally permitted in quantities of up to one percent of the total volume and do not need to be disclosed on the label. These can include caramel coloring for a deeper, aged appearance, oak extract for faux-barrel notes, or glycerin for a smoother mouthfeel. Choosing an additive-free tequila means you are tasting the true, unadulterated flavor of the agave and the terroir it came from.

Why Blanco is Often the Cleanest Tequila

Blanco, or silver tequila, is bottled immediately after distillation, or rested for a maximum of 60 days in stainless steel or neutral oak. Because it spends little to no time in wood, it is the purest expression of the distilled spirit, showcasing the character of the agave plant itself. Aged tequilas, like reposados and añejos, can acquire flavors from barrels, but this aging process also provides an opportunity for less scrupulous producers to mask imperfections with additives. For a truly clean experience, a 100% agave, additive-free blanco is the benchmark.

Finding Additive-Free Tequilas

Since additives are not listed on labels, finding a truly clean tequila requires some research. The most reliable method is to use resources like the Tequila Matchmaker app, which maintains an independent database of verified additive-free brands based on distillery inspections. You can also look for the following signs on a bottle:

100% Agave: The label must explicitly state "100% de Agave" or "100% Puro de Agave". Anything that omits this language is a mixto, which contains at least 51% agave and up to 49% other sugars.
NOM Number: Every bottle of authentic tequila has a NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number that identifies the distillery. Researching this number online can reveal the production methods used and other brands made at the same facility. A single NOM number producing dozens of brands may signal industrial-scale production more likely to use additives.
Transparent Production: Look for brands that are open about their traditional processes, such as slow-roasting agave in brick ovens or using a tahona stone for crushing.
Organic Certification: While not a guarantee of additive-free status, many organic brands are committed to pure, traditional methods and are often additive-free as well.

Comparison: Additive-Free vs. Commercial Tequila


Feature	Additive-Free Tequila	Commercial (Mixto or Additive) Tequila
Agave Content	100% blue Weber agave	Minimum 51% agave, rest from other sugars
Ingredients	Agave, water, yeast. Nothing else.	Up to 1% additives like glycerin, caramel, or oak extract.
Flavor Profile	True expression of agave, terroir-driven. Herbal, mineral, citrus notes.	Often overly sweet, with artificial vanilla, caramel, or citrus notes.
Mouthfeel	Clean and natural texture, not overly syrupy or smooth.	Can feel artificially smooth or heavy due to glycerin.
Finish	Crisp, clean, and authentic, without a sugary residue.	Sometimes leaves a sticky, cloying finish.

Leading Additive-Free Brands to Try

With the "clean tequila" movement gaining traction, several brands have earned a reputation for their commitment to authenticity. Here are a few recommended by experts for their pure, additive-free expressions:

LALO Tequila Blanco: Founded by Eduardo 'Lalo' González, grandson of Don Julio, this brand produces only an additive-free blanco from just agave, yeast, and deep well water.
Fortaleza Tequila: Revered by connoisseurs, Fortaleza maintains traditional production methods, including crushing agave with a tahona. Their blanco is a gold standard for purity.
Tequila Ocho Plata: Known for its single-estate tequilas, Tequila Ocho transparently showcases the impact of terroir on the spirit's flavor profile in each vintage.
Siete Leguas Blanco: A traditionally made tequila since 1952, its flagship blanco is cherished for its rich roasted agave notes.
G4 Tequila Blanco: Made by the renowned Camarena family, G4 is known for its focus on terroir and traditional techniques, resulting in a clean and complex spirit.

For a comprehensive list and verification, check the Tequila Matchmaker database.

Conclusion: The Purest Sip

Ultimately, the cleanest type of tequila is not a category defined by aging, but by purity. An additive-free, 100% blue agave blanco is the surest way to experience the true, unadulterated essence of the agave plant. By knowing what to look for on a label, researching distilleries, and supporting brands committed to transparency, you can enjoy a superior tequila that honors the tradition and craft of its origin. A clean, premium tequila is made slowly and intentionally, and the difference is clear in every sip.

Enjoy a purer tequila experience by seeking out additive-free options. The robust, authentic flavors are a reward in themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clean tequila is defined by its simple ingredient list of 100% blue agave, water, and yeast, with no added artificial flavors or sweeteners. Many commercial tequilas, by contrast, use up to 1% of legally permitted, but undisclosed, additives to alter the flavor and texture.

No. While the '100% agave' designation ensures no non-agave sugars were used during fermentation, it does not prevent a brand from adding flavorings, colorings, or glycerin after distillation.

Blanco tequila is bottled directly after distillation, with minimal or no aging, meaning it retains the raw, vibrant flavors of the agave plant. Aged tequilas naturally acquire characteristics from the barrel, which can sometimes be mimicked by additives in commercial products.

The four main additives legally allowed are caramel coloring for an aged look, oak extract for woody notes, glycerin for a smoother mouthfeel, and agave nectar-based sweeteners.

The most reliable way is to check independent databases, such as the Tequila Matchmaker app, which has a Verified Additive-Free program based on distillery inspections and lab testing.

Not necessarily. A USDA Organic certification ensures the agave is grown without pesticides or chemicals, but it does not guarantee that no additives were used in the post-distillation process. However, many organic brands are committed to additive-free production.

Not based on price alone. Expensive and flashy packaging can sometimes mask an industrially-produced, additive-enhanced tequila. It's best to research the brand's production process and check independent verification resources.