Mas Tequila!

First install Tequila Matchmaker. It is a great, free app you can use to see the public’s and professional tequila taster’s ratings and tasting notes before you buy. No one wants to shell out big bucks for crappy tequila.

Are you familiar with the NOM? NOMs, which stand for Norma Oficial Mexicana, are four-digit numbers found on the back of every bottle of tequila. These numbers correspond to the specific distillery where the tequila was produced. Since it’s mandatory for every tequila brand to display its NOM on the bottle, these numbers serve as a valuable tool for assessing the authenticity and quality of tequilas. By searching a NOM online using platforms like Tequila Matchmaker, you can instantly discover the exact distillery where the tequila was made and even find out which other tequila brands share the same origin.

While some distilleries focus on producing a single type of Tequila, others may create multiple varieties. It’s worth noting that the 3,000-plus Tequila brands available today actually originate from fewer than 200 distilleries. Understanding the significance of the NOM label on a Tequila bottle can be an invaluable tool for consumers as they navigate the ever-expanding Tequila market. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that only 3% of Tequila brands are certified as additive-free, a crucial consideration for those who care about the ingredients they consume. The NOM designation can reveal whether a distillery produces certified additive-free products.

Over 3K registered tequila brands grace the market, yet only around 140 licensed tequila distilleries operate in Mexico. This intriguing disparity means that certain NOMs are linked to dozens, or even hundreds, of tequila labels. However, beverage experts often approach products from these mega-distilleries with caution. Why? Because these large-scale operations frequently employ flavor additives and diffusers to create distinctions between the various brands they produce. The catch? They’re not obligated to disclose this on their labels. In contrast, family-owned or small craft distilleries, focused on a single brand, tend to pay meticulous attention to detail. Many “Popular” tequilas including the overpriced so called “high end tequilas that people rave about contain additives to give the tequila a smoother or sweeter taste. Vanilla is a big one that can be found in tequilas priced from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Some of the big names use additives to increase production. Many so called “gold” tequilas have carmel and coloring added to make them smoother and make them appear to be barrel aged. What also is worth noting is that many brands, like one very popular “friends” brand, have switched distilleries many times as they have grown to increase production. Now this isn’t necessarily always a bad thing, however as much as they try the product becomes different. Like in wine or bourbon there are many factors that affect the taste and character of the spirit.

Now to be fair there are many great sipping tequilas that do or may contain additives. In our opinion, tequila is like art, you like what you like, but you should know what you are buying. Additive free tequilas can also produce the same tasting notes but normally would be more subtle.

Don’t forget to visit Paradise Tequila and our brother from another mother Cabo Man Fernando Smiley and crew. He will guide you through an amazing tasting experience!  We also offer an in unit tasting!