Very informative.. Its basically like,Do you perfer Filet Mignon or do you want baloney? Sometimes a brand uses a combination of stainless or copper for the first distillation, followed by a column still for the remainder. 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). Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. The result has about 55% alcohol and is then considered 'Tequila'. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. The main distinction between tequila and mezcal are that they each use a different type of Agave plant for the fermentation process and that they are both distilled in separate areas of Mexico. This process is natural and may be the only part of the procedure that man does not totally control. This involves placing the mosoto and yeast in wooden barrels or stainless steel tanks for anywhere from 3-12 days. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. You may also know this type of tequila as silver. We took every rating within the Tequila Matchmaker app database (48,345 in total) and analyzed them based on three different steps in the production process: Cooking/Hydrolysis; Extraction; and Distillation. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . The result, however, generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone. I believe it is acceptable to add a very small amount of water to get the tequila from say 114 proof or less to 110 proof or the same to get to 80 proof, and still be considered 'distilled to proof'. Official Mexican Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2005. 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. The tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, in Tequila, Jalisco. 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. Once tequila is obtained, the remaining material known as 'vinaza', is discarded. Usually for every liter of tequila distilled, ten liters of hot liquid (known as vinaza) and five to ten kilograms of fibrous agave plant (known as bagasse) are leftover, so most of the distillate is not used, and is discarded. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. Your email address will not be published. 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 . As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. Smoking underground imparts a smoky aroma and flavor because wood or charcoal is put at the base of a pit, covered by rocks (usually lava stones). Where a batch of tequila goes after the still room is determined by the final product it is destined to be. Each barrel imparts different notes to the finished tequila and is carefully selected by the distillery. I am totally independent & honest. Often but not always, Tequila sold in Mexico is sold at 35-38% abv, but all imports to the US must be 40% abv (80 proof). Extraction: Process of crushing and rinsing cooked agave to separate sugar from fiber. The global tequila market was $9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029. In terms of ratings, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone. Among those is the Olmeca Distillery where Tequila Tezon is produced, Tequila Tapatio, the producers of El Tesoro de Don Felipe, as well as the distillery producing Patron Tequila. This is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. 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's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. The juice that is extracted from the pias is then combined with water and yeast and allowed to ferment. Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). TEQUILA is uniquely distilled from the Blue Weber Agave plant (or blue agave) in the Asparagaceae . George Clooney was not the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos Tequila. From there, the tequila is ready to be aged. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. The juice seems alive during fermentation. 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. Going through the second round will create a clear silver liquid. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. When acid is used during the conversion process, it can take as little as 4 hours to complete. 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 limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. Another example is the Phenols, which cause the spicy and sometimes medicinal notes. Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. Sourcing the Agave. Advanced search features within the TequilaMatchmaker.com website. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. Agave fields are everywhere in Jalisco and come harvest time, you will see in the jimadores (field workers) removing what looks like a giant, spiky pineapple from the ground. Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. To truly experience the complexities of this sophisticated type of tequila, sip it neat or over ice. Introduction. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . 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. In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. The second and usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours. This process can take from days to weeks depending on the yeast, the sugar content, and the environmental conditions. Its production takes place during the first stages of the fermentation process and in many cases, parallel to the formation of ethanol. However, I would MUCH rather see the same analysis done including only puros. In 1975, Spains King Carlos IV issued the first commercial license to produce tequila to the Cuervo family. 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." Mosto is added to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected into a flask. 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. This limits tequila production to municipalities including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and the state of Jalisco. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. 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. Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from cooked Agave spp. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in the lily family. THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. Today, people are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks. First Distillation: Physical separation of the alcohol from the agave pulp and juice, producing what is known as "Ordinary" Tequila. 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. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). It is a great debate; some people will compare the modern autoclave to a microwave and the brick oven to using a traditional oven in your kitchen. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. Grinding: Physical separation of alcohol and water. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. This method sometimes but not always, goes with the diffuser process, and is the distillation method to make Vodka. May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. It is in the still room where tequila becomes tequila. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Your email address will not be published. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. The combination of yeast fermentation and the secondary fermentation from the natural microflora of the Highlands makes our process truly unique. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. A fast fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a yeasty (bready/sour) aroma/taste.. not what you want. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. After fermentation, the tequila is distilled and then aged in oak barrels. The word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates . at patrn:two parallel processes. . The tanks are wide open and exposed to the outdoors - and that adds to the fermentation process, letting the tequila breathe," Kissick said. 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 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. Learn the step-by-step process of making Patrn Tequila, and the differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting. Any agave-based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it cannot be calledtequila. 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. Harvest the agave. To turn the mosoto into a spirit, it has to go through the fermentation process. At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. . The use of either type of yeast can result in different taste profiles. Using acid and/or enzymes, hydrolysis can occur without any heat at all. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Roller Mill/Tahona (79.1): Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, and Olmeca Altos does. excellent, thanks for the information. Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar span. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. 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? This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tequila Matchmaker, our free app for iPhone and Android, can detect your own individual "flavor fingerprint" and match you with tequilas that are right for you (and then tell you where to find them.) If you want to forego these additives and drink pure tequila, look for bottles labeled 100% agave.. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. During fermentation, the alcohol content of the tequila increases and the flavor and aroma of the tequila develop. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. 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. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. 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 juice is then transferred to the fermentation tanks. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Maturation, if needed, is carried out in white oak barrels to . Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. It is distributed in the United States by Diageo, under licensing . 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. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. help control blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. Autoclave/Brick Oven combination (72.42): Some products will mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. This drink was treated with reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred events. 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. True tequila is made from blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. Heres the Proof. Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. Water and yeast are also used during the fermentation process. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. Step 2. Distillation in simple terms, is basically the process of separating a liquid or vapor mixture into it's component parts, through vaporization and condensation. What remains is a slurry of uncooked starches and inulin, which is then pumped into an autoclave where the conversion to sugar is achieved using heat (sometimes with the assistance of acid.). Usually poured on its own, tequila is also mixed in cocktails like the famous margarita, the tangy paloma, or the spicy sangrita. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Fermenting the Agave Juice; The fermentable sugars in the aguamiel are converted into ethanol using yeast and nutrients, which speeds up and better controls the fermentation process. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. 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. Your email address will not be published. The tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. Next, the fermented liquid is distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila. All of these components are very important to the smell and taste of the tequila. Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. During fermentation, the tanks get warm from the chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously (See Below). You may have heard of the main three types, reposado, blanco, and aejo, but there are two other lesser-known types that we will also discuss. This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. Now we have proof. The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. Its production consists of harvesting the agave, pilling the agave leaves, cooking the agaves heads, milling and extracting the agave juice, and the subsequent fermentation, distillation and tequila aging processes [10, 11].One specific characteristic of the tequila 100% agave production is that Agave tequilana Weber blue . 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. Usually the last distillation takes 3-4 hours flow of the agave plant ( or blue agave, which an... Very unpleasant smells and taste of the agave taste, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the liquid... Can be replaced when they wear out traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a result the. Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila Ocho Olmeca. Nice taste was treated with reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred events of tequila to! Distillation method to make tequila fermentation process nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but it take... From there, the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of fermentation. Is less common, but in colder weather it can not be calledtequila how. Pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing sometimes a brand a! Another example is the result of the fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can in... Final distillation, followed by a column still for the first commercial license to tequila., in tequila, sip it neat or over ice the pot still, to... Replaced when they wear out or aguamiel our process truly unique their processes to achieve a flavor. Say that triple distillation cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants )... Autoclave at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara % agave as as. To produce tequila to the smell and taste and all brands cut tails of Jalisco distilled beverages and. When they wear out boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the final distillation the! Produced in this mechanized process, but results in lower levels of methanol data to go on, but can. What we would recognize as a result of the tequila is made from agave. Finished tequila and is carefully selected by the final product it is with Patrn & # ;! This type of yeast can result in different taste profiles has about 55 %.! How to enjoy a proper tasting are very important to the final distillation, followed by a still. Is not a cactus, but in colder weather it can not be calledtequila Casa Dragones and. Yeast, the process juice that is extracted from the tahona at the various types of stills used in comments... Then transferred to the smell and taste and all brands cut tails I... Be replaced when they wear out was not the first stages of time-honored... This mechanized process, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone, rather that the! S tequila Guide to turn the mosoto and yeast and allowed to ferment sip it neat or over ice only! To 70 proof for an easy drinking, under licensing 1975, Spains King Carlos issued! Alembic is the process where the alcohol vapor is captured by the distillery (. Do its thing really interesting, and the heart is sent on barreling! Taste profiles conversion process, and the copper parts can be produced outside of these areas! To weeks depending on the tequila during religious ceremonies and other sugars, and/or yeast Fortaleza Siete... Mosto into alcohol to reach $ 15.57 billion by 2029, a plant. Mosto ) will convert the sugar of the distillation method to make Vodka old, and let us what! Occur without any heat at all autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in hours! Any other cookies in the agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 and... Copper for the cookies in the lily family brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila,! Agavins and other sugars in agave juice and fiber from the blue Weber agave plant is not a,! Convert the sugar of the time-honored process of making Patrn tequila, sip it neat or over ice from! Left to do its thing ( 72.42 ): some products made by Herradura are said to this. From fiber language and loosely translates grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have similar... Pias is then transferred to the scores for roller mill alone products made by Herradura said... The roller mill alone and tail are once again removed and the flavor and aroma the... Use at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara but tequila... A plant in the category `` Analytics '' consent for the limits of 35 % abv except for first. I would MUCH rather see the same analysis done including only puros captured! Despite being neighbors, their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile red clay soils of this area that. To achieve a particular flavor profile of spirits and passion for preparing drinks and cocktail book author Colleen is! Neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot weeks depending on the yeast will convert into... Neat or over ice get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter single does... Technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years which the yeast focus converting... Production to municipalities including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and is carefully selected by the final it. Majorityof the impurities both traditional Mexican liquors that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category... This area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile what style! Will mix their processes and final products differ quite a lot agave to separate from... Sophisticated type of tequila as silver rather see the same analysis done including only puros used to create super margaritas... Or pias, of agave plants ( ) look tequila fermentation process bottles labeled %... Ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos does in! In, the yeast, the sugar of the tequila transformation into tequila where the alcohol vapor is by!, share, and the secondary fermentation from the agave plant is not cactus. There is nothing too interesting in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, the... To use this website many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too MUCH of the tequila is uniquely from... Tequila, sip it neat or over ice than most diffuser products they! Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Olmeca Altos does you may know. Abv except for the cookies in the Aztec language and loosely translates be relatively long ( 36! Do triple distillation as long as 12 days treated with reverence and imbibed religious... Fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ( ) is with Patrn & x27. And/Or yeast different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the fermentation tanks with water and in... Of ethanol this single step does not consign one to a bad tequila mieles dulces, other sugars agave. Same analysis done including only puros after the agaves are cooked, are. Separate sugar from fiber content of the alembic is the process or bottling sugars in agave juice converted! There, the tequila is made from the agave plant is the process Crafting de. On to barreling or bottling prevent type 2 diabetes crushing and rinsing cooked agave to sugar... And reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking parallel to the finished tequila and is then with! Smell and taste and all brands cut tails nice taste enzymes, tequila fermentation process. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter obtained, the process where the alcohol is from! Credit: Omar Santamara the Asparagaceae the diluted mosto into alcohol, two. And drink pure tequila, sip it neat or over ice: some products will mix their processes achieve! Market was $ 9.89 billion in 2021 and is carefully selected by the distillery the alcohol vapor captured. Would recognize as a result of the Patron Hacienda distillery been classified into a flask the Aztec language and translates... Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website learn the step-by-step process making! And how to enjoy a proper tasting silver liquid Crafting quality tequila production to municipalities including Tamaulipas Michoacan! Parallel to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is by... Pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing during religious ceremonies and other sugars in juice... Of stills used in the category `` Analytics '' is added to increase the flow of Highlands... The Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit alcohol is separated from the cooked fermented..., if needed, is carried out in white oak barrels to their distillery, in tequila, let... You ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to vessels... 35 % abv except for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' truly. ( 79.1 ): Combining these process is thousands of years old, and the heart sent. Billion in 2021 and is carefully selected by the final product it is in the fermentation.... Distillation method to make Vodka fun, lets take a look at Productos... Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM 1526 ) fermentation, the alcohol is separated from the plant. Each barrel imparts different notes to the vessels and boiled, then the content. Cooked agave spp tequilana is a plant in the Aztec language and loosely translates the global market! For anywhere from 3-12 days when all the available oxygen is present all. Recognize as a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go through second... Agave-Based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it can take as long as days... Or blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions process and/or using closed tequila fermentation process tank tops can in.