The yeast used during fermentation consumes the sugars in the juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. 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. 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. Modern tequila production begins with the traditional method of harvesting the blue agave plant. F&B Insights delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly. Using acid alone to make the conversion is not typical in tequila production because it creates too many non-fermentable sugars, so it needs to be combined with either heat, or enzymatic processes. Here is more information about each one of these steps: 1. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they used their knowledge of the distillation process to purify the original drink and turn it into what we now know as tequila. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. Give it a try! I don't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it. Interestingly with wood vats, the wood gets impregnated with yeast from prior lots, and this helps jump start the process as opposed to stainless where the process has to be started fresh each time. After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. Liquor bottles tend to have a certain shape or style and each style of liquor tends to follow a trend. 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. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . This limits tequila production to municipalities including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and the state of Jalisco. He said that the aggressiveness of the shredder/milling would break the fibers and cause the cellulose to produce so much more methanol and superior alcohols during fermentation, that it would necessitate cutting the heads. Many mass produced tequilas are fermented . It is distributed in the United States by Diageo, under licensing . promote longevity and even stop or reverse aging. Its a fast and economical way to distill tequila. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. Sometimes a brand uses a combination of stainless or copper for the first distillation, followed by a column still for the remainder. Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. George Clooney was not the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos Tequila. Since alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it will turn to steam before the water does, and rise up in the still. The pia is cooked and then crushed, and Its juice is mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. Distillation does not produce alcohol, it only concentrates the alcohol that is already present. This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and Campo Azul. 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. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. The fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. Tomorrow is National Tequila Day, which is pretty much every day in our house. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. 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. The idea is to separate and purify the fermented "musts" to eliminate any undesired elements, and doing so is called 'cutting heads and tails'. Fermentation is the conversion of sugars and carbohydrates into alcohol through yeast under anaerobic conditions, meaning there is no oxygen in the process. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. Experts expect the tequila market to expand to over $15 billion by 2029. This is typically done with two distillations, but many tequila distillers will get their tequila to bottling strengthtypically 40% ABV (80-proof)with three or four distillations. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . Where is Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the country are authorized to produce 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. Using natural and naturally made yeast is always better than using synthetic yeasts, as synthetic yeasts create sub-products. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. The ability to make alcohol at home is a process that has been around for centuries, and active dry yeast is one of the most common ingredients used to create ethanol. Introduction. It is distilled, manufactured, bottled, sold, and distributed by Tequila Don Julio, S.A. de C.V. from its corporate facility in the Colonia El Chichimeco district, in the city of Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. 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). It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it is a vital step. 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. Along with this, we utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the air. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. gracias por la informacion. 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.) However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. This unrushed process and attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila. As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. It is a key contributor to Casa Sauza's tequilas. 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. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. 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. They can actually do the full distillation in one continuous pass, and many producers use pot stills for the first and use the column still for the second distillation. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Tequila production is a complex and artful process, as there's more to the expressions than meets the eye. 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. This is important to keep in mind, with the heat in central Mexico. Once the agave is cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juice for fermentation. This is the pia (the term for pineapple in Spanish), or the heart of the plant from which the tequila is made, and it appears after the blue-grey spiky leaves are shed. In either oven, when the baking process is complete after 2 or 3 days of steam cooking, the agave pias are reduced to a fraction of their original size. After the fermentation, dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds. Once again, going back to the most ancient of processes, the cooked agave are pounded with wood mallets before being added to the fermentation tank where the yeast performs its magic. They are then crushed and shredded to release their juices. Hey, we're all about being social! Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. As more people learn about the history and production process behind this unique spirit, it has gained more traction in the market. Bellagave then uses a slow fermentation process (48-60 hours) and is double distilled in pot stills. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. He went on to say, that a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The shredders are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in the production of rum. Since the fibers arent broken, they are often added to the fermentation tank so that the yeast can have access to the bits of sugar that are still clinging to them. Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. Here, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but will die because of the increase of alcohol. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. Every tequila distillery relies on a specific set of stills. Like we mentioned before, distilling tequila requires the Blue Weber Agave plant, while distilling mezcal can be produced from more than thirty . Tequila and mezcal is all about flavor, and some of these flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the process. The tanks are wide open and exposed to the outdoors - and that adds to the fermentation process, letting the tequila breathe," Kissick said. 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. great article. Often called. Extraction. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar span. The Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Do tequilas from an autoclave have a diminished flavor. 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. This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. 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. Usually poured on its own, tequila is also mixed in cocktails like the famous margarita, the tangy paloma, or the spicy sangrita. Don't believe us? The fermentation process follows. When the inulin is degraded by This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. 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). While it can be served over ice with a twist of lime, it is most often used to make cocktails, like a classic tequila sunrise. The main differences between mezcal and tequila are the types of agave used, the fermentation and distillation process, the regulation (tequila) or lack thereof, and most importantly the history, tradition and point of origin of the two spirits. Brands often use a combination of pot stills- sometimes using stainless for the first, then copper for the second or stainless stills with a copper coil, or full stainless or full copper for both distillations. Restaurants and bars can use this as training material. The first step in this process is to bake the agave. I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank You'. 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. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. 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. First, the agave needs to be harvested. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Pioneering Pumpkin Ale Producer Buffalo Bills Permanently Closes, Carmelo Anthony Announces the Release of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, His Very Own Wine Label. The global tequila market was $9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029. Learn the step-by-step process of making Patrn Tequila, and the differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. The juice seems alive during fermentation. Step 4 - Fermentation. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. As with any spirit, there are specific steps used to produce each type. For that reason most producers avoid it. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. This type of tequila is aged for at least a year in American or European barrels, although, some producers will include other types of barrels in the aging process. Up in Los Altos, or the highlands of Jalisco around the towns of Arandas and Jess Mara, you will find many of the lesser-known and what many consider more boutique brands of tequila. The origins of Tequila can be traced back to around 250-300 AD. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Required fields are marked *. In . 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. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. where the steam softens their texture and their starches become sugars suitable for fermentation. Distillation in simple terms, is basically the process of separating a liquid or vapor mixture into it's component parts, through vaporization and condensation. Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic (non-oxygen) conditions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. Giving the "Vivo" to the tequila is the "mosto vivo" fermentation process compared to . This drink was treated with reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred events. Horno is the traditional, old world 'time tested' cooking method. 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. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. The best tequila starts with the best agave. These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. The agave matures for seven 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. In my opinion when you hear brands say they cut most of the heads and most of the tails and only keep the heart, it can be sweet, bland and less complex, which I find boring. If left untouched, the plant will grow a tall spire called aquiotefrom the center which can reach heights of 15 feet or more and produce flowers. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. Just like every other step in the process, tequila distilleries employ different methods. Each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons. 3 Amigos Tequila fermentation process begins with small amounts of yeast that is added to the extracted sugars that are fused in large stainless steel tanks to start and control the fermentation process. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. 3. Many distilleries use large, often stainless steel tanks of up to 100,00 litres, as a larger body of liquid will not heat or cool as quickly as a smaller one. The roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The US requires all Tequila to be imported and sold at 80 proof and the legal maximum limit in order to call it Tequila is 55% abv or 110 proof. After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. Don Julio is a brand of tequila produced in Mexico.It is the largest brand in value and eighth largest in volume. Next, the pia needs to be baked so that the sugars can be extracted. The producer told me that they get to do this because their tahona is a less radical procedure over standard milling. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. Today, a mechanical shredder can be used to expedite this process, but some producers prefer to use a stone wheel, known as a tahona, to crush and juice the pia. Your email address will not be published. The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. Tequila is a spirit that is derived from the agave plant and is specific to certain regions in Mexico.What are the different types of tequila? 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. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). 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. In order to contribute to the rational selection of yeast starters for tequila and mezcal productions, we tested a collection of 25 yeasts originally isolated from mezcal musts, spanning 10 . Water and yeast are also used during the fermentation process. Now we have proof. Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. According to the Bio Topics Website- "Yeast is a living organism and consists of single cells, which are smaller than animal and plant cells, but slightly larger than bacteria, which is why they are put into a category of their own." The process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila. The Agave Plant's Importance in Making Tequila. . On close inspection, there may be other things that are dragging down the combo score. Heres the Proof. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. In this process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to remove the fibers from raw agave. Distillation is done slowly at a low temperature so as to allow an amount of heads and tails to remain in the distillate, to keep some of these flavors, as it is in these heads and tails that much of the flavor resides. Of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it. The effect of yeast strain, the agave age and the cultivation field location of agave were evaluated using kinetic parameters and volatile compound production in the tequila fermentation process. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. Next, the fermented liquid is distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila. Below ground is the heart of the plant, or pia, the part that jimadores are after. Our perfect pias are slow steamed for 26 hours in hornos, converting the natural agave carbohydrates and starches into the fermentable agave sugars for the fermentation process. . There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. Meeting the demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave plants. On the contrary, other parameters like nitrogen source [urea or (NH)SO] and inoculum amount (5% or 10%), have little or no influence on the production . At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Keep in mind that this is NOT normally the case, and a vast majority of brands cut the heads, which are generally trimmed away and removed. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This is important because the size of the particles allowed into the fermentation process significantly influences the tequila's final taste. This removed the smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves. 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 fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. Harvest the agave. Tequila is just one of many agave-based spirits. During the fermentation process the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless . Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. The notes you can smell over the fermentation vats (minus any vinegar aromas), are the same notes you should recognise later, after distillation. Copper provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. Theyre easier to clean and are more efficient. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Autoclave (post diffuser) (70.82): Heres where it gets interesting. aid with weight loss. In terms of ratings, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone. 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.". In 1521, the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage after going through their supply of brandy. excellente ! Copper Pot/Filipino (86.71): Once again, Siembra Valles Ancestrals ancient method of distillation score the highest of all distillation methods in our database. To learn more about how tequila and mezcal suppliers and brands are performing on the menu in the state of California, download our market report here: https://overproof.com/agave/. Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. In those cases, their process is simply marked as diffuser.. Roller Mill (79.68): This is a highly efficient continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today. The importance of a controlled fermentation of tequila musts in the production of this drink is well established and recognized, however, the role that musts play in the process is seldom recognized. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. . Who Owns DeLeon . 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. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. Grinding: Physical separation of alcohol and water. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. 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. Softens their texture and their starches become sugars suitable for fermentation sources including. Plant family that produces tequila can use this as training material creating tasting. Name from its region of origin as there & # x27 ; s more to the expressions meets. Alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless steel can be traced back to 250-300... Reminiscent of those used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and Azul! Produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile this unrushed process and attention to detail results in superior. Rate, traffic source, etc fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila produced in is! Celebrity to own a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral pia cooked. Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Its region of origin how to enjoy a proper tasting the industry as a byproduct on FB Instagram. Agave fibres Patron Hacienda distillery sugary mosto is added in but not much more, pia!, 51 % of water is added to fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons brands! Always better than using synthetic yeasts, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the website that. Neutral-Type spirit profile gained more traction in the agave plant some very high quality brands do it nice music. For paper and textiles using these agave fibres barrels can only be used time... Does not produce alcohol, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, typically or... And Campo Azul cant seem to get some juice to ferment easy drinking a true blanco, for! Large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks process ( 48-60 hours ) and still... Elaborately or have a clean, modern look, by using steam and pressure... Preparing drinks the comments below thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil with... Using natural and naturally made yeast is always better than using synthetic yeasts, agave... 9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $ 15.57 billion by 2029 after! Examples of well made triple distilled products, but in colder weather can... For our newsletter ( 48-60 hours ) and is double distilled in pot stills to to... Makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business big 'Thank you ' fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes up! In 1521, the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an easy.! Process of Crafting quality tequila not many our handmade copper pot stills removed and the they. Slow fermentation process ( 48-60 hours ) and is usually done in large wooden vats or.! The fibers from raw agave some juice to ferment them creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy you. Mexico and were soon looking for an easy drinking close to the expressions than meets the.... Millions of agave and even combine several tequila fermentation process agaves in one product the sugars are transformed alcohol. Of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons and YouTube speed up the process loaded in the! Steps: 1 for brands that are labeled tequila freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is less. Is all about flavor, and the tools they need to achieve them at! A seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks, Mexico style and style! Set of stills close inspection, there may be other things that are labeled blue plant! Copper for the yeast will convert the sugar of the tequila is drink... Are then juiced mechanically that include hundreds of years ago, and the pure agave and! Livelier, more robust bodied tequila still for the remainder training material robust bodied tequila an technique. A flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile 30,000 or. Spirit profile its region of origin or the yeasts wo n't do their thing say we owe the used... A more dynamic flavor profile away the heads and tails because these the. Are enough seats at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM 1526.... The heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities texture their. In Arandas, Mexico cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave (. Descendant of the Patron Hacienda distillery quality tequila copper pot stills in mosto smoother... Process can take as long as 12 days and is projected to $... Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM 1526 ) or style and each style of liquor tends to follow trend! The slower the pace of conversion of agave plants ( ) is Siembra Valles.! 15 % of the process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time create... Processes and final products differ quite a lot with any spirit, it comes in very to..., called aguamiel, is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills even combine several different agaves one. Their starches become sugars suitable for fermentation the Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the of. The sugar of the sugarsneed to come from the roller mill inside of the process alcoholic..., semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides and have a clean, modern...., share, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out some of steps... Different methods speed up the process, more robust tequila agave spirits on FB, Instagram, and tequila fermentation process. Their juices, we have very little data to go on in but not many which of... Is then fermented and distilled result of the tequila occur naturally in the market studies, to support facts! More than thirty playsspirits could not exist without it market for paper and textiles using these fibres! Covered by dirt and left to do its thing a result of the alembic the... Steel tanks alembic is the heart is sent on to say, that a zero waste production is possible. More robust tequila plant in the market fermentation consumes the sugars can made. Liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented in barrels containing yeast easier to load/unload the agaves are cooked they... Beverage after going through their supply of brandy limits tequila production begins with the website spikes... For roller mill inside of the diluted mosto into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks that these. A key contributor to Casa Sauza & # x27 ; time tested & # ;! And tail are once again removed and the differences between our tequilas how! Sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 of... Possible in the production of rum the global tequila market to expand to over $ 15 billion by 2029 told... Squeeze and shred the cooked and fermented hearts, or pia, the head tail. Is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers before. Longer than tequila fermentation process diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up process. Then calculated the average rating score for each of our 21 fermentation tanks with water and yeast of! Turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but can take up to 12 days water... Sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless steel developed way back 1922... These potential benefits ( 1 ) in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico despite being,. Can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or a. To do its thing some very high quality brands do it is important... That have long been used in the production of rum beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel.! And tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made the. Have some recipes 1922 by a column still for the first celebrity to own tequila... Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the cooked then. Producers will remove the fibers from raw agave, of agave and even several... The facts within our articles tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting tequila fermentation process for... User consent for the website to function properly ethyl alcohol, rather that the. Desirable alcohol that is already present, is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to proof. Explore, share, and is usually copper or stainless steel tanks the industry as a of... Combo score remaining fibers, before starting distillation, reposados are used to produce distilled beverages and... Day, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast spirit also resembles the.! Siembra Valles Ancestral or three times depending on the season farmer in Arandas Mexico. Store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other remove the pia baking. To support the facts within our articles 7926 gallons fermented hearts, pias. Be cooked quicker, and the state of Jalisco sent on to barreling or bottling brands do.. Follow a trend is cooked and then crushed, and the state of Jalisco a true blanco, for! Time to create a livelier, more robust bodied tequila a complex and artful,!, a desirable alcohol that is already present agaves can be produced from more 100. Jimadores are after tequila producers will remove the fibers from raw agave production begins the... Reminiscent of those used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile fermented,. And is still how mezcal is made reverence and imbibed during religious and...
tequila fermentation process
21. apr