10 Authentic and Clean Tequila Brands According to Our Bartender Expert, Lauren Castano

Meet Lauren Castano, Chilled’s Tequila Expert, a longtime member of our Chilled Ambassador Network, who brings a deep passion for agave sprits and years of hands-on industry experience to sharing what makes each bottle special behind the bar.

I believe additive free tequilas are essential in the industry because they honor the authenticity of the craft, showcasing the true flavors of the agave without manipulation. Transparency matters, and consumers deserve to know exactly what they’re drinking. Additive free tequila reflects quality, tradition, and respect for both the process and the people who make it.

Unfortunately, most brands can and will claim to be additive free because they use this term liberally. My best advice to clients is to train their palates by trying different tequilas. I also recommend using blancos to help them develop their palate. I do this with a suggested list of authentic and clean tequila brands that assist in identifying the flavors of agave and other characteristics in the flavor profile.

There are many exceptional authentic brands making tequila using traditional methods. Here are some of my favorites that I recommend and what makes them special.

G4 Tequila

G4 represents four generations of the Camarena family, who have been making tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. A well-known and one of the most respected families making tequila. They employ a blend of traditional and modern technologies, including their unique tahona called the Felipestein, which efficiently extracts 97% of the sugar from the agave.

Felipe, the master distiller, relentlessly strives to create exceptional tequilas and releases special limited-edition series throughout the year. I don’t say this often, but this is my absolute favorite brand. Every expression, from the blanco to their aged tequilas, is crafted with exceptional quality and attention to detail, making each one truly stand out.

Cascahuin

A brand I highly recommend, is meticulously crafted by generations of the Rosales family, in El Arenal, Jalisco. Cascahuin is renowned for its traditional production methods, including the use of a tahona, cement tubs for fermentation and use of pits for some releases. Cascahuin embodies exceptional tequila, crafted with utmost care truly defining authentic and quality tequila.

Siete Leguas

A brand with roots spanning seven generations, once the original producers of Patron. An exceptional tequila and authentic brand that still adheres to traditional processes. They use a tahona pit, where the stone is still pulled by mules twice a day. An Exemplary tequila at the top of my list.

Campo Azul 1940

One that has been my go-to tequila lately, yet it remains an overlooked gem. While Campo Azul is well known in Mexico, the 1940 line refines their traditional methods into a cleaner, high-quality expression at an excellent price. Its versatility makes it perfect for sipping or cocktails, with the blanco standing out for its crisp, agave-forward profile and balanced citrus notes.

Their new 106 Still Strength further showcases the purity of their agaves, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality. Beyond the tequila, I admire their deep rooted support for the Jesús María community, where they provide jobs and give back in meaningful ways. Exceptional tequila, craftsmanship, and a brand with heart—a brand I feel deserves more attention.

Tapatio

Crafted by Carlos Camarena, and in my opinion is a true benchmark of the standards for high quality tequila. Its rich, agave-forward profile serves as the perfect baseline for understanding what well made tequila tastes like. I often use Tapatio to help clients recognize the purity and essence of agave, as it exemplifies the craftsmanship behind noteworthy tequila. As the flagship brand of the Camarena family, Tapatio not only honors their legacy but also sets the standard for how this family continues to produce superb tequila.

Don Fulano and Fuenteseca

I’m putting Don Fulano and Fuenteseca together as they are two remarkable brands that share both a distillery and a legacy of excellence. Produced by the Fonseca family, whose roots originate in agave farming, these tequilas exemplify the artistry of blending and the mastery of distillation. As one of the few distilleries to skillfully utilize column stills while maintaining traditional techniques.

Among them, Don Fulano Fuerte stands out as a trailblazer. As the original overproof blanco, it set the standard for high-proof and still-strength tequilas long before they became widely popular, and the Fuenteseca Cosecha both 2013 and 2018 standout as two of my favorite tequilas.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after tequilas, and while its popularity makes it difficult to find, it’s worth mentioning as a well made clean tequila. Fortaleza is a tribute to tradition, enriched with history. Each bottle is hand blown, with hand painted toppers, reflecting the same level of artistry found inside. Beyond its striking presentation, the tequila itself delivers exceptional quality, staying true to the time honored methods that make it a standout in the industry.

Viva México

A Tequila that often flies under the radar, is the house brand produced by the Vivanco family, another tequila a testament to tradition and quality. It embodies the region’s signature rich, sweet agave profile and an exceptional quality tequila.

Atanasio

A small batch, boutique style tequila reflecting both tradition and innovation. Having spent time with the family, I’ve grown fond of the father daughter team, Sheccid and Rene. Rene, master tequilero, brings a creative approach to tequila making experimenting with distillation techniques like incorporating agave fibers for added complexity and exploring different proofs.  I’m a big fan of the blanco for its savory, rich character and funky complexity, and their higher proof Origenes series.

Arette

A big fan of the Arette Artisanal Suave premium line The blanco and blanco Fuerte is a standout for me. Arette is made at the third oldest distillery in Tequila, revived by Eduardo and Jaime Orendain. This small batch is a true testament to tradition and authentic brand with deep respect from many aficionados.

The Spirit Review

The Spirit Review is Chilled’s monthly column delivering bartender-driven expert evaluations and reviews of some of today’s standout spirits, with practical snapshots from our Chilled Ambassador Network of industry pros.

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