Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What causes white floating bits in non-chill-filtered tequila, and is it a quality issue?
White floating bits in non-chill-filtered tequila are **not a quality or safety issue**—they're a natural consequence of the filtration choice. **What's happening:** When tequila hasn't been chill-filtered, naturally occurring **fatty acids from the agave** can precipitate and crystallise in cold temperatures (particularly in UK storage or during Atlantic transit). These appear as small white or pale blue floating particles that dissolve immediately when you shake the bottle or warm it up. **Key points members shared:** - **Chill filtration removes these fats**, which is why chill-filtered spirits don't exhibit this. However, members noted that **non-chill-filtered spirits retain more flavour** because those fats carry aromatic compounds—this is how tequila was traditionally made and consumed in Mexico (where temperatures never drop enough for precipitation). - The issue is more common with **lower ABV liquids**. - Members distinguished this from actual quality problems: a luxury non-chill-filtered brand experiencing this is normal; cheap tequila with additives might show sugar crystallising instead, which is different. - One producer noted they experienced this with their first batch before acquiring chill-filtration equipment, and confirmed the particles are purely agave fats, not contaminants. **What to do:** Simply shake the bottle and the particles will re-dissolve. No action needed. The taste is unaffected. **Caveat:** Some consumers unfamiliar with non-chill-filtered spirits may mistakenly believe something is wrong with the product, so transparency on labelling or in sales conversations helps manage expectations.
What are the UK regulatory restrictions on importing mezcal and 100% agave tequila in bulk?
UK import rules for agave spirits are restrictive and require careful navigation. Here's what members learned: **Key restrictions:** - **100% agave tequila** — cannot currently be imported in bulk to the UK; this regulatory barrier has blocked several member attempts - **Mixto tequila** (not 100% agave) — *technically* importable, but requires a **CRT-approved rebottling site**, and members report there are no such approved sites currently operating in the UK, making the route impractical - **Mezcal** — members believe import in bulk is not permitted, though details are sparse - **Arquitecto** (100% agave tequila) — attempted import without using the phrase "100% agave" but ran into regulatory trouble and had to recall product; they were considering a name change to relaunch **Practical workaround being explored:** - **EcoSpirits** / **Zdenek Kastanek** (zdenek.kastanek@proofandcompany.com) — they have found ways to work with tequila imports and distribute via **Mangrove** in the UK; members suggest contacting them to discuss mezcal possibilities, though success is uncertain **Caveat:** Members note this landscape is complex and fast-changing. Several attempted projects were abandoned or delayed due to regulatory hurdles. If pursuing bulk spirit imports, specialist consultation is essential.
What are the current regulatory rules around declaring tequila additives, and what's the industry stance on 'additive-free' claims?
The tequila industry is navigating a significant regulatory shift around additive declarations. The **Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT)** has recently restricted how producers can market additives, including a ban on claiming products are 'additive-free'—a move that has generated debate within the sector. Key points from community discussion: - The restriction appears to stem from regulatory control efforts by the CRT, with industry observers noting it's partly about controlling the narrative around tequila quality standards rather than purely health-driven - **Tequila Matchmaker** has been at the centre of advocacy around additive-free standards, creating tension with the CRT's position - Consumer awareness is mixed: while some consumers care deeply about additives (particularly regarding hangover effects and chemical breakdown), the broader market uptake of 'additive-free' messaging remains uncertain - Industry figures like Grover have weighed in on the control dynamics at play - The Consejo and regulatory bodies continue to shape these rules, and the **BDA** (British Distributors Association or similar) has also been communicating updates to UK importers Members should monitor CRT communications and consider how this affects their own labelling and marketing claims, particularly if selling into markets where additive declarations matter to consumers.
What regulatory requirements must UK RTD cocktail brands meet to legally use tequila in their products?
The Tequila Regulatory Council (TRC) is actively enforcing strict rules on tequila use in ready-to-drink cocktails in the UK market. Brands are being contacted directly and required to comply or face enforcement action. **Key requirements:** - **CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) authorisation** is mandatory for any brand using tequila in RTD cocktails. Without it, you cannot legally use the product or the term "tequila" in marketing. - **Affidavit requirement**: Brands being contacted are being asked to sign an affidavit confirming they will cease using tequila in cocktail formulations and remove tequila terminology from social media and marketing materials if they do not have authorisation. - The TRC is treating this as a priority enforcement area in the UK, where many brands are currently non-compliant. **Practical next steps:** - Contact the TRC early to understand your specific product's compliance status and to explore obtaining authorisation if needed. - Members recommend speaking with experienced contacts who have navigated this process (e.g., Nav Grewal at Vivir Tequila has recent direct experience with TRC discussions and can advise). - Do not assume existing tequila RTD products are compliant; the TRC has been enforcing these rules in other markets (notably Australia) and is now targeting the UK. **Warning**: Being blacklisted by the TRC carries serious commercial risk. Brands that do not comply face potential removal from retailer shelves and legal action.
What are the regulatory requirements for using the tequila name, including ABV minimums and Mexican CRT registration?
To legally use the tequila designation, you must meet strict ABV requirements and register with Mexico's CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila). **ABV requirements:** Tequila must be bottled at a minimum of 35% ABV; you cannot sell tequila at 25% ABV. Some markets impose even higher minimums, so check your target regions. **CRT registration:** Your brand must be registered with the CRT in Mexico to be legally permitted to use the tequila name. The CRT is actively enforcing these rules, so compliance is non-negotiable. **Label complexity:** Members noted that there can be complexities around labelling claims with both CRT and UK SWA (Scotch Whisky Association equivalent bodies) due to litigation risk—ensure your label claims are compliant with both Mexican and UK/target-market regulations. **Getting support:** Members in the community have experience with CRT applications and are willing to help; reach out to Geo Frost (+44 7939 066763) if you need direct assistance with the application process.