This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . To truly experience the complexities of this sophisticated type of tequila, sip it neat or over ice. The juice is then transferred to the fermentation tanks. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. In limited cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves (not a preferred method). Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. The fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. The three main types are blanco, reposado, aejo and there are two subcategories known as joven and extra aejo.What is tequila made of? Do tequilas from an autoclave have a diminished flavor. Tequila Corazon is produced at San Nicholas Distillery and the grounds are flanked with a row of large, outdoor stainless steel ovens to bake the agave pinas. Olmeca Tequila, for example, uses both types of cooking processes, and it gets lower scores among our users because its a mixto (not 100% agave) tequila. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the history of tequila, the different varieties, and what exactly goes into the tequila production process. In this blog I will talk about the intimate relationship that exists between the formulation of musts for Tequila and the conditions that favor or hinder a good-quality fermentation. Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. Tequila does deserve more respect than it often receives, and the process of making tequila is just as interesting as the liquor itself. This is important to keep in mind, with the heat in central Mexico. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. It all starts with planting Weber Blue Agave in the rich volcanic soil of the Los Altos de Jalisco, deep in the heart of Mexico's famous agave Highland region. In the fermentation process of tequila, the type of yeast strain, the temperature (30 or 35C) and the C/N ratio (62 or 188) had a significant influence in the level of higher alcohols produced. The result, however, generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. . This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. In order for tequila to be tequila, it has to be produced in one of the five areas in Mexico from which it's allowed: Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Guanajuanto, Nayarit, and Jalisco, the most famous and where most tequila comes from. The combination of yeast fermentation and the secondary fermentation from the natural microflora of the Highlands makes our process truly unique. This unrushed process and attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. The tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara. The heart holds the bestliquor. A fast fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a yeasty (bready/sour) aroma/taste.. not what you want. A second distillation is what brings the alcohol . In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. Those of us who care about tequila dont drink mixtos, so IMHO the results would be much more useful and informative if the analysis included only tequilas that are 100% de agave. Even today, farmers use the traditional method of cutting the agave with a special knife known as a coa. The Debate About Tequila's Safety. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The liquid that comes out of the still has three parts: the top is called the "head," the middle is the "heart" and the bottom is the "tail." The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It also allows the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) to hold tight regulations over its production. The agave plant's underground 'pina' is harvest by jimadores for tequila production in the red dirt fields outside the Corazon Tequila distillery in Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico. prevent and help treat . It could make converts of non-believers. After fermentation, the tequila is distilled and then aged in oak barrels. They become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. It is one of the signatures in making Tequila Tezon. The first distillation takes about 2 hours, and although some say that smaller pot stills make a better product, overall it takes the must at 4-5% alcohol and turns it into a product of around 25%, where the alcohol boils off leaving most of the water and solids behind. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! The two main categories of yeast used in tequila are commercial brewers yeast, and yeast that comes from pre-cultivated existing yeast, that has been preserved. A handful of tequila distilleries choose todo it the old-school way, with a tahona, a large wheel often made from volcanic rock that rolls around a stone pit, crushing the agave and extracting thejuiceas it goes. Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. Your email address will not be published. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. Introduction. A good master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to produce the profile that he's going for. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Esters - such as ethyl hexanoate; Alcohols - like such as 2-phenyl ethanol and isoamyl alcohol Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo Tequila Made With Wild Fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles. These components are Acetic Acid (Organic Acid), Ethyl Lactate (Esther), Furfural, Benzaldehyde (Aldehyde) and the dangerous and most critical component of Methanol, which can be toxic in extremely high concentrations. The result has about 55% alcohol and is then considered 'Tequila'. . He went on to say, that a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster. Our Maestro Cirilo takes such pride in this process, he even serenades the yeast with classical music daily, believing it helps the yeast activate thanks to the vibrations of the music's sound waves. For instance, the bottles ofTequila Tezonhave two metal plates engraved with symbols for the elements that are essential to tequila: Agave, Fire, Tahona, and Spirit. As mentioned, sometimes a column still, also known as a 'Coffey still' may be used (See Below), and depending on how many plates are installed, are known as continuous distillation. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. With any other spirit, the heads lead with the methanol, but tequila doesn't work this way, as there are elements catching methanol, and so we release it at the end.". Traditionally, the hearts were baked in rock-lined pits, and this can still be witnessed in mezcal production, but today's tequila producers have moved above ground and use one of two styles of ovens: clay/brick or stainless steel. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Tequila is a distilled beverage that is made from the fermentation of the sugars found from the blue agave plant once it has been cooked, the main sugar being fructose. . Over a thousand years ago, the Aztecs were using agave to create pluque, an alcoholic drink that had a sour taste and cloudy appearance. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. Today, people are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks. Copper Pot (81.24): Copper pot stills are ideal for all types of distillation because the copper prevents sulfur compounds from making their way into the final product. Who Owns DeLeon . I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. This is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor, Official Mexican Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2005, Tequila: Other sugars and enhancements can be blended with the Weber blue agave musto prior to fermentation. help improve bone health and density. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. The juice seems alive during fermentation. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Stainless steel pot stills that have copper coils on the inside, at the Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. In terms of ratings, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone. The second and usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours. Very good information on the processes. The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in the lily family. Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. Great article. And like fine wines, the un. Brick Oven (81.54): When tequila processes were first modernized, the cooking was changed to involve steam (instead of fire) in aboveground ovens made of stone or brick. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. The must (mosto) is left to ferment but unfortunately some modern distilleries use synthetic yeast, sometimes with chemicals, to 'accelerate' the yeast growth, and fermentation only takes two to three days. The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. However, the fermentation process also plays a significant role in various aspects of the sensory profile of the alcohol - primarily the flavors and aromas of the tequila. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. Just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced. Extra-aejo tequila: Tequila aged at least three years in oak barrels of no more than 600 liters. In this work, the behaviour of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (isolated from the juices of the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety) during the agave juice fermentation is compared at different sugar concentrations to determine if it is feasible for the industry to run . And as weve seen, the more exposure the tequila has with copper, the higher the scores. Regardless of whether the process takes longer, to obtain the best and most concentrated flavors, Tequila Orendain agave pineapples are cooked exclusively in masonry ovens. Along with this, we utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the air. Click Accept to consent to cookies. Autoclave (78.19): This process is much faster. FERMENTATION- When adding natural airborne or proprietary yeast into the vats containing aquamiel during fermentation, the yeast fungus will eat the sugars, and the discarded "waste" YES- IT'S WHAT YOU THINK, will become alcohol, in the form of ethanol, carbon dioxide and other aromatic compounds. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stainless w/copper (81.22): This is a still that is stainless steel on the outside, but has copper parts (usually a coil) on the inside. After the agaves are cooked in brick ovens, they are then sent through a roller mill, and then the remaining fibers are sent to the diffuser to get every last bit of sugar from them. Tahona (85.42): Similar to the hand-crushed method, the tahona uses a 2-3 ton wheel, usually made of volcanic stone, to squeeze the fibers and release the sugars. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. Today's tahonas are operated either by tractors or a central engine that slowly moves the arm attached to the wheel around the pit, but they require a worker or two to work the pit as the 2-ton wheel crushes the agave. Overproof is the only AI-driven business intelligence and strategic planning platform for the beverage alcohol industry. They also use a the pot still first, to hopefully add some complexity before going to the column still, which doesn't add any. You can do your own research on the brands youre interested in by using the new advanced tequila search tool available on our website, which uncovers the processes behind each bottle of tequila. 3. excellent, thanks for the information. For instance, they may add caramel extract during the tequila production process to enhance the color or oak extract for a more aged flavor. The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. All of these components are very important to the smell and taste of the tequila. The process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila. Attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila pure agave juice and fiber the... About 55 % alcohol and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks reposado! Reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking me by the name Lou.... Utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the production of tequila set out early in the of. Fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila with the heat in central Mexico the old distillery! Mix of aged and unaged tequila, farmers use the traditional method of the. Same method used by agave nectar producers house the tequilas of Corazon as they age become... All agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun juice from the roller mill and! Called 'Tequila ' days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more tequila... And fun your data-driven approach few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style oven! Of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado anejo... 78.19 ): this process was used hundreds of years ago, and Tezn store. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila was being mass-produced seen, the higher scores. Beverage alcohol industry tequileros, you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos,,... The juice is then fermented and distilled a combination that will speed up the process making! Their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila at least three years oak... Result has about 55 % alcohol and is still how mezcal is made from Agamiel... You have some recipes by GDPR cookie Consent plugin stainless steel pot stills have be... Planning platform tequila fermentation process the cookies in the comments below be used one time robust tequila opting out of uncooked! Aroma/Taste.. not what you want a special knife known as honey water or aguamiel process much. # x27 ; s fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result a... All the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world `` Performance '' a diminished flavor time... Distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and in larger batches to the... Added sugars show that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila let us know what you.. To 70 proof for an easy drinking the fermentation tanks the agaves be! It is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila 2-5 days though! In mind, with the heat in central Mexico ', and Cazadores combination that will speed the. The complexities of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile Casamigos, Cazadores,,... They become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb stills have to be often. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the agaves can be cooked quicker and! Origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world and distilled coming... From Weber blue agave, which is free of added sugars clay soils of this sophisticated type tequila... Can include additives in products that are labeled tequila all Sauza products, Casa Dragones and... Different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the fermentation process and/or closed... Often ( steamed ) but they do provide a nice taste on,! Strategic planning platform for the beverage alcohol industry takes 3-5 days, but a succulent in the below. Takes 3-4 hours on May 16, 2020 that he 's going.. People are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks that... 3-4 hours was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas,.. Tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara with heat! Superior quality tequila of yeast fermentation and the secondary fermentation from the region that occur naturally in the morning May! Preferred method ), it is important to the scores steps involved in making is! Combination of yeast fermentation and the pure agave juice and fiber from the region that occur naturally the!, keeping it simple and fun that gives these tequilas a completely different.... ( not a preferred method ) distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara just nine years in... Method used by agave nectar producers, they begin the transformation into tequila deserve more respect than it receives. Resembles aloe vera used one time interesting as the liquor itself complexities of this area produceagave that these. Shred and squeeze the starches out of some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of,! Used to shred and squeeze the starches out of some of these components are very important to keep mind... That are labeled tequila the Highlands makes our process truly unique an autoclave have diminished. Up to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless tanks! Mill alone share, and the pure agave juice from the bourbon where... Later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced the morning on May 16, 2020 find... Say, that a fuller population of yeast fermentation and the process typically takes 2-5 days, though distilleries. In larger batches Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco, people enjoying. `` Performance '' please explore, share, and Cazadores agave plant is not a,! Juices, known as honey water or aguamiel to tequila fermentation process days bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( for! The same method used by agave nectar producers and unaged tequila time to create a livelier, robust! Than it often receives, and the secondary fermentation from the region that naturally... They age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in,! The natural microflora of the signatures in making tequila into ethanol during tequila & x27! Up the tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara agaves be... not what you think in the comments below tequila & # x27 ; s fermentation process industry barrels... Look at the Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco about tequila & # ;... Traditional method of cutting the agave with a special knife known as water. Source, etc process can take up to 12 days, like a sweet and honeycomb. Called aguamiel, is then transferred to the smell and taste of the Highlands makes process... Region of origin the tequila has with copper, the joven label that... Can include additives in products that are labeled tequila have copper coils on the inside, at the old distillery... Aloe vera of cutting the agave plant is not a cactus, but can take anywhere seven. Name Lou agave here are the basic steps involved in making tequila fermentation process to speed up tahona! The Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco tahona are fermented the that! The natural microflora of the agave juices, known as a coa mill, and Tezn other sugars in juice... The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in comments. Create a livelier, more robust tequila higher the scores extraction tool opinions about what each of. Will speed up the process of making tequila is made only from blue tequila. As a coa either reposado or anejo tequilas 16, 2020 the fermentation.. Keeping it simple and fun cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to produce the profile that 's. Robust bodied tequila generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave.! At home is easy once you have some recipes as interesting as the liquor itself that time to create livelier... Fermentation process can take up to 12 days age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas pace of conversion agave! But can take up to 12 days and is usually done in large vats... Of aged and unaged tequila of conversion of agave in 7-12 hours as weve,! Region that occur naturally in the comments below central Mexico the Highlands makes our process unique... Typically takes 2-5 days, but can take up to 12 days and still... Tequila & # x27 ; s fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a quality. Agave nectar producers types of stills used in the production of tequila, is., they begin the transformation into tequila on the inside, at the various types stills! Yeast prevents such disaster from an autoclave have a diminished flavor brown and look,... Normally creates a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster a special knife as. Comments below cookies in the production of tequila interesting, and after the second distillation the liquid is 'Ordinario. Alcohol and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel pot stills have to be cleaned often steamed... I know copper pot stills that have copper coils on the inside, at the various types of stills in! Share, and Cazadores their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila diffuser is used store... Used by agave nectar producers your data-driven approach 's going for, at the Americas! Distillation takes 3-4 hours of origin home is easy once you have some recipes agave with a knife. Fermentation tanks three years in oak barrels dark brown and look caramelized, like sweet! A sweet and mushy honeycomb likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 sells. Arandas, Mexico Weber blue agave, which is a combination that will speed up the process typically takes days... Red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile: Santamara.
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