Best Cheap Additive Free Tequilas of 2024

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:59 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Curated by tequila expert Neil Coleman and based on customer feedback, this guide presents affordable, additive-free Tequilas from Blanco to Añejo.

Embrace Mexico's heritage with these selections, offering authentic agave flavors at a budget-friendly price.

Enjoy genuine Tequila without breaking the bank.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Cheap Additive-Free Tequila

• Easy Sipping: Cimarron Blanco (agave, pepper, cinnamon, warm finish)
• Fruity & Complex: Arette Blanco (agave, banana, mango, pepper, long finish)
• Earthy & Affordable: Suerte Blanco (wet soil, asparagus, citrus, minerals)
• Sipping or Mixing: Tres Agaves Blanco (agave, orange, floral, smooth)
• Bold & Intense: Dulce Vida 100-Proof Blanco (powerful agave, for cocktails)
• Peppery for Mixing: 3 Amigos Blanco (organic, agave, pepper, lime)
• Citrusy Cocktails: Gonzalez 1939 Blanco (agave, orange peel, lime, peppery finish)
• Reposado Rich in Agave Flavor: Tequileño Reposado (agave, apple, oak, warm finish)
• Smooth Surprise: Cimarron Reposado (agave, vanilla, oak, pepper)
• Agave at its Core: Arette Reposado (agave, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla)
• Organic Purist: Tres Agaves Reposado (agave, oak, vanilla, peppery)
• Honest Añejo: Arette Añejo (agave, caramel, smooth finish)
• Oaky Twist: Dulce Vida Añejo (oak, vanilla, agave, caramel)

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

A Quick Look at the Best Cheap Additive-Free Tequilas

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Blanco Basics Done Right: Cimarron's Affordable Allure

Cimarron Blanco hits the sweet spot for budget-friendly tequila. Additive-free, it delivers real value. Simple but satisfying, it's not about complexity. Aroma: agave, pepper, cinnamon. The taste has baking spices, earth, and a touch of orange, balanced by agave. The finish is warm with lingering pepper. Tequila expert Neil Coleman says it's easy-drinking and leaves you wanting more.

Arette Blanco: Budget-Beating Brilliance

Arette Blanco is a Blanco tequila on a budget that punches above its weight. Additive-free, it rivals pricier brands! Aroma: agave, salty hint, tropical fruits (banana, mango). Luxuriously oily texture. Warm taste with agave, black pepper, orange, earth, minerals. Long finish with pepper, cinnamon, lingering agave. A steal for its complex flavor and quality - agave shines without sweeteners! Great choice for an authentic budget-friendly tequila.

Suerte Blanco: Earthy Delight on a Budget

Suerte Blanco defies expectations! Affordable yet flavorful, it's perfect for sipping or cocktails. Aroma: earthy (wet soil, asparagus) with sweet agave and citrus zest. Rich, oily body with gentle warmth. Taste: natural agave sweetness, pepper, minerals, lingering earth. Medium-long finish with minerals, earth, and a hint of orange. Great value - rivals pricier brands! Enjoy neat or in cocktails. Ideal for tequila beginners or seasoned drinkers seeking affordability.

Tres Agaves Blanco: Budget-Friendly Gem for Sipping or Mixing

Tres Agaves Blanco defies expectations! Additive-free and affordable, it rivals pricier tequilas. Enjoy neat (maybe with a sugar cube!) or in refreshing margaritas. Aroma: agave with orange and floral notes. Smooth, viscous texture with pure agave, citrus, and a touch of pepper. Clean finish with lingering sweetness - perfect for sipping or cocktails on a budget. Highly recommended!

Dulce Vida 100-Proof: Agave on Steroids

Dulce Vida 100-proof Blanco packs a punch! More alcohol (50% ABV) means less dilution, resulting in intense agave flavors. Perfect for bold cocktails. Enjoy neat, but a large ice cube helps tame the fire. Great value under $40! Ideal for adventurous drinkers seeking a powerful Blanco experience.

Back-to-Basics Blanco: 3 Amigos Gets the Job Done

3 Amigos Blanco keeps it real: affordable, honest tequila. Aroma: upfront alcohol with agave and pepper. Warm taste with agave, lime, and black pepper (not super smooth). Finish lingers with pepper. Great for mixing - adds peppery kick and agave base without overpowering drinks. Bonus: organic and budget-friendly! Perfect for shots or cocktails.

Gonzalez 1939 Blanco: Mixology Marvel

Gonzalez 1939 Blanco reigns supreme in cocktails. Aroma: inviting agave with orange peel, lime, and minerals. Smooth sip explodes with citrus, agave, and a touch of spearmint. Unique anise twist sets it apart. Long, warming finish with black pepper. Not the smoothest neat, but perfect for creating delicious (and affordable) citrusy cocktails or even shots.

Tequileño Reposado: Agave Triumph at an Unbeatable Price

Tequileño Reposado defies expectations! Under $30, it boasts a quality flavor profile. Aroma: agave with a hint of apple and oak. The taste is agave-forward with apple, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of oak. The warm finish lingers with citrus and oak. A steal for tequila lovers - authentic agave at an unbeatable price!

Cimarron Reposado: A Smooth Surprise by a Renowned Maestro

Cimarron Reposado is an affordable gem from master distiller Enrique Fonseca. Aroma: inviting agave with vanilla and oak hints. Luxuriously smooth, it showcases rich agave with caramel sweetness, subtle oak, and a touch of pepper. The warm finish lingers with pepper. Exceptional value! Rivals pricier tequilas - perfect for smooth sipping on a budget.

Arette Reposado: Budget-Friendly Surprise with Agave at its Core

Arette Reposado delights budget-minded drinkers! The aroma is subtle: agave, vanilla, cinnamon (alcohol fades). Oily texture on the palate. Agave flavor shines with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and subtle oak. The finish has a touch of bitterness balanced by baking spice - drinkable for the price! Great value Reposado for its focus on agave at an affordable cost.

Tres Agaves Reposado: Straightforward Reposado for Organic Purists

Tres Agaves Reposado is a no-nonsense, honest Reposado. Aroma: classic agave, oak, and vanilla. Viscous with a peppery kick that gives way to caramel, oak, and agave. Smooth finish with lingering spice. Not the most complex, but solid and enjoyable. Perfect for organic tequila fans seeking an additive-free Reposado at a good value.

Arette Añejo: Pure Agave Pleasure at an Honest Price

Arette Añejo is an Añejo that punches above its weight! It uses only real ingredients, letting the agave shine through. Aroma: sweet caramel and inviting agave. The taste is agave-forward with subtle oak and caramel. Smooth finish with a gentle peppery kick (no harsh burn). Great value Añejo - perfect for budget-minded drinkers who love authentic agave flavor.

Dulce Vida Añejo: Budget-Friendly Oak Journey

Dulce Vida Añejo leans on oak for an affordable Añejo twist. Aroma: oaky with hints of agave, vanilla, and mint. The taste features oak and caramel with vanilla and agave in the background. Moderately long finish with lingering oak and caramel sweetness. Great value for those who enjoy oaky Añejo at a budget-friendly price. If you prefer agave-forward Añejo, explore other options.

How to Choose Additive-Free Tequila on a Budget?

• Expert and Consumer Insights: Rely on recommendations from experts like Neil Coleman and customer feedback for trustworthy choices.
• Affordable Options: Look for Tequilas that offer authentic agave flavors at a budget-friendly price, like Cimarron Blanco and Arette Blanco.
• Range of Types: Explore different types from Blanco to Añejo, each offering unique tastes and experiences without additives.
• No Additives for Authenticity: Choose Tequilas that are free from artificial sweeteners and additives to ensure a genuine agave taste.
• Quality Over Price: Focus on the quality of the Tequila rather than just the price; affordable doesn't have to mean low quality.
• Smoothness and Flavor: Opt for Tequilas known for their smoothness and rich flavor profiles, enhancing the drinking experience.
• Reputable Brands: Consider well-known and reputable brands that are transparent about their production processes and ingredients.
• Transparency in Production: Prefer brands that are transparent about their production methods, ensuring a more authentic and quality product.
• Versatility: While primarily for sipping, consider if the Tequila can also be enjoyed in other ways, like in cocktails.
• Enjoy Responsibly: Savor these Tequilas responsibly, appreciating their pure flavors and smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick FAQ:

What is the focus of this guide on budget-friendly, additive-free Tequilas?

• The guide, curated by Neil Coleman, presents affordable Tequilas from Blanco to Añejo that are free of additives, offering authentic agave flavors.

How are these Tequilas selected?

• The selection is based on expert recommendations and customer feedback, focusing on quality, smoothness, and affordability.

What types of Tequila are included in this selection?

• The selection includes various types, ranging from Blanco to Añejo, each offering unique agave flavors without additives.

What should I look for in an additive-free Tequila on a budget?

• Look for Tequilas that offer authentic agave flavors, and smoothness, and are free from artificial sweeteners and additives.

Are these budget-friendly Tequilas versatile in consumption?

• Yes, many of these Tequilas can be enjoyed in various ways, whether sipped neat or used in cocktails.

How can I ensure I'm choosing a quality Tequila despite the low price?

• Focus on reputable brands that are transparent about their production processes and ingredients, ensuring quality over price.

Is it possible to find a good Añejo Tequila without additives on a budget?

• Yes, options like Arette Añejo offer a blend of quality, affordability, and authentic agave flavor, ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

How should I consume these Tequilas responsibly?

• Enjoy these Tequilas responsibly, appreciating their pure flavors and smoothness, and consume in moderation.