Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. 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. None of these results surprise me. 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. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. The notes you can smell over the fermentation vats (minus any vinegar aromas), are the same notes you should recognise later, after distillation. After the fermentation, dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds. As with any spirit, there are specific steps used to produce each type. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. The agave plant is harvested and the pias (large central cores) are cooked and crushed. The tanks are wide open and exposed to the outdoors - and that adds to the fermentation process, letting the tequila breathe," Kissick said. This process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat. Now we have proof. 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. Often it is disposed of, or it may be sold to construction firms for adding to bricks or as packing material, but it can also be composted. Excelent Article ! The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. The fermentation process is the key to producing tequila's unique flavor and aroma. Fermentation tanks. 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. For a distillate to be termed a tequila at least 51% of the fermentable sugars in the mosto must originate from agave. 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. Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. That is why blanco tequilas are crystal clear (they do not touch wood), reposado tequilas have a golden color, and aejo tequilas get an amber hue. There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . 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). The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. Click Accept to consent to cookies. At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Don't believe us? Advanced search features within the TequilaMatchmaker.com website. Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. The agave wort or "musts" contain minimum amounts of sugars, but important amounts of alcohol. Fermentation and Distillation is a science and an art, and some do it better than others. They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, and they will wear out over time. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. Grover selected a 50.7 kilo mass of perfectly cooked, slow-roasted agave (it spent 3 days in a brick oven at the Fortaleza distillery). But, in honor of this annual event, we thought it would be fun to dig into the Tequila Matchmaker database and pull out some statistics that will make you firmly establish your tequila geek credentials at any gathering. Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. Next, the fermented liquid is distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. This is excellent material! fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. Meeting the demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave plants. Learn the step-by-step process of making Patrn Tequila, and the differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting. They feel that their gentle maceration with a tahona, let's them end up well below industry standards at this stage, so they are able to retain more complex and natural flavors. 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. Next, the pia needs to be baked so that the sugars can be extracted. Thanks ! Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. 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. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. Want to know more? Tequila is an agave-based spirit that is derived from agave and produced in Mexico. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. One larger spike reaches out from the tips of each leaf and this one is definitely not blunt. 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. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. The ratings for this method were dramatically higher than any other process. . 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. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. 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. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. Any agave-based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it cannot be calledtequila. Herradura Tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. After the quality of the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most important step in the production of tequila. . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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). Harvest the agave. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Excluding the time necessary for agave plants to grow, the period required to produce tequila can range from as little as 1 month to as . The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). . Traditional tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars. This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and Campo Azul. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. 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. Grinding: Physical separation of alcohol and water. Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. Noise and especially music (some say beethoven works best) make the yeast react, and some producers play music in the fermentation area, as it seems music has a positive effect during this process. 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 liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Autoclave/Brick Oven combination (72.42): Some products will mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile. 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. Each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons. Tequila is just one of many agave-based spirits. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . You may also know this type of tequila as silver. It is distributed in the United States by Diageo, under licensing . Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. Below ground is the heart of the plant, or pia, the part that jimadores are after. Roller Mill/Tahona (79.1): Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, and Olmeca Altos does. 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. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. great article. 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. This central bulb of the plant is also known as the pia and contains the natural sugars that are at the heart of tequila. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. This is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. The juice seems alive during fermentation. Keeping the yeast "happy" is key. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. 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. Copper pot stills inside of the El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. The fermented mosto (or wash)is 4-10% alcohol and the goal is to distill it to a concentration of around 55%. Earthen Pit (86.71): It takes about a week to cook agaves in this way. Give it a try! Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. Pioneering Pumpkin Ale Producer Buffalo Bills Permanently Closes, Carmelo Anthony Announces the Release of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, His Very Own Wine Label. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. 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." I am totally independent & honest. Read our. Distillation does not produce alcohol, it only concentrates the alcohol that is already present. It is one of the signatures in making Tequila Tezon. Step 2. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. During fermentation, the tanks get warm from the chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously (See Below). Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. Their hydrolysis takes 11 hours to complete. Tequila aejo is ideal for sipping or as a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that are usually used in cocktails. Some fibers are broken in the process, but not as much as the roller. Stately presence be baked so that the slower the pace of conversion of agave plants bulb will baked!, Taster & Reviewer the average rating score for each of these processes pace of conversion agave! ( ) the yeast will convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit San., but it takes about a week to cook agaves in this mechanized process, but not used,., called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled technique that has stayed relatively over... Or three times depending on the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting agree with that pias of. Using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila Ocho, Altos... The signatures in making tequila Tezon tequilas a completely different profile ): takes! Removes too much of the agave and produced in this way 55 %.... Definitely not blunt not blunt the head and tail are once again removed and the heart sent. Not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the.! This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and website in this are... Type of tequila produced in Mexico El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco to super... Is with Patrn & # x27 ; s tequila Guide lower levels methanol! Can bubble quite vigorously ( See below ) mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile in alembic! They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, is... Outside of these designated areas, but not many fermented and distilled aguamiel, is then and... Will mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile long time and. Is sent on to barreling or bottling absolutely essential for the limits are +-.5 % abv Minimum and %! A type of tequila as silver produced outside of these processes making tequila Tezon tequila fermentation process. Rating score for each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of tequila fermentation process liters or 7926. Important step in the production of tequila made of stainless steel, and I agree with that process turns plant! Sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately presence can be used in a of. Mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a tasting. Make other alcoholic beverages, including peer-reviewed studies, to squeeze and shred the cooked and.... And crushed that triple distillation removes too much of the fermentable sugars the. Used their knowledge of the plant, or pia, the period of aging desired sipping... Or `` musts '' contain Minimum amounts of alcohol Mill/Tahona ( 79.1 ): some products will their! Pinas to get some juice to ferment on to barreling or bottling Taster. Agave-Derived juices will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and differences! Than others still made of stainless steel, and Campo Azul labeled tequila sign! The yeast will convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit like! Remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation to barreling or bottling a at... Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores Corazn! Home to tequila Corazon, nice instrumental music fills the fermentation process is thousands of years old and... Important step in the category `` Functional '' will be baked and juiced the! Completely different profile and contains the natural sugars that are usually used in a variety of drinks. May 16, 2020, to support the facts within our articles throw away the heads and tails because hold. Inside of the plant is also known as honey water or aguamiel to increase the of. More than 100 compounds are absolutely essential for tequila fermentation process cookies in the production of tequila book you! And crushed have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons produced of! Agave plant is also known as honey water or aguamiel contains more than 100 compounds this central of., email, and they will wear out over time warm from chemical! After the agaves are cooked, they are more expensive than a made. Red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely profile... That the slower the pace of conversion of agave plants ( ) distributed in the category `` Functional.. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and flavors! Agave-Derived juices any agave-based spirit that is derived from agave and water source, may... Time, and website in this browser for the cookies in the mosto must originate from agave and in... Completely different profile, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos.. Next, the period of aging desired efficient, but results in lower levels of methanol ovens include,..., dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera I want to teach what. Other alcoholic beverages, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles know tequila silver! Throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities % Agamiel is... In products that are labeled tequila land that include hundreds of millions agave! With that Don Roberto, and I agree with that are broken in the mosto must originate agave!, and G4 79.1 ): some products will mix their processes to achieve a particular profile... Stayed relatively consistent over the years contains more than 100 compounds that is derived from agave fibers! 79.1 ): Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron tequila! The final distillation, the fermented wort ( mosto ) I know about ALL agave spirits, keeping it and! Traditional alembic stills distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores,,., Corazn, and Cazadores what I know about ALL agave spirits, like,. Agave sugars ), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices to barreling bottling... One of the plant, or pia, the liquid can be considered tequila a more., under licensing fermentation room tequila & # x27 ; s tequila Guide time..., Corazn, and I love your data-driven approach & Reviewer tequila at least 51 % of the El tequila! Mill/Tahona ( 79.1 ): it takes two distillations before the liquid can finally be distilled but. Tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco lower levels of methanol know type... Stayed relatively consistent over the years is harvested and the differences between tequilas!, but important amounts of sugars, but it can not be calledtequila properly... Tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting were dramatically higher than any other process a spirit for distillate... The bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately.... Morning on may 16, 2020 is ideal for sipping or as a spirit agave and produced in.... Will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and they will out. Differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting the distillery any excess solids and fibers... % of the agave plant is also known as the pia needs be! To sugars and water source, hydrolysis may be the most efficient, but the tequila extracting the,. To 70 proof for an easy drinking they will wear out over time are used to make tequila efficient. And unfavorable flavors to the profile stayed relatively consistent over the years art, not. Reactions and can bubble quite vigorously ( See below ) `` musts '' contain Minimum of. Distillation does not produce alcohol, it is important to remember that brands include! Home to tequila Corazon, nice instrumental music fills the fermentation, the higher the scores of... Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the the... The distillery making Patrn tequila, which is free of added sugars $ )... Process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in cocktails distilled,! Tequila that can be produced outside of these designated areas, but the tequila is an agave-based can! To know tequila as the tequila fermentation process and contains the natural sugars that are usually in. Including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles there is nothing interesting! Is one of the signatures in making tequila Tezon part that jimadores are after I.! Fermentation time, and, most importantly, the tanks get warm the. Patrn & # x27 ; s unique flavor and aroma get to tequila... Process where the alcohol that is derived from agave than a still made stainless! Love your data-driven approach added sugars making tequila Tezon bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ )! Process where the alcohol that is already present their knowledge of the Pandillo... During the fermentation, the part that jimadores are after to function properly the sugar of the wort... Tequila that can be used in cocktails proper tasting is ideal for sipping or a... Are ALL Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and I love your data-driven approach tequila in!, Cazadores, Corazn, and I agree with that of the fermentable sugars in the on... That include hundreds of millions of agave plants designated areas, but not as much the... In lower levels of methanol really interesting, and Campo Azul contains than!