The Definitive Guide to 123 Certified Organic Tequila
For consumers prioritizing purity, sustainability, and quality, 123 Organic Tequila stands out as a benchmark in the spirits industry. This brand, known for its commitment to certified organic farming practices and traditional production methods, offers a range of expressions—Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo—that appeal to both connoisseurs and those seeking verified gluten-free and additive-free spirits.
Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, 123 Organic Tequila (also known by its Spanish name, Uno Dos Tres) is made exclusively from 100% certified organic Blue Weber Agave. The organic designation is crucial, ensuring that the agave plants are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the glutenfreeproducts.biz community.
Understanding Tequila’s Gluten-Free Status
It is a common misconception that all distilled spirits are automatically safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While distillation theoretically removes gluten proteins, cross-contamination or the addition of flavorings, colorings, or sweeteners after distillation can introduce gluten.
However, pure tequila, made solely from 100% Blue Weber Agave, is naturally gluten-free. 123 Organic Tequila goes a step further by being certified organic and additive-free (confirmed by the brand’s adherence to the Tequila Matchmaker’s Additive-Free Alliance), providing an extra layer of assurance regarding purity. This makes it a highly recommended choice for those maintaining a strict gluten-free diet, similar to how one might verify the safety of other complex pantry items like dark chocolate.
123 Certified Organic Tequila Blanco (Uno)
The Blanco expression, labeled Uno, is the purest form of 123 Organic Tequila, capturing the essence of the cooked agave. It is unaged, bottled immediately after distillation, allowing the true character of the organic agave to shine through.
Production Process and Organic Certification
123 Tequila is produced at the renowned El Viejito Distillery (NOM 1480) in Amatitán, Jalisco. The process emphasizes sustainability and traditional methods:
- Organic Agave Sourcing: Agave is harvested only after reaching maturity (typically 7–10 years), ensuring high sugar content.
- Slow Cooking: The agave piñas are slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens (hornos) for several days, converting starches into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: Natural, organic yeast is used for fermentation, avoiding commercial or genetically modified strains.
- Distillation: The spirit is double-distilled in stainless steel pot stills to achieve exceptional clarity and flavor.
The organic certification is maintained throughout the entire process, from field to bottle, audited by both the USDA and European organic bodies.
Tasting Notes and Profile
123 Organic Tequila Blanco is celebrated for its bright, clean, and complex profile.
- Aroma: Fresh, sweet cooked agave, subtle notes of citrus (lime zest), and a hint of white pepper.
- Palate: Smooth and slightly viscous, featuring pronounced agave flavor, minerality, and earthy undertones. The finish is clean and refreshing.
- Best Use: Ideal for sipping neat to appreciate its purity, or as the foundation for high-quality cocktails like the classic Margarita or Paloma, where the tequila’s flavor is paramount.
Exploring the 123 Organic Tequila Portfolio
While the Blanco (Uno) is the starting point, the 123 portfolio extends into aged expressions, each offering a unique profile derived from time spent in oak barrels.
Dos (Reposado) – The Rested Expression
123 Organic Tequila Reposado is aged for six months in new, white oak barrels. The term Reposado means ‘rested,’ and this short aging period softens the spirit while imparting subtle oak characteristics without overpowering the agave.
- Aging: 6 months in oak.
- Profile: Retains the fresh agave notes of the Blanco but introduces vanilla, caramel, and light spice. The texture is rounder and warmer.
- Best Use: Excellent for sipping or in cocktails that benefit from a richer, slightly aged flavor, such as an Old Fashioned or a Tequila Manhattan.
Tres (Añejo) – The Aged Expression
123 Organic Tequila Añejo is aged for 18 months in white oak barrels, exceeding the minimum requirement of one year for the Añejo designation. This extended aging process deepens the color and complexity.
- Aging: 18 months in oak.
- Profile: Richer and darker, showcasing notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, tobacco, and toasted nuts. It drinks more like a fine aged whiskey or cognac.
- Best Use: Best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube. It is a true sipping tequila, perfect for post-dinner enjoyment.
Diablito (Extra Añejo) – The Ultra-Premium Expression
For the ultimate expression of aging, the 123 Organic Tequila Extra Añejo Diablito is aged for a minimum of 40 months. This ultra-premium offering represents the pinnacle of the brand’s craftsmanship.
- Aging: Over 3 years in oak.
- Profile: Extremely smooth and complex, with deep flavors of maple, cinnamon, leather, and intense vanilla. It has a long, luxurious finish.
- Best Use: Reserved exclusively for sipping, often compared favorably to the highest quality spirits globally.
Why Choose Certified Organic Tequila in 2025?
Choosing certified organic spirits is increasingly important for health-conscious consumers. Beyond the avoidance of synthetic chemicals in the farming process, organic certification often correlates with higher standards of production and purity.
In the context of gluten-free living, while all 100% agave tequila is safe, selecting an organic, additive-free brand like 123 minimizes the risk of consuming any non-agave components that could potentially cause issues. Furthermore, the focus on sustainable farming practices supports environmental health, a growing concern for consumers making purchasing decisions in 2025.
This dedication to purity is similar to the scrutiny applied when selecting other foundational ingredients, such as choosing the right gluten-free flours for baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 123 Organic Tequila truly 100% agave?
Yes. All expressions of 123 Tequila are made exclusively from 100% certified organic Blue Weber Agave, meaning no other sugars or additives are used in the fermentation or distillation process. This adherence to purity is essential for its premium classification.
What is the significance of the NOM 1480 on the bottle?
NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana (Official Mexican Standard). The number 1480 identifies the distillery where the tequila was produced (El Viejito). This number is a guarantee of authenticity and traceability, ensuring the tequila meets all regulatory standards set by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT).
Does aging affect the gluten-free status of the Reposado and Añejo expressions?
No. The aging process for 123 Tequila involves resting the spirit in oak barrels, which are naturally gluten-free. Since no gluten-containing grains or flavorings are added during or after aging, the Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo expressions remain safe and certified gluten-free.
How should I store 123 Organic Tequila?
Like most spirits, tequila should be stored upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Unlike wine, tequila does not improve with age once bottled, but proper storage ensures the flavor profile remains consistent.
Get Started: Finding 123 Organic Tequila
123 Organic Tequila is widely available through specialized liquor retailers and online distributors committed to carrying high-quality organic spirits. Due to its premium status and organic certification, the price point is generally higher than standard tequilas, reflecting the sustainable farming practices and meticulous production methods.
To explore the full range of Uno, Dos, Tres, and Diablito expressions and locate a retailer near you, visit the official brand website.
Official Company Contact
For consumer inquiries, distribution information, or details regarding the organic certification process, you may contact the brand directly.
- Brand Name: 123 Organic Tequila
- Parent Company: Proximo Spirits (Distributor/Importer)
- Official Website: https://www.123tequila.com/
- Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/123tequila/
References
- Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). Tequila Production Standards and Certification Requirements 2025. 2025. https://www.crt.org.mx/ “Official standards governing tequila production and quality control in Mexico.” — Provides the current regulatory framework for tequila production, including 100% agave and NOM requirements.
- USDA National Organic Program. Organic Standards for Distilled Spirits and Agave Cultivation. 2025. https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program “Updated guidelines for organic certification applied to agricultural products like Blue Weber Agave.” — Details the specific criteria that 123 Tequila must meet to maintain its certified organic status in the United States.
- Spirits Business Review. The Rise of Additive-Free Tequila: Purity and Consumer Demand in 2025. 2025. https://www.spiritsbusiness.com/ “Analysis of the growing market segment focused on additive-free and organic tequila brands.” — Discusses the industry trend toward transparency and the consumer preference for pure, unadulterated spirits like 123 Organic Tequila.
Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Amelia Hayes
