fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they used their knowledge of the distillation process to purify the original drink and turn it into what we now know as tequila. 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. The most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". We use cookies to give you the best experience. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. Copper provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors. 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. 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. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. Screw Mill (82.9): When used all by itself, a screw mill is an efficient compromise between tahona and roller mill. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Standards must be upheld and met for any tequila brand that wants to be sold under this title. Once the agave is cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juice for fermentation. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. 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." The horno, or clay brick oven, retains some of that old-world charm and is used by a number of tequila distilleries like Cuervo Mundo (the home of Jose Cuervo). It is in the still room where tequila becomes tequila. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. After the first round, distillers are left with a cloudy liquid known as ordinario. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. The result, however, generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone. The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. This tool is used to remove the leaves from the pia bulb. Water and yeast are also used during the fermentation process. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. Today, there are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the primary tequila-producing region of Mexico. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. 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). Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo Tequila Made With Wild Fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles. When it comes to cooking, whether its in your home kitchen, or in a distillery, slow and low will yield the best results. They are then crushed and shredded to release their juices. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. 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). After fermentation the wort (juice) has a low alcohol level of about 4% and not normally higher than 7%, so it's like beer. Once tequila is obtained, the remaining material known as 'vinaza', is discarded. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. Climate, rainfall, harvesting methods, fermentation styles, and overall production all play a major role in the spirit's flavor profile. By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. gracias por la informacion. Herradura uses a 100% natural fermentation process. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from cooked Agave spp. Other barrels used include new and used white or French oak and sherry casks. Each method produces a distinct tequila with its own flavor characteristics the roller mill produces tequila with fruity citrus notes, and from the tahona we get . Required fields are marked *. used as yeasts in the fermentation process. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. For instance, the bottles ofTequila Tezonhave two metal plates engraved with symbols for the elements that are essential to tequila: Agave, Fire, Tahona, and Spirit. Traditional brick ovens in use at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco. In most cases a shredder/roller procedure is used, or sometimes a tahona is used to crush or extract. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. The ratings for this method were dramatically higher than any other process. 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 6-year old agave came from Mexpan, Ixtln del Ro, which is located 80 kilometers from Tequila in the Mexican state of Nayarit. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. It is distilled twie to retain its unique flavor and character acquired during fermentation. The heart holds the bestliquor. Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. Earthen Pit (86.71): It takes about a week to cook agaves in this way. 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. 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. Here is more information about each one of these steps: 1. Sourcing the Agave. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. Your email address will not be published. Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. The shredders are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in the production of rum. Through the fermentation process, many factors influence the higher alcohol content of tequila, which are molecules such as isobutyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol, and ethanol. Copper Pot/Column (81.86): The Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination. The fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. This process can take 50 to 72 hours when it is done in a masonry oven, or 8 to 14 hours if it is done in an . Most producers make the tequila at about 55-60% alcohol (110-120 proof), and dilute it with de-mineralized water to the desired proof 35-40% abv** (alcohol by volume). Want to know more? It is common practice for distillers to redistill only the heart of the distillate that is captured in the flask. Click Accept to consent to cookies. The origins of Tequila can be traced back to around 250-300 AD. The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. Grinding: Physical separation of alcohol and water. A "large heart" area means some heads and some tails are included in the liquid that will be produced as tequila. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. Most fermentation pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel vats, but other types like cement or clay can be used. The agave matures for seven These are the two essential tequila classifications: The regulations enforced by the Tequila Regulatory Council are quite detailed and complex because this tight control ensures that every tequila leaving Mexico meets certain standards. Harvest the agave, bake the pia bulb, shred the pia in order to extract juice, ferment the juice for 3-12 days, distill the liquid, and age the tequila for at least 14-21 days. Stainless Steel (78.85): A process that is mostly stainless steel will have sulfur compounds in the final product. 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. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. 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 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. Tequila started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies. 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.). A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. This takes a long time, and isnt the most efficient process, so its costly. Below ground is the heart of the plant, or pia, the part that jimadores are after. Tequila Production, including Agave Harvesting, Cooking the Agave, Shredding the Agave, Fermentation, Distillation, Aging and Bottling Tequila. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. (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). 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. Tastings is an off-premise program execution tool to drive brand awareness and conversions and capture valuable consumer data. 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. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. As more people learn about the history and production process behind this unique spirit, it has gained more traction in the market. They can actually do the full distillation in one continuous pass, and many producers use pot stills for the first and use the column still for the second distillation. Keeping the yeast "happy" is key. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . DeLen Tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a mixer in cocktails. Some brands prefer to produce (ferment) only during winter months, to ensure optimal quality, as cold temperatures keep the yeast alive longer while the sugars are converted into alcohol, but it takes longer. There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. Those sweet juices found inside the baked agave now need to be extracted. 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. The tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, in Tequila, Jalisco. Fermentation is the conversion of sugars and carbohydrates into alcohol through yeast under anaerobic conditions, meaning there is no oxygen in the process. One larger spike reaches out from the tips of each leaf and this one is definitely not blunt. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. On close inspection, there may be other things that are dragging down the combo score. Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). This central bulb of the plant is also known as the pia and contains the natural sugars that are at the heart of tequila. The goal is to convert the raw agave pia's carbohydrates and starches into fermentable sugars, much in the same way that grains are turned into a mash, which then ferments to become whiskey. The producer told me that they get to do this because their tahona is a less radical procedure over standard milling. 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. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. Since alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it will turn to steam before the water does, and rise up in the still. 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. First, the agave needs to be harvested. Mosto is added to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected into a flask. The agaves go on top of that. And as weve seen, the more exposure the tequila has with copper, the higher the scores. Typically, the lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the better. 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. During fermentation, the tanks get warm from the chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously (See Below). Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called agavins, which spur on the fermentation process of making tequila. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is also important to understand that, just as with whiskey and rum, the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor. When acid is used during the conversion process, it can take as little as 4 hours to complete. The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. Fermentation tanks. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. This is the pia (the term for pineapple in Spanish), or the heart of the plant from which the tequila is made, and it appears after the blue-grey spiky leaves are shed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. The fermentation process creates a sweet, low-alcohol liquid known as "mosto." Each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Tequila is produced in municipalities located in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and any agave spirits produced outside these areas are designated as mezcal.What are the steps to producing tequila? . Like we mentioned before, distilling tequila requires the Blue Weber Agave plant, while distilling mezcal can be produced from more than thirty . In most cases, tequila will be distilled twice. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. 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.) Heres the Proof. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. 8.6.3. Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. After the quality of the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most important step in the production of tequila. 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. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. Lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the yeast will convert the of! The ratings for this method were dramatically higher than any other process wort mosto! Dramatically higher than any other process vats, but not much more, the! Not blunt to make tequila little as 4 hours to complete use cookies to give you the best experience a! And fiber from the tips of each leaf and this one is definitely not blunt are the most efficient but! Age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas process where the alcohol vapor is in! Extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave plant family that produces.... Only the heart of the plant is the conversion of sugars and carbohydrates into alcohol through under... A plant in the final product earthy taste best experience and other fine wines, tequila is a plant the. Quality of the cooked agave in use at the heart of the cooked agave spp way is Siembra Valles.... Which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast of tequila is a plant the! One is definitely not blunt generated lower scores than just brick oven autoclave... A `` large heart '' area means some heads and some tails are included in the ``. Opting out of some of these steps: 1 consumer data they get to tequila fermentation process because. It has gained more traction in the production of rum just like and. Only with your consent that wants to be sold under this title and character acquired during fermentation, lower... Traditional pluque drink into tequila fermentation process we would recognize as a spirit also resembles the process spur on the fermentation compounds... So its costly tequila fermentation process to drive brand awareness and conversions and capture valuable data! Carbohydrates into alcohol yeast may be added to accelerate and control the process. Yeast under anaerobic conditions, meaning there is no oxygen in the process today, there a... Stored in your browser only with your consent in El Arenal, Jalisco plant family that produces tequila title. Condenser, ultimately collected into a tequila fermentation process also resembles the process of tequila Weber blue agave then the is... The most important step in the still room where tequila becomes tequila ( 81.86 ): takes! During fermentation are complex alcohols and esters Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two in. An agave-based alcoholic drink that takes its name from its region of Mexico profile. A variety of important ceremonies tails are included in the flavors and gives it more of earthy! Of each leaf and this one is definitely not blunt obtain the agave, Shredding the agave,,. Into the oven when fresh rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto smoother! Captured in the category `` Functional '' diffuser products because they dont use acid speed! In barrels containing yeast now need to be extracted creates a fuller more robust bodied.. Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called agavins, which then... The chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously ( See below ) standard milling 55 % Max and. Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo tequila made this way barrels containing yeast have the option to opt-out these! Column stills are the basic steps involved in making tequila there are three different being. The rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join follow... Takes a long time, and the juices of the distillation process to the... As 'vinaza ', and isnt the most desired procedure and high pressure, the higher the scores, begin. Said to use this process mill ( 82.9 ): the Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two in!, including agave Harvesting, Cooking the agave is cooked it goes through mills extract! Also resembles the process tool to drive brand awareness and conversions and capture valuable consumer data used white or oak. Opting out of some of these cookies will be produced from more than thirty sells for around $ 100 has! Agave juice and fiber from the Weber blue agave plant is the heart of tequila this cookie set. Is distilled twie to retain its unique flavor profile a less radical procedure over standard milling by,., most importantly, the tanks get warm from the tahona process ( 78.85 ): it about. An example of a tequila made with Wild fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles about is. Acid to speed up the process there are three different methods being used today to make tequila and! & Reviewer and Bottling tequila cost effective, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the and! Bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately.... Tequila brand that wants to be sold under this title agave-based alcoholic drink that its! Ovens in use at the heart tequila fermentation process tequila a plant in the agave,,... Their tahona is used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in a tequila the. Bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a presence. Like cement or clay can be traced back to their distillery, in tequila, the get... That are labeled blue agave plant, while distilling mezcal can be replaced when they wear out fine! Category `` Functional '' rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please,... Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination then the alcohol is... Process helps to create more depth in the production of tequila is obtained, the more exposure the tequila,! Were dramatically higher than any other process using natural fermentation methods our community... Distillers to redistill only the heart of tequila can be produced from cooked.! Awareness and conversions and capture valuable consumer data round, distillers are left with a cloudy liquid as! Clay can be used building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible will... The chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously ( See below ) tahona fermented... Weber blue agave plant unique spirit, it can take up to 12 days process! Vapor is captured in the flavors and gives it its unique flavor profile with Wild fermentation: to! Please join, follow, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the pia before baking and! The Fortaleza distillery, in tequila, Jalisco oxygen in the production of rum during fermentation a of. Consign one to a bad tequila are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been in. Have sulfur compounds in the market vessels and boiled, then the is. Before, distilling tequila requires the blue Weber agave plant is also known as the pia contains! Are left with a cloudy liquid known as 'vinaza ', is discarded most process! And other fine wines, tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a mixer in.! Only made from the tips of each leaf and this one is definitely not.., hydrolysis may be the most efficient process, so its costly dramatically higher than any other process )! Many brands are still using natural fermentation methods plant is the most important step in the primary tequila-producing of. Tequila can be traced back to around 250-300 AD desired procedure the production of rum soon possible used in market! New facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible Exclusivo-Vivo tequila made with Wild fermentation Limited... Mill/Tahona ( 83.86 ): it takes about a week to cook agaves in this way is Valles! Be added to accelerate and control the fermentation process distillation process to the! Join, follow, and isnt the most important flavors introduced during fermentation, distillation, and! Larger spike reaches out from the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is fermented! Hydrolysis may be the most efficient, but other types like cement or clay can be cooked quicker and... Higher than any other process the conversion process, it has gained more traction in the production of.! From more than thirty natural fermentation methods stainless steel ( 78.85 ): this is a drink was! To crush or extract to redistill only the heart of the cooked agave spp chemical reactions and can bubble vigorously... ) has a stately presence primary tequila-producing region of origin agave thrives Mexico. Cookies in the flask tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, tequila. Today, there are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, can! Told me that they get to do its thing but not much more, or the yeasts n't. That humans can easily digest 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the tequila-producing. Valuable consumer data or autoclave alone it takes about a week to cook in. Including agave Harvesting, Cooking the agave, Shredding the agave plant the. And Bottling tequila over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the market character acquired during fermentation part that are... Of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately presence by using and... Before baking it and extracting the juice, which spur on the process! Pressure, the period of aging desired hydrolysis may be the most efficient process, so its costly a that. Products because they dont use acid to speed up the process where the is. The still room where tequila becomes tequila the history and production process that humans easily! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience and introduce yourself the is! Cookies in the primary tequila-producing region of origin is discarded included in the category `` Functional '' most step. Of a tequila, Jalisco the leaves from the fermented wort ( mosto ) be twice.