The issue of additives in agave spirits has long been a topic of debate within the tequila industry. While additives are legally allowed, brands are not required to disclose whether their products contain them or not. This lack of transparency has left consumers in the dark about what they are actually drinking. However, a new organization has emerged to address this issue and provide clarity to consumers.
Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, co-founders of Tequila Matchmaker, recognized the growing demand for third-party verification of additive-free tequila. As a result, they established the Additive Free Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers determine whether their favorite agave spirits contain additives. Originally a program on their website and app, the AFA has now evolved into an independent entity with a broadened focus beyond just tequila.
The Additive Free Alliance is in the process of welcoming agave-related spirits from various categories, including raicilla, mezcal, and other agave-based products such as agave syrups. One notable addition to the Alliance is Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, a newly released spirit made entirely from Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico. Developed by the same team responsible for creating Patrón Tequila, Weber Ranch Vodka aims to showcase the unique flavors of agave while remaining completely additive-free.
Brands that join the Additive Free Alliance must submit their products for analysis by an independent liquid chromatography lab and undergo a sensory evaluation to confirm that they are free of additives. This includes artificial sweeteners, flavorings, sugar, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Participating brands cover the costs of lab testing and contribute a nominal fee after the first year to support operational expenses.
Despite its noble intentions, the Additive Free Alliance has faced opposition from larger producers within the industry. Grover Sanschagrin has even been subjected to false criminal allegations by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, the regulatory body overseeing tequila production in Mexico. Nevertheless, the AFA remains dedicated to its mission of promoting transparency and honesty in agave spirits.
The founders of the Additive Free Alliance emphasize that their goal is not to dictate how agave spirits should be made but rather to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices. The AFA operates as an independent nonprofit organization focused on transparency, community, and integrity. Participation in the program is voluntary, and brands are free to decide whether to seek verification of their additive-free claims.
The success of the Additive Free Alliance underscores the growing consumer demand for transparency and authenticity in the spirits industry. As more brands and products join the Alliance, consumers can have greater confidence in the quality and purity of the agave spirits they enjoy. Through its innovative approach and commitment to integrity, the AFA is reshaping the landscape of agave spirits and empowering consumers to make informed choices.