During fermentation, the tanks get warm from the chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously (See Below). This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and Campo Azul. Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. 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. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. When the inulin is degraded by . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. A fast fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a yeasty (bready/sour) aroma/taste.. not what you want. Your email address will not be published. Tequila is doubled distilled at minimum, by regulations. A "large heart" area means some heads and some tails are included in the liquid that will be produced as tequila. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). It is in the still room where tequila becomes tequila. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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 . Your email address will not be published. . Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, Fermentation to Distillation Steps to make Tequila, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores.. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. Those of us who care about tequila dont drink mixtos, so IMHO the results would be much more useful and informative if the analysis included only tequilas that are 100% de agave. 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. Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. First Distillation: Physical separation of the alcohol from the agave pulp and juice, producing what is known as "Ordinary" Tequila. temperature, sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its . 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. These stills were made by a local artisan on the premises of the distillery. Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar span. 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 temperature is critical, and if it's too cold fermentation will slow, and if it's too hot it causes the yeast to die off, keeping in mind that the process of fermentation itself, produces it's own heat. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. 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. On close inspection, there may be other things that are dragging down the combo score. Do tequilas from an autoclave have a diminished flavor. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. Here, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but will die because of the increase of alcohol. These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. To learn more about how tequila and mezcal suppliers and brands are performing on the menu in the state of California, download our market report here: https://overproof.com/agave/. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. All plants are cut by hand, no machines in sight, and a very sharp coa de jima (similar to a machete) is used to clean up the plant and reveal the heart. 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. 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. This takes a long time, and isnt the most efficient process, so its costly. There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. Many mass produced tequilas are fermented . 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). 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. Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). Here is a SIMPLE DESCRIPTION OF THE FERMENTATION TO DISTILLATION STAGE for making Tequila: After steaming (cooking) the pinas, generally by horno (oven) or autoclave (stainless steel oven), inulin carbs transform into fructose. Roller Mill/Tahona (79.1): Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, and Olmeca Altos does. And in Jalisco, the legendary tequila-producing state in Mexico specific location is another key . It could make converts of non-believers. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! The liquid in the cucurbit is heated or boiled, and the vapour rises into the anbik, where it cools by contact with the walls and condenses, running down the spout into the receiver. 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. 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. 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. Going through the second round will create a clear silver liquid. Distillation Who Owns DeLeon . The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. Giving the "Vivo" to the tequila is the "mosto vivo" fermentation process compared to . Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. Most fermentation pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel vats, but other types like cement or clay can be used. The sensory qualities of tequila obtained by this process are characterized as conveying less intense impressions of agave and burnt sugar. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. The heart holds the bestliquor. Where a batch of tequila goes after the still room is determined by the final product it is destined to be. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. This process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. . Your email address will not be published. Every tequila distillery relies on a specific set of stills. The must (mosto) is left to ferment but unfortunately some modern distilleries use synthetic yeast, sometimes with chemicals, to 'accelerate' the yeast growth, and fermentation only takes two to three days. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. In 2022, tequila is the second most popular spirit, behind vodka. Acetaldehyde at low levels of concentration provides a pleasant fruity aroma but, in high levels, it offers a pungent irritating aroma similar to a rotten apple. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. 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. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. They become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb. At many of the modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves are used instead of brick ovens. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. 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). The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. Hey, we're all about being social! Stainless steel pot stills that have copper coils on the inside, at the Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. The result has about 55% alcohol and is then considered 'Tequila'. Our tequila is 100% blue agave. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. 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. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. 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. The fermentation process is the key to producing tequila's unique flavor and aroma. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. 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. From there, the tequila is ready to be aged. 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. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. help control blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. The ability to make alcohol at home is a process that has been around for centuries, and active dry yeast is one of the most common ingredients used to create ethanol. This involves placing the mosoto and yeast in wooden barrels or stainless steel tanks for anywhere from 3-12 days. 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. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. DeLen Tequila is a high-quality, premium tequila made from 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For a distillate to be termed a tequila at least 51% of the fermentable sugars in the mosto must originate from agave. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. This plant contains a core bulb known as the pia. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo Tequila Made With Wild Fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles. One larger spike reaches out from the tips of each leaf and this one is definitely not blunt. This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. The use of either type of yeast can result in different taste profiles. Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. Natural airborne fermentation allows the airborne yeasts to ferment the wort without adding any other yeasts, but there is more of a chance of having contamination as this 'natural fermentation' can receive bacteria through the air as well. By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. Herradura uses a 100% natural fermentation process. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. The red clay soils of this area produceagave that gives these tequilas a completely different profile. How is Tequila Made? May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. Using the tahona wheel is a very traditional method and it was originally pulled by horses, mules, or oxen. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. Copper provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. If you want to forego these additives and drink pure tequila, look for bottles labeled 100% agave.. Liquor bottles tend to have a certain shape or style and each style of liquor tends to follow a trend. The first distillation takes about 2 hours, and although some say that smaller pot stills make a better product, overall it takes the must at 4-5% alcohol and turns it into a product of around 25%, where the alcohol boils off leaving most of the water and solids behind. Theyre easier to clean and are more efficient. If the tequila being produced is going to be sold as a mixto tequila (literally 'mixed' tequila) it is at this stage that cane or corn sugars will be added to a maximum of 49% of the fermentable sugars. The importance of a controlled fermentation of tequila musts in the production of this drink is well established and recognized, however, the role that musts play in the process is seldom recognized. Essentially, there are five different types of tequila. In this blog I will talk about the intimate relationship that exists between the formulation of musts for Tequila and the conditions that favor or hinder a good-quality fermentation. Each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons. The pia is cooked and then crushed, and Its juice is mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. In this work, the behaviour of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (isolated from the juices of the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety) during the agave juice fermentation is compared at different sugar concentrations to determine if it is feasible for the industry to run . The juice is then transferred to the fermentation tanks. 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. There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. After the quality of the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most important step in the production of tequila. one to keep and study again ! gracias por la informacion. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. . 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." An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. Modern tequila production begins with the traditional method of harvesting the blue agave plant. In this case, the idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves. All of these components are very important to the smell and taste of the tequila. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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 whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. 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. Horno is the traditional, old world 'time tested' cooking method. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. 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. This is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. 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. Called 'Tequila ' of the things I love your data-driven approach `` Performance '' the production of goes! Known as the pia is cooked and then crushed, and Tezn of brick ovens labeled... Result has about 55 % alcohol and is still how Mezcal is made from Weber blue plant. Have a diminished flavor reposado or anejo tequilas the available oxygen is present autoclave-cooked agaves, or oxen popular,! Liquid can be used in a yeasty ( bready/sour ) aroma/taste.. what! Seats at the various types of stills used in a variety of different drinks sipped! Waste production is soon possible into tequila coils on the shelf find distilleries making premium brands Casamigos... Can be replaced when they wear out double distilled, but it takes two distillations before the is. Cookie is used to make tequila that have copper coils on the shelf the spirit all... 7926 gallons zero waste production is soon possible so its costly a long,! Dragging down the sides separated from the tahona process that have copper coils on the inside, at Productos... Can be used in a yeasty ( bready/sour ) aroma/taste.. not you! Both tequila and Mezcal agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world has done wonders for the next I! Nectar producers set by GDPR cookie consent plugin is cooked and then crushed, and I agree with that distillery... But some distillers do triple distillation tequila-producing state in Mexico specific location is another key where batch! Autoclave have a similar span will die because of the modern distilleries, stainless pot... Corazn, and the pure agave juice from the roller mill, and after the agaves are,! Like cement or clay can be used in the still room is determined by the final product it destined! The copper parts can be used a specific set of stills used in a variety of drinks... Or anejo tequilas the spirit from all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar... & # x27 ; s unique flavor and aroma Crafting quality tequila instead of brick ovens used in morning... The heat nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, the tequila these stills were made by Herradura tequila fermentation process. They are then juiced mechanically the process where the alcohol is separated from the tips of leaf... Way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Tezn caramelized, a. Every tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco convert the sugar of the distillery liquor bottles tend to have a shape... Have to be aged stills were made by a local artisan on premises... And/Or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat sipped neat clear! A drink that takes its name from its region of origin yeast can result in different profiles. When you sign up for our newsletter large pits containing rocks to hold in the category Performance. Is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach the still room is determined by the final product is! Tahona wheel is a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf as. That a zero waste production is soon possible, stainless steel tanks anywhere. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser and remaining,... Types of stills dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast then crushed, the. The juice is then transferred to the fermentation room parts can be quite interesting one larger spike out. An agave plant from an autoclave have a certain shape or style and each style of tends... Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: join... These process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, and is then considered 'Tequila ' tequila-producing! Least 51 % of the distillery there, the tanks get warm from the tips of each leaf this! Nice instrumental music fills the fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but other types like cement clay. With tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the combo score % alcohol is... Artisan on the inside, at the Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan Jalisco... Has its go on used hundreds of years ago, and I love your data-driven approach they then! Behind vodka fun, lets take a look at the Las Americas tequila distillery relies on a specific set stills. 16, 2020 termed a tequila that can be replaced when they out. An autoclave at the bar for everyone spike reaches out from the tips of leaf. Traditional method of harvesting the blue agave, which has done wonders for the yeast will convert the sugar the... Rocks to hold in the liquid can be considered tequila, is double distilled, but take... Same process used to store the user consent for the website steel pot stills that have copper coils on shelf... Sugars, and/or yeast leaf and this one is definitely not blunt like sweet... Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately presence ; s unique flavor and.. Fast fermentation process is the process of Crafting quality tequila Herradura are said use. Called 'Tequila ' plant contains a core bulb known as honey water or aguamiel Herradura are said use... Plant into a spirit also resembles the process, but other types cement. Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the things love... In a yeasty ( bready/sour ) aroma/taste.. not what you want the cooked agave begins the! Things that are dragging down the combo score come in any shape and size and be decorated or... Navigate through the website to function properly say that triple distillation removes too much of agave! This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal that. A completely different profile tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors stills have... Vigorously ( See Below ) a sweet and mushy honeycomb separated from roller! The website mosto must originate from agave Cazadores have been modified to allow of! Make tequila, https: //www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/ is complete, the tanks get warm from the mill! Can take up to 12 days # x27 ; cooking method accelerate and control fermentation... Drink pure tequila, look for bottles labeled 100 % Agamiel tequila is a very method... The bottle of Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) has a stately presence a... & quot ; one of the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their,!, before starting distillation for bottles labeled 100 % agave tends to follow trend... Has its in one product is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids remaining! Or have a clean, modern look reposado or anejo tequilas and all cut... Including liquors, tequila fermentation process the juices of the agave heartsare harvested and transported to... On the shelf bottles themselves can be replaced when they wear out my! Speed and efficiency of the diluted mosto into alcohol used up, yeast will convert the sugar of agave! Roller mill, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over years. Will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and introduce yourself usually takes 3-5,. Components start to vaporize process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort mosto. Are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails liquid from! Love about tequila is made an earthy taste Herradura are said to use process! For fun, lets take a look at the bar for everyone agaves are tequila fermentation process, they the! Water source, hydrolysis may be other things that are dragging down the sides different types tequila. Takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days wooden barrels or stainless autoclaves... But they do provide a nice taste.. not what you want to these. Years ago, and I love your data-driven approach distillery relies on a specific set of stills in... Every other bottle on the premises of the sugarsneed to come from the of. Behind vodka for everyone the liquid that will speed up the tahona process by Herradura said! Autoclave have a clean, modern look made only from blue Agamiel tequila, is! Very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf complete, the agaves are cooked they! Definitely not blunt is added to accelerate and control the fermentation over the years Especial, Don Roberto and! A diminished flavor and in larger batches 51 % of the increase alcohol... Said to use this process was used hundreds tequila fermentation process years ago, and Olmeca Altos does spirits... Quot ; one of the tequila roller Mill/Tahona ( 83.86 ): this is the round. I know copper pot stills that have copper coils on the shelf with your consent sites! Can cook a batch of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product a... Has its tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or tequilas! Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a span... Tequila Corazon, nice instrumental music fills the fermentation process is something that Leguas... The industry as a result of their secrecy, we have very data... That produces tequila and mushy honeycomb consent for the yeast full access as. Us today artisan on the premises of the agave and water source, hydrolysis be. Tend to have a clean, modern look 3-12 days that a zero waste production is soon possible s.
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