A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of tequila, centred on a single, contentious word: Additive. While the spirit's definition hinges on blue agave, Mexican regulations (NOM-006) permit up to 1% additives in 100% agave tequila without any requirement for disclosure on the label. This seemingly small allowance has recently been sparking a major debate about transparency, authenticity and the very soul of Mexico's iconic spirit.

Producers utilise additives like glycerin for viscosity and smoothness, caramel colouring for a consistent, deeper amber hue, artificial sweeteners (like vanillin or syrup), and oak extract to mimic barrel ageing. The motivations are often commercial: to mask imperfections in younger or lower-quality distillates, create a sweeter, more approachable profile favoured by certain markets, ensure visual uniformity bottle after bottle, or accelerate the appearance of age without the time and cost of prolonged barrel maturation.

Critics, however, contend this undisclosed manipulation is fundamentally deceptive. Consumers paying premium prices for "100% agave" tequila reasonably expect the pure expression of the agave plant, influenced only by terroir, distillation skill and genuine ageing. Additives, they argue, obscure this true character, potentially misleading drinkers about the actual quality and craftsmanship in the bottle. It blurs the line between a naturally produced spirit and an engineered product.

Proponents of additives point to benefits like achieving reliable consistency, creating crowd-pleasingly smooth and sweet profiles that broaden tequila's appeal, and offering cost-effective solutions. Yet, the lack of transparency remains the core issue for detractors. They believe it undermines consumer trust and makes it difficult for genuine artisanal producers to stand out.

For consumers seeking authenticity, choosing brands that forgo additives guarantees experiencing the unadulterated flavours of the agave, the nuances imparted by skilled distillation, and the true impact of barrel ageing, often resulting in greater complexity and balance. While some enjoy the approachable sweetness additive-laden tequilas can offer, purists argue that only additive-free expressions reveal tequila's genuine character.

Casa Loy is one of Mexico’s boutique Tequileras staunchly committed to producing premium additive-free tequila across its entire range. Casa Loy's philosophy centres on allowing the true essence of sustainably cultivated agave, meticulous distillation, and patient ageing to shine through, positioning transparency and unmanipulated flavour as non-negotiable values.

The debate ultimately boils down to transparency versus creative license and consistency. As consumer awareness grows, fuelled by advocates and brands like Casa Loy, the demand for clear labelling and authentic, additive-free tequila is gaining significant momentum, reshaping the landscape of this beloved spirit.