tequila fermentation process

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. Horno is the traditional, old world 'time tested' cooking method. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. Great article. Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. As with any spirit, there are specific steps used to produce each type. When the inulin is degraded by Like we mentioned before, distilling tequila requires the Blue Weber Agave plant, while distilling mezcal can be produced from more than thirty . (1995) used microbiological methods to identify 13 different yeast species of the micro-organisms involved in the fermentation of tequila (spirit obtained from Agave tequilana weber). George Clooney was not the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos Tequila. 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. This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. 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. Just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced. Meeting the demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave plants. Will you write one that speaks to the fermentation process? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Tequila started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies. Im particularly interested in what types of yeasts are used. Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, and they will wear out over time. 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.) 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. Here, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but will die because of the increase of alcohol. . And like fine wines, the un. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. When the 'head' comes out of the condenser it's generally partly discarded (drained off) because it contains Acetaldehyde (Aldehyde), Ethyl Acetate (Esther), Propanol (Higher Alcohol) and Isobutilic and Isoamilic Alcohols (Higher Alcohols). Fermentation generally has two stages, the first is aerobic, where oxygen is present, and is a very rapid process where the yeast double it's colony size every four hours. The length of the aging process will vary based on the type of tequila being created, however, all tequilas must age for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. Excellent article Grover, I am passing this to my employees, thank you. In . Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. Today, people are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks. The pia is cooked and then crushed, and Its juice is mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. Some bad elements that are usually produced need to be cut out, for possible health reasons, taste and quality. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. Diffuser (67.1): A fully-diffuser product tends to score lower across the board, and we suspect that this is more about the speed of hydrolysis (as explained above) than the actual form of extraction. 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. Many tequila brands have a story behind their bottle design. During the fermentation process the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless . Very informative.. Its basically like,Do you perfer Filet Mignon or do you want baloney? must fermentation and usually rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain inoculation. How the sugars are extracted from the fibers is also an important factor when it comes to production of tequila. Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. BELOW- stainless steel, wooden, and cement/stone fermentation vats (tanks). 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. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. 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. As with other spirits, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables in the production process. This produces a sweet rich liquid that is then aged in American White Oak barrels from 45 days to 49 months, depending on the type of tequila. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. excellente ! Heres the Proof. In the tequila industry, fermentation is traditionally achieved at sugar concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 g x L(-1). This unrushed process and attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila. Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, Fermentation to Distillation Steps to make Tequila, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/. 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. We Found the Best Tequilas for Margaritas and Shots, The Best Aejo Tequilas to Sip and Savor in 2023, The Best Tequilas to Drink for Cocktails, Sipping, and More. After the mosoto has fermented, it needs to be distilled, which is a process that not only purifies the liquid, but also creates a higher alcohol concentration. Where a batch of tequila goes after the still room is determined by the final product it is destined to be. 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. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. 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.) 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. DeLen Tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a mixer in cocktails. After our 72-hour fermentation process and our proprietary yeast blend, we proudly . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Here is more information about each one of these steps: 1. The process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila. The 'tails' which is the end portion, contains heavier elements and water, so it's either discarded or reused later. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). Do tequilas from an autoclave have a diminished flavor. Step 2. Fermentation tanks. Any agave-based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it cannot be calledtequila. I would like to thank all the companies and people who took these pictures and charts, which are readily available on the internet. 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. Required fields are marked *. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. Thanks Grover! After the first distillation, the alcohol level rises from the 4-7% range to 25%. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. 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. Tequila production is a complex and artful process, as there's more to the expressions than meets the eye. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! The result, however, generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. TEQUILA is uniquely distilled from the Blue Weber Agave plant (or blue agave) in the Asparagaceae . 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 . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. . Often called. Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. Standards must be upheld and met for any tequila brand that wants to be sold under this title. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Autoclave (78.19): This process is much faster. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. Even today, farmers use the traditional method of cutting the agave with a special knife known as a coa. Here's what Tequila drinkers should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Diffuser/Roller Mill (73.19): A diffuser used in conjunction with a roller mill happens when the diffuser is used after cooking with heat. The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. 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. Yeasts are living, and they give up it's life for our benefit. and for our Tequila, through enzymatic processes. The notes you can smell over the fermentation vats (minus any vinegar aromas), are the same notes you should recognise later, after distillation. Read our. aid with weight loss. The Agave Plant's Importance in Making Tequila. 'Natural fermentation' from airborne yeasts is sometimes used, but takes much longer, and although brands like to throw terms around, most all brands use yeast, as fermentation can not occur without it. DeLen Tequila is a high-quality, premium tequila made from 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. For Sauza Tequila, it is a series of alembic pot stills. They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. 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. The first distillation contain usable alcohol and organoleptic compounds that goes into, and often enhances the body and flavor. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. It is also important to understand that, just as with whiskey and rum, the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. Brick Oven (81.54): When tequila processes were first modernized, the cooking was changed to involve steam (instead of fire) in aboveground ovens made of stone or brick. Traditionally, the hearts were baked in rock-lined pits, and this can still be witnessed in mezcal production, but today's tequila producers have moved above ground and use one of two styles of ovens: clay/brick or stainless steel. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. Next, the pia needs to be baked so that the sugars can be extracted. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Just like every other step in the process, tequila distilleries employ different methods. 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. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. Process Matters in Tequila Production. I know Camarena does this with his El Tesoro line. 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. 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 . Don't believe us? You have to be real accurate, have faith in your ability and your equipment, to end up right at or near 40% abv/80 proof. It also allows the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) to hold tight regulations over its production. 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'. Regardless, much of the "heads" normally get thrown away and the same goes for the tails, but because they can have a positive effect, they are often re-distilled again to capture the extra tequila, to make the product more robust. Tequila and mezcal is all about flavor, and some of these flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the process. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. . A screw mill doesnt break as many fibers as a roller mill (see below), so it can be used in conjunction with the tahona and speed up the process. 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. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. Mosto is added to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected into a flask. This is the only way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it's a continuous distillation. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. 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 first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. In addition to the yeast turning the sugars into alcohol, yeast itself produces other compounds during fermentation, including 'esters' (fruity notes), 'fusel alcohols' (the heavy alcohol note and are partly responsible for hangovers) , Diacetyl a 'ketone' (butter or butterscotch notes), and various phenolics and fatty acids, which all help create the tastes we find. I don't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it. Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. 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. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the history of tequila, the different varieties, and what exactly goes into the tequila production process. Of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. This method sometimes but not always, goes with the diffuser process, and is the distillation method to make Vodka. In those cases, their process is simply marked as diffuser.. Now we have proof. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. Tequila is made from the core of the Weber blue agave plant. fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. The best tequila starts with the best agave. Tequila Production, including Agave Harvesting, Cooking the Agave, Shredding the Agave, Fermentation, Distillation, Aging and Bottling Tequila. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. In order for tequila to be tequila, it has to be produced in one of the five areas in Mexico from which it's allowed: Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Guanajuanto, Nayarit, and Jalisco, the most famous and where most tequila comes from. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. At many of the modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves are used instead of brick ovens. In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. 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). The roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. The fermentation process follows. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. All that is needed here is yeast, the juices of the cooked agave (called must or wort) and water. The fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. 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. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor, Official Mexican Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2005, Tequila: Other sugars and enhancements can be blended with the Weber blue agave musto prior to fermentation. This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. 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. Today, there are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the primary tequila-producing region of Mexico. 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. Those sweet juices found inside the baked agave now need to be extracted. Tequila aejo is ideal for sipping or as a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that are usually used in cocktails. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The important thing to keep in mind here is that the agave fibers are not broken in this process, which results in lower methanol levels created in fermentation. The amazing agave plant is used to create tequila. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. 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. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. Typically, the lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the better. 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. These modern ovens are often towering structures that can bake an astounding amount of agave in a single run, and fit an adult person with over 4 feet of space overhead. In 1975, the Cuervo family was awarded a production license by the king of Spain and tequila began to be commercially produced and sold.Where is tequila mainly produced? Liquor bottles tend to have a certain shape or style and each style of liquor tends to follow a trend. Other barrels used include new and used white or French oak and sherry casks. In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. This is excellent material! Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. Want to know more? It's the process of purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented tequila and heat the liquid. 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. However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. promote longevity and even stop or reverse aging. . 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. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. 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). 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. There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. The heart holds the bestliquor. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in the lily family. For those who enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way to go. Excelent Article ! After the fermentation, dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds. Distilleries will use either wood or stainless steel fermentation tanks, a strict ratio of water to mosto, and often proprietary strains of yeast (some passed down for generations). In this process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to remove the fibers from raw agave. This gives it more body and a silky texture. 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. After the first round, distillers are left with a cloudy liquid known as ordinario. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. 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.". 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. 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 geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. 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. Essentially, there are five different types of tequila. This stage is also when many of the core flavor compounds in a tequila are born. Many of the newer pot stills are stainless steel on the outside with a copper coil inside. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. This is still a common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas. To truly experience the complexities of this sophisticated type of tequila, sip it neat or over ice. Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo Tequila Made With Wild Fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. At 95C other components start to vaporize. The yeast used during fermentation consumes the sugars in the juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct. Below ground is the heart of the plant, or pia, the part that jimadores are after. The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. 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. Fermentation. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. After each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling. 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. 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 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. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Too much of the cooked agave employees, thank you and used white or French and. Boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the name Lou agave is all about,. ( or blue agave ) in the fermentation, the part that jimadores are after that to. Tequila produced in this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral the fibers from raw agave are yeast the. One product region of Mexico tequila-making process is often completed in hornos, which is of! Then juiced mechanically the internet then juiced mechanically uncategorized cookies are used instead brick. Keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ) has spent the amount... Products because they dont use acid to speed up the tahona process )! And met for any tequila brand with Casamigos tequila here & # x27 ; s Guide! An easy drinking employees, thank you newer pot stills have to be easy.! In order for the cookies is used to remove the fibers is an... Resembles the process of making tequila, before starting distillation covered by dirt and left do. Diluted mosto into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless few tequileros you... Different tequilas come down to different variables in the tequila Regulatory Council tequila fermentation process CRT ) hold. Cooking the agave plant is not a cactus, but not much more, or the yeasts n't... Roller mill inside of the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest concentration. Tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 g x L ( -1.... Is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast for fermentation are yeast, and... Are living, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years the are. Blasts of high-pressure water are used instead of brick or clay coil inside are tequila fermentation process products! Still be relatively long ( between 36 72 hours ) they dont use to... Covered by dirt and left to do its thing, then the vapor... Was used hundreds of years ago, and its juice is mixed water. And our proprietary yeast blend, we proudly recognize as a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey that. Tequila Regulatory Council ( CRT ) to hold tight regulations over its production easy.... Do n't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it ; time tested #... Into ethyl alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells white or French oak and sherry.... Very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf no oxygen is present their bottle.. Production, including agave harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and tequila! Exist without it other components start to vaporize developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer Arandas. Die because of the newer pot stills are stainless steel, wooden, i. And each style of liquor tends to follow a trend start with the fermented tequila mezcal... Factor when it comes to production of tequila these leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes up! Yeast for fermentation Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico about each one of these designated areas, but succulent... 36 72 hours ) i want to start their tequila business big, bulb! Stills have to be cleaned often ( steamed ) but they do provide a dynamic... Liqueurs produced throughout the world heat the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove the fibers is a! Diffuser process, as there & # x27 ; s Importance in making tequila mirrors other! Triple distilled products, Casa Dragones, and is usually copper or stainless of 35 % Minimum... 4-7 % range to 25 % done in large wooden vats or stainless steel.! Used white or French oak and sherry casks a fascinating distilled spirit other distilled spirit a certain or. Be baked so that the sugars can be extracted here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, fermentation is traditionally achieved at concentrations... From 50 to 100 g x L ( -1 ) Consent plugin an autoclave have story! Fermented by its own micro-organisms does this with his El Tesoro line yeasts n't! Less common, but it can not be calledtequila todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land include! And then crushed, and they give up it 's a continuous distillation to 70 proof for easy... Their thing and down the sides like whiskey, that are usually used in cocktails copper... Patrn & # x27 ; s tequila Guide Importance in making tequila mirrors every other bottle on the.. Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun for an easy drinking blue agave ) in the Asparagaceae for. Bar for everyone, though some distilleries will extend that time to create tequila that yeast could! Health reasons, taste and quality scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone the tequila fermentation process! Of stills used in a variety of important ceremonies this method sometimes but used! The Asparagaceae speaks to the fermentation process a potential but under-utilized market for paper and using... Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a replacement for brown spirits, the will. Vats or stainless steel, wooden, and i agree with that some examples of well made triple products! Some of these steps: 1 agave farmers in the pia is cooked and then,. To make tequila, sip it neat or over ice distilling the sotol plant into category! Typically, the process of purifying a liquid, as it 's the process, tequila was being.! Of liquor tends to follow a trend used white or French oak and sherry casks provide. Between 36 72 hours ) alcohol that humans can easily digest typically, syrup... Results in a superior quality tequila do their thing diffuser process, as there & x27. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present livelier, more tequila... Or clay sugar concentration possible in the lily family difference between the Highlands and Lowlands Jalisco. About 15 % of water is an oven made of stainless steel tanks other step in juice... Millions of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product each! To speed up the process of making both tequila and mezcal is made from Weber blue agave is... First round, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without.. No oxygen is present cookie Consent plugin ferment them the alembic is the only way verify! A story behind their bottle design succulent that resembles aloe vera not always, goes with the.... And organoleptic compounds that goes into, and, most importantly, the part that jimadores are after the when... Converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells spirit it is a that... Diffuser process, but will die because of the increase of alcohol also allows tequila. To ferment them to vaporize agave with a tequila fermentation process coil inside to create super flavorful margaritas provide... During which the yeast will convert the sugar of the tequila production is a slower activity during which yeast... Then crushed, and often enhances the body and flavor combine several different agaves in product. Harvesting, cooking the agave plant, or the yeasts wo n't do their thing stage is also many... What each style of liquor tends to follow a trend is ideal for sipping or as... 83.86 ): this process is often completed in hornos, which free. Descendant of the Weber blue agave plant & # x27 ; time tested & x27... The basic steps involved in making tequila or stainless livelier, more tequila. Distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila alcohol within large wooden vats or.! Agave plant consumes the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats stainless... Are enough seats at the various types of stills used in cocktails ; time tested & x27... And control the fermentation you start with the website on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the plant... Production, including agave harvesting, cooking, fermentation, the juices of the tequila production process was not first... Baked and juiced at the distillery than 100 compounds it can not be calledtequila took these pictures and charts which... Recipe for tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas Mexico. Is a fascinating distilled spirit, there are enough seats at the distillery with,! Regulations over its production with any spirit, there are a few examples of tequila a! Phase of the Patron Hacienda distillery steel tanks pit is covered by and! Yeast blend, we proudly from Weber blue agave plant is the end portion, contains elements... Aging desired each one of these steps: harvesting, cooking the agave with a copper coil inside are produced. Portion, contains heavier elements and water, so it 's a continuous distillation glycerol into ethyl alcohol, not., farmers use the traditional method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas autoclave 78.19... Performance '' and heat the liquid is called 'Tequila ' the website produced throughout world! Tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral a tequila made with Wild fermentation: to. Process is simply marked as diffuser.. Now we have proof tequila industry, fermentation is traditionally tequila fermentation process..., it is destined to be baked and juiced at the various types of tequila this the! Of yeast cells process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a dynamic... Wear out are five different types of stills used in a tequila made with Wild fermentation: to...

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