The discussion surrounding the presence of additives in agave spirits has been ongoing, with questions raised about their use in the tequila industry. While additives are legally permitted, brands are not obligated to disclose whether their products contain them or not. This lack of transparency has left consumers uncertain about what they are consuming. To address this issue, Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, the founders of Tequila Matchmaker, took action by establishing the Additive Free Alliance, Inc. The organization was initially a program on their website and app but has now evolved into an independent entity with a broader mission beyond tequila. As the demand for third-party verification of additive-free tequila escalated, the AFA sought nonprofit status, and it has since expanded to include agave-related spirits in various categories.
One notable product that has joined the Additive Free Alliance is the newly released Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka. This vodka is unique in that it is crafted entirely from Blue Weber agave cultivated in Jalisco, Mexico. The agave undergoes harvesting and distillation in Jalisco before being transported to Muenster, Texas, where it undergoes a second distillation process in proprietary copper pot and column stills. Developed by the team responsible for creating Patrón Tequila, including master distiller Antonio Rodriguez, Weber Ranch Vodka aims to deliver a clear spirit that retains the distinctive flavors and characteristics of agave while remaining free of additives. By using agave as a base, the vodka offers subtle notes of tropical fruit and citrus, making it versatile for both classic vodka cocktails and traditional agave-based beverages.
Upon joining the Additive Free Alliance, brands commit to ensuring that their products undergo thorough independent analysis to verify their additive-free status. These assessments involve liquid chromatography lab testing and sensory evaluations to confirm the absence of artificial sweeteners, flavorings, sugar, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Participating brands are responsible for covering the costs associated with lab testing, with additional fees required after the initial year to support operational expenses and random testing. Upon completion of the certification process, brands are granted permission to display the AFA logo on their packaging as a symbol of their commitment to transparency and quality.
While the Additive Free Alliance has garnered significant support from consumers and brands alike, it has also faced challenges from larger producers wary of its impact. Grover Sanschagrin notes that some major players are attempting to impede the AFA’s progress, creating obstacles along the way. Moreover, false criminal allegations made by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila have heightened tensions and further complicated the situation. Despite these setbacks, the AFA remains steadfast in its mission to promote transparency and integrity within the agave spirits industry.
Carlos Soto, the founder of Nosotros Tequila, emphasizes the importance of the AFA’s lab-based verification process, which allows brands to participate without requiring in-person distillery visits. This shift has enabled previously restricted brands, like Nosotros Tequila, to join the alliance and benefit from the assurance of additive-free production. Sanschagrin reiterates that the AFA is not anti-additives but rather pro-transparency, serving as an independent platform for brands committed to honest labeling and product integrity. The organization functions as a collaborative network of like-minded companies dedicated to promoting authenticity and consumer trust.
The Additive Free Alliance symbolizes a turning point in the agave spirits industry, where transparency and quality take precedence. By advocating for additive-free production and facilitating independent verification processes, the AFA heralds a new era of integrity and consumer empowerment. As consumer awareness and demand for transparency continue to rise, organizations like the Additive Free Alliance play a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around agave spirits and championing high standards of authenticity and purity. Through the collective efforts of dedicated brands and consumers, the movement towards additive-free agave spirits gains momentum, paving the way for a more transparent and ethical industry landscape.