With more people paying attention to what's in their glass, "organic" has become one of the fastest-growing tequila searches out there. But organic and additive-free aren't the same thing, and it's worth knowing the difference.

What "Organic" Actually Certifies

Certified organic tequila means the agave was grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and the distillation process meets specific organic certification standards. It's a claim about how the agave was farmed.

What "Additive-Free" Actually Certifies

Additive-free (sometimes labeled "100% pure" or similar) means nothing was added after distillation, no coloring, flavoring, glycerin, or sugar-based syrups used to soften or sweeten the final product. It's a claim about what happens after distillation, not how the agave was grown.

Can a Tequila Be Both?

Yes, but it's not automatic. A tequila can be organic-certified and still use additives after distillation, and a tequila can be completely additive-free without being certified organic. Read the label carefully rather than assuming one implies the other.

Why Additives Show Up in Tequila at All

Mexican regulations allow small amounts of additives (like glycerin or oak extract) in tequila without requiring it to be disclosed on the label. That's part of why more shoppers are specifically looking for brands that state "no additives" outright.

What to Look For on the Label

• "100% blue agave" (rules out mixto)
• Explicit "no additives" or "additive-free" language
• Organic certification logo, if farming practices matter to you specifically

Centinela's Approach

Centinela is made from 100% blue agave with no additives, slow-roasted and traditionally fermented the same way since 1904. Explore the lineup to see the process behind the bottle.