A shopper reaches for a bottle of Añejo. The rich amber color catches the light, but instead of excitement, there’s hesitation. Somewhere along the way, they learned that “real” tequila is always clear. Anything golden or brown must mean caramel coloring or artificial flavoring. Unsure, they put the bottle back and stick with a Blanco.
It’s an easy mistake to make. All tequila starts out clear, so when people see darker shades on the shelf, they assume something has been added. The truth is more nuanced. Some tequilas do rely on additives, but authentic Reposados, Añejos, and Extra Añejos get their depth of color naturally through time in oak barrels.
Continue reading as we unpack how tequila changes as it ages, why additives are sometimes used, and how you can tell the difference between what’s natural and what’s not.
Does All Tequila Start Out Clear?
Tequila begins with the agave plant. The heart of the plant, called the piña, is roasted, crushed, and fermented before the liquid is distilled. No matter what style you see on the shelf, this is where it all starts.
Fresh from distillation, tequila is clear. This unaged spirit is called Blanco, and it’s tequila in its purest form — bright, crisp, and straight from the still. Because it hasn’t spent any time in barrels, Blanco goes directly into the bottle with its crystal-clear look intact.
That’s why every tequila, even rich amber Añejos and mahogany-colored Extra Añejos, starts life as a Blanco. The color you see later in premium tequila isn’t artificial dye. It’s the natural result of time resting in oak.
How Does Barrel Aging Change Tequila’s Color and Flavor?
Once tequila leaves the still, it has two options: go straight into the bottle as a Blanco or spend time resting in oak barrels. That rest is what transforms the spirit.
Here’s how barrel aging changes tequila:
Color
- Clear Blanco begins to shift as it rests in oak.
- A few months bring the light straw hue of a Reposado.
- Two years deepen it into the rich amber of an Añejo.
- With more time, it matures into the dark mahogany of an Extra Añejo.
Aroma
- Notes of vanilla, caramel, cedar, chocolate, and spice slowly emerge.
Flavor
- Oak softens the sharper edges of Blanco.
- Layers of sweetness, warmth, and depth are added over time.
Think of it like music. Blanco is a single, bright instrument. With time in oak, more notes join in until the tequila becomes a full, complex symphony of flavor.
Do Some Tequilas Use Additives to Fake Color?
Not every tequila on the shelf gets its golden glow from oak and time. Some brands rely on additives to speed things up or make their bottles look more appealing.
Common ones include:
- Caramel coloring – darkens the spirit to mimic barrel aging
- Glycerin – adds a syrupy smoothness
- Oak extract – fakes the flavor of time in wood
- Sweeteners – boost perceived richness or round off sharp edges
Why use them?
- Speed: aging takes months or years; additives work instantly.
- Consistency: barrels vary, but additives create a uniform taste and color.
- Appearance: darker tequila looks “older,” even if it isn’t.
The CRT (Tequila Regulatory Council) allows up to 1% of a tequila’s volume to come from additives. It’s legal, but it’s also the difference between authenticity and shortcuts. Naturally aged tequilas let the barrel do the work while additive-heavy tequilas lean on quick fixes.
How Can You Tell if Tequila Has Additives?
Spotting additives isn’t always easy, but there are a few ways you can tell if what’s in your glass comes from oak and time or from shortcuts:
Rub Test
- Pour a small amount of tequila onto your palm and rub it between your fingers. If your hands feel sticky or syrupy, the product likely contains additives. If your hands feel smooth and dry, it is more likely to be additive-free.
Check the label
- Look for details on aging (Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo).
- Some brands voluntarily note “additive-free.”
Find the NOM
- Every tequila bottle lists its NOM (Norma Official Mexicana). This number identifies the distillery, so you can look up its production practices.
Pay attention to texture
- Naturally aged tequila often leaves slow “tears” on the glass.
- Additive-heavy tequila can feel syrupy or overly slick.
Focus on taste
- Real barrel-aged tequila has depth, evolving from nose to finish.
- Additives often create flat sweetness without complexity.
Try side-by-side
- Compare a confirmed additive-free tequila with one you suspect is made with additives. The difference in character, balance, and finish will be clear.
In the end, it comes down to knowing what to look for and trusting your palate.
FAQs About Tequila, Color, and Additives
Is all colored tequila made with additives?
No. Authentic Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas get their golden or amber tones naturally from resting in oak barrels. Certain brands sometimes use additives, but they aren’t required for color.
Does all tequila start out clear?
Yes. Every tequila begins as Blanco, a clear, unaged spirit straight from the still. Any color that develops afterward comes from barrel aging (or, in some cases, added coloring).
What additives are used in tequila?
The most common are caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, and sweeteners. The CRT (Tequila Regulatory Council) allows up to 1% of a tequila’s volume to come from additives.
How does barrel aging change tequila?
Time in oak adds color, smooths harsh edges, and develops notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, spice, and wood. The longer it rests, the deeper and more layered the flavor becomes.
How can I tell if tequila has additives?
Check the label for additive-free certifications, research the NOM number to learn about the distillery, and pay attention to taste and texture. Additive-free tequilas show depth and balance; additive-heavy tequilas can taste flat or syrupy.
Why do some brands use additives?
Shortcuts help producers save time, keep a uniform appearance, and make young tequila look or taste older than it is.
So, Is All Colored Tequila Made with Additives?
Not at all. While some producers do use additives to speed things up or create the appearance of age, premium tequila doesn’t need them. The golden, amber, and mahogany hues of Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo come naturally from time in oak barrels. Along with color, that patience brings depth of flavor, smoothness, and character that can’t be faked.
The next time you pour a glass of Suavecito Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo, take a moment to notice the warm, natural tones in your glass. That’s not coloring or shortcuts. That’s oak and time working together to create tequila worth savoring.
