Organic Tequila: Is it Better?

When it comes to buying tequila, I've also wondered if organic tequila is better than regular tequila and if it's worth buying. And, like most organic vs. conventional purchases, it can depend on your personal needs.

Below, you'll learn about the differences between the two and if buying organic tequila is worth it for you.

What is Organic Tequila?

While all types of tequila are distilled nearly identically, organic tequila comes from agave plants that have been cultivated and harvested using sustainable methods and are clear of pesticides or pesticide cross-contamination (exposure) for ten years.

What makes it Organic?

For tequila to be labeled organic, the entire process must go through rigorous inspection, from planting to harvesting, extracting the sugars from the agave plant, and distilling it into the alcohol that is bottled to drink.

Organic agave plants must never be exposed to or given synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). For this reason, organic tequila typically comes from a single farm. Conventional, non-organic tequila isn't inspected and can contain some of the additives above.

Is All Tequila Organic?

No, not all tequila is organic. In fact, organic tequila is rarer than the typical bottled tequila sitting on the shelf.

Why tequila is created with a different process depends on the company, most tequila companies will opt for a quicker fermentation process to get the tequila on the shelves to sell.

Those who bottle and settle organic tequila are adding many months and, most times, years to the fermenting and bottling process.

What do they add to regular Tequila that's not in Organic?

Other than the growing and harvesting of the agave plants for making tequila, another difference between the two is what is added to tequila during the distilling and bottling process.

Organic tequilas will never have coloring, added sugars, or flavoring chemicals to give the alcohol a different color or flavor; this, however, is a common practice among non-organic tequila, especially the lower-quality and inexpensive brands.

Is Organic Tequila Healthier?

People who are highly sensitive to chemical additives often buy organic tequila and say they feel better when enjoying their tequila cocktails made with organic tequila. On a healthy scale, since there are no synthetic chemicals or additives of any type from plant to bottle, one can say that organic is better.

Does Organic Tequila Taste Better?

I personally enjoy some brands of organic tequila for their clean taste when mixed in a good Classic Margarita. However, there are many non-organic tequila brands that are delicious and mix well in cocktails or are aged and meant for sipping like Reposado Tequila, Añejo Tequilas, and Extra Añejo Tequila.

Is there an Organic Tequila?

There are many organic tequilas available that are free of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and additives and are widely available for purchase. Price-wise, it's slightly more expensive than its conventional counterpart, although it's still very affordable.

Something to consider is that the organic certification process can be very costly for smaller tequila distilleries that grow their agave in eco-friendly ways and follow organic practices. These family-owned brands are worth considering, which is why doing a little research on the brand is important.

Where to Buy Organic Tequila

Traditional grocery stores rarely carry organic tequila, so your best bet is specialty groceries, larger liquor stores, and online. Some large retailers, like Total Wine, carry organic tequila and you can browse on their website some of their local selections.

Affordable Organic Tequilas

If you're trying to make the change from non-organic tequila to organic tequila for your cocktail recipes, there are several organic tequilas that are inexpensive and mix well. Consider trying: