The battle over "additive-free" tequila labeling has exposed a deep rift between tradition and transparency in Mexico's most iconic spirit. When Tequila Matchmaker's data revealed widespread additive use despite contrary claims, it didn't just challenge the CRT's regulatory authority – it forced a reckoning with consumer trust in an industry built on artisanal heritage.

For many independent brands, an "additive-free" certification from The Additive Free Alliance became a cornerstone of marketing, symbolizing transparency and authenticity. But when Mexico's tequila regulator, the CRT, cracked down on these claims last September, it left brands and consumers questioning the future of transparency in tequila production. The Park Street Insider Podcast explores this controversy with industry journalist Clay Dillow, who joins Emmett Strack to examine the rise of additive-free tequila and the impact of the CRT's recently imposed restrictions on the category.

Featured Guests:

Clay Dillow, Contributing Writer at Fortune Magazine

Mentioned in this episode:

Consejo Regulador del Tequila
Tequila Matchmaker
The Additive Free Alliance
VinePair

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