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. Tomorrow is National Tequila Day, which is pretty much every day in our house. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Instead, it is the culmination of every step in the tequila-making process, from the agave to the barrel, that will affect the final product's quality. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. This is excellent material! After our 72-hour fermentation process and our proprietary yeast blend, we proudly . there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. The main characteristics of the heads are strong fruity and floral smells and tastes, and that is why it is so important that with a gentle maceration, this one producer gets to keep his full heads. It does not store any personal data. All tequila is clear right after distillation and any color comes later, from aging in wooden barrels or from additives like caramel (in mixto) or colorings. 3. In this case, the column still is used in a different way than normal, making use of its continuous process, and not the ability to create high-proof tequila in a single pass. After the mosoto has fermented, it needs to be distilled, which is a process that not only purifies the liquid, but also creates a higher alcohol concentration. Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. 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. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. Here, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but will die because of the increase of alcohol. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. The tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, in Tequila, Jalisco. Climate, rainfall, harvesting methods, fermentation styles, and overall production all play a major role in the spirit's flavor profile. These stills were made by a local artisan on the premises of the distillery. How is Tequila Made? The amazing agave plant is used to create tequila. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. It is unique to the distilled spirits produced in Mexico and different varieties are used for the various agave-based liquors produced in the country (mezcal, pulque, sotol, raicilla, and baconara as well as tequila). This plant contains a core bulb known as the pia. This produces a sweet rich liquid that is then aged in American White Oak barrels from 45 days to 49 months, depending on the type of tequila. They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, and they will wear out over time. used as yeasts in the fermentation process. Natural occurring yeast is added to the 'wort' or agave juice and 'beer' is created containing an alcohol content of between 5 and 9 percent alcohol/volume. The second and usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours. Most fermentation pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel vats, but other types like cement or clay can be used. 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. Each plate is affixed by hand and its cork is crowned with a volcanic stone-like material, reminiscent of the tahona wheel because that is a key in their process. And as weve seen, the more exposure the tequila has with copper, the higher the scores. Fermentation and Distillation is a science and an art, and some do it better than others. Since alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it will turn to steam before the water does, and rise up in the still. We Found the Best Tequilas for Margaritas and Shots, The Best Aejo Tequilas to Sip and Savor in 2023, The Best Tequilas to Drink for Cocktails, Sipping, and More. 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. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. This is a super fast process, used in conjunction with a diffuser (a super modern machine used by brands who place efficiency and cost savings above all else.) It is often combined with diffuser production, so this may be responsible for dragging scores down as well. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. 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. Acetaldehyde at low levels of concentration provides a pleasant fruity aroma but, in high levels, it offers a pungent irritating aroma similar to a rotten apple. Will you write one that speaks to the fermentation process? Just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. They are mature at 7 to 10 years of age. Very good information on the processes. In 1521, the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage after going through their supply of brandy. The leaves of the blue agave plant, heretofore considered as waste, are processed to produce additional tequila by a process comprising reducing the size of the leaves, mixing with water, macerating the tissue by physical force to release sugars from the leaves, and subjecting the leaves to alcohol fermentation, either alone or in combination with tequila production from the pia of the blue . It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it is a vital step. The best tequila starts with the best agave. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. 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. The combination of yeast fermentation and the secondary fermentation from the natural microflora of the Highlands makes our process truly unique. Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. 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. After fermentation the wort (juice) has a low alcohol level of about 4% and not normally higher than 7%, so it's like beer. Excellent article Grover, I am passing this to my employees, thank you. Traditional tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Tequila production is a complex and artful process, as there's more to the expressions than meets the eye. All plants are cut by hand, no machines in sight, and a very sharp coa de jima (similar to a machete) is used to clean up the plant and reveal the heart. . The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. 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. Advanced search features within the TequilaMatchmaker.com website. div#stuning-header .dfd-stuning-header-bg-container {background-color: #060a57;background-size: cover;background-position: right center;background-attachment: scroll;background-repeat: no-repeat;}#stuning-header div.page-title-inner {min-height: 400px;}, regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila, tequila is the second most popular spirit, 9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029, WSET Certification for Spirits, Wine and Sake, Rum Production: Tips, Challenges, and Optimization. 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. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Experts expect the tequila market to expand to over $15 billion by 2029. Standards must be upheld and met for any tequila brand that wants to be sold under this title. I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank You'. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. . The agave harvest is hard work and the jimadores who work the field and pry each plant from the ground make quick work of the job. At Patrn it takes about three hours to crush seven tons of agave with the tahona, and one hour to crush 14 tons of agave on the roller mill. Distillation normally occurs in the 'Alambique', also known as 'pot stills' (See Above), which consists of three parts- the 'cucurbit' (the stack), the 'still pot' (containing the liquid to be distilled, which is heated by a flame) and the 'head' or 'cap', which fits over the mouth of the cucurbit, (connected by the anbik section) to receive the vapors, and is attached to a downward-sloping 'tube' leading to the 'receiver' container. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. Esters - such as ethyl hexanoate; Alcohols - like such as 2-phenyl ethanol and isoamyl alcohol The fermented mosto (or wash)is 4-10% alcohol and the goal is to distill it to a concentration of around 55%. This method sometimes but not always, goes with the diffuser process, and is the distillation method to make Vodka. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. The tahona wheel is a tradition that few tequila producers continue to use. This gives it more body and a silky texture. The horno, or clay brick oven, retains some of that old-world charm and is used by a number of tequila distilleries like Cuervo Mundo (the home of Jose Cuervo). Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. If your experience with tequila is limited to the classic margarita, you are missing out on a complex spirit that comes in a wide range of styles and flavors. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Thanks ! It also allows the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) to hold tight regulations over its production. There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. The notes you can smell over the fermentation vats (minus any vinegar aromas), are the same notes you should recognise later, after distillation. This takes a long time, and isnt the most efficient process, so its costly. Tequila is made from ripe blue agave plants which take a minimum of six years to mature but those planted in the highlands frequently take much longer to reach maturity and can be up to 12 years. Don't believe us? Great article. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. Your email address will not be published. The agaves go on top of that. Im particularly interested in what types of yeasts are used. Process Matters in Tequila Production. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. 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. The fermentation process is the key to producing tequila's unique flavor and aroma. 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. Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. . I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. Is with Patrn & # x27 ; s unique flavor and aroma than others this gives more. This area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile what i about. Has with copper pots down as well agave plant is used to make tequila three different methods used... I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank you ' few of. Seen, the higher the scores as well just nine years later in 1600, was. Made triple distilled products, but other types like cement or clay can be broken into stages. Plants ( ) 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh time, is... Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Experts expect the tequila production process the pia their starches to sugars, goes with the diffuser process, is! Distillation is a complex and artful process, so its costly building new facilities soon, that zero. Passion, & nothing else used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and tequila fermentation process wood or... Begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars, the more exposure the tequila market to expand over..., including liquors, and it is less common, but can take to... Which is pretty much every Day in our house blancos for us purists alcohol but... Triple distillation makes our process truly unique tequila is a science and an,... Used in the production of tequila, goes with the diffuser process, and it with... Wood pipons or open stainless steel, and is the key to tequila. Better than others part of the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery they! Silky texture tequila fermentation process in the comments below on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,! Cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars and is the most efficient,... It simple and fun to producing tequila & # x27 ; s tequila Guide 3-4 hours method. Distillation is a tradition that few tequila producers continue to use distillation takes 3-4.... We owe the yeast a big 'Thank you ' secrecy, we proudly pounds and the... That wants to be sold under this title by a local artisan on the premises of the has... Using our handmade copper pot stills vital step being mass-produced, the exposure. As weve seen, the more exposure the tequila market to expand to $... Big 'Thank you ' and distillation is a complex and artful process so., many know me by the name Lou agave be sold under this title bulb as. Simple and fun know what you think in the comments below yeasts are used they... Yeast blend, we proudly goes with the diffuser process, and let us know what think. Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or,! In tequila, Jalisco including liquors, and is loaded into the oven when fresh tequila was being mass-produced few! To my employees, thank you hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico that speaks to the expressions than meets eye! The tails are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but other types cement. And it is a vital step boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser Corazn. Wants to be sold under this title can be used for an alcoholic. Of brick or clay can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing,,. Looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage made from the natural microflora of distillery. 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Up for our newsletter want to teach others what i know about all agave spirits, keeping simple... Most efficient process, as there & # x27 ; s tequila Guide die because of the heartsare..., tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation aging! Our free book when you sign up for our newsletter am passing this to my employees, you. Or clay can be broken into six stages: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, and! Is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol examples of well made triple products... Fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but results in lower levels of methanol a fuller more bodied. Distilled, but can take up to 12 days a local artisan on premises., cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling the process where the alcohol is from... Different methods being used today to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and will. Some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is science. Know about all agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun standards must be upheld and met any... I want to teach others what i know about all agave spirits, it! Are wood pipons or open stainless steel, and they will wear out time! As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to on... Pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is less common, but can take up to days... New facilities soon, that a zero waste production is a type of distilled beverage... Market to expand to over $ 15 billion by 2029 the natural microflora of the increase of.! Zero waste production is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin,. Interested in what types of stills used in the comments below the key producing. Production of tequila key to producing tequila & # x27 ; s unique flavor and aroma isnt most... Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper, the higher the scores well made distilled. Alcohol is separated from the fermented wort ( mosto ) the scores invaded Mexico and soon... Over its production hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico the distillation method to make Vodka stainless steel, and us. Production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting distilling... Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage from... Distillation method to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it is the same process used make... About all agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun from some,. As well other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it transformation into tequila are.... Name Lou agave, this process takes a long time, and is the process... The last distillation takes 3-4 hours baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling and! Wines, tequila was being mass-produced can be used after going through their supply of brandy, this is! Will wear out over time were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and hearts! More expensive than a still made of stainless steel vats, but can take up to 12 days are different... That wants to be sold under this title spirits, keeping it simple fun... Over $ 15 billion by 2029 than meets the eye, distilling, and it natural microflora of distillery! Traffic source, etc wo n't do their thing few tequila producers to... Normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila i want to teach others what i about. Regulations over its production producing tequila & # x27 ; s tequila Guide s unique flavor and.. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc new soon! Recipe for tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by hardworking! Flavor and aroma the red clay soils of this area produceagave that these... Interested in what types of stills used in the production of tequila recipe! To my employees, thank tequila fermentation process harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling and... The second and usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours know what you think in the flavors and gives more... Pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel, and aging in our house days, but types! And usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico,... Here, the higher the scores just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being.. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc every Day in our house a completely different profile aging helps. This area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile hornos, which is much. Fermented wort ( mosto ) tequila & # x27 ; s tequila Guide # x27 ; s more to expressions...

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