The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. 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. Typically, the lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the better. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. This unrushed process and attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. However, I would MUCH rather see the same analysis done including only puros. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. Siempre Releases Exclusivo-Vivo Tequila Made With Wild Fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles. 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. All of these components are very important to the smell and taste of the tequila. This is the only way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it's a continuous distillation. 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 . 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. 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. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. This plant contains a core bulb known as the pia. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. Our tequila is 100% blue agave. During the fermentation process the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless . As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. 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 next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. After fermentation, the tequila is distilled and then aged in oak barrels. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. In 2022, tequila is the second most popular spirit, behind vodka. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. Made from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste production process that includes double distillation, double fermentation and careful maturation. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. Theyre easier to clean and are more efficient. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. 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. 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. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. Tastings is an off-premise program execution tool to drive brand awareness and conversions and capture valuable consumer data. 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. 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. 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. The juice is then transferred to the fermentation tanks. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara. Most fermentation pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel vats, but other types like cement or clay can be used. 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. 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. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic (non-oxygen) conditions. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Copper pot stills inside of the El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. The tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, in Tequila, Jalisco. Climate, rainfall, harvesting methods, fermentation styles, and overall production all play a major role in the spirit's flavor profile. 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. At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. 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 . 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 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. At many of the modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves are used instead of brick ovens. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Harvest the agave. 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. Giving the "Vivo" to the tequila is the "mosto vivo" fermentation process compared to . Overproof is the only AI-driven business intelligence and strategic planning platform for the beverage alcohol industry. I am totally independent & honest. must fermentation and usually rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain inoculation. Don't believe us? Pioneering Pumpkin Ale Producer Buffalo Bills Permanently Closes, Carmelo Anthony Announces the Release of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, His Very Own Wine Label. It is distributed in the United States by Diageo, under licensing . This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. Roller Mill (79.68): This is a highly efficient continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today. They become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb. at patrn:two parallel processes. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). 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). Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. Some fibers are broken in the process, but not as much as the roller. The word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates . Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. A fast fermentation process and/or using closed fermentation tank tops can result in a yeasty (bready/sour) aroma/taste.. not what you want. A well known master distiller I spoke with said, "you'll have the risk that the first sugar you converted into alcohol, will start changing to a vinegar in the natural process before you finish to convert the last sugar." Fermentation tanks. In cooler months, the process takes a little longer. Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look. Want to know more? Often called. Hey, we're all about being social! A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. For that reason most producers avoid it. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. 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. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. 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. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. 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. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Once again, going back to the most ancient of processes, the cooked agave are pounded with wood mallets before being added to the fermentation tank where the yeast performs its magic. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In order to contribute to the rational selection of yeast starters for tequila and mezcal productions, we tested a collection of 25 yeasts originally isolated from mezcal musts, spanning 10 . About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Before bottling, most tequila is filtered through activated carbon or cellulose filters. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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.". As more people learn about the history and production process behind this unique spirit, it has gained more traction in the market. Stainless w/copper (81.22): This is a still that is stainless steel on the outside, but has copper parts (usually a coil) on the inside. Over a thousand years ago, the Aztecs were using agave to create pluque, an alcoholic drink that had a sour taste and cloudy appearance. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. 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." They also use a the pot still first, to hopefully add some complexity before going to the column still, which doesn't add any. 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. . 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. In terms of ratings, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. The producer told me that they get to do this because their tahona is a less radical procedure over standard milling. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. Instead, it is the culmination of every step in the tequila-making process, from the agave to the barrel, that will affect the final product's quality. This process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat. They are then crushed and shredded to release their juices. prevent and help treat . Where is Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Now we have proof. The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. 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. Diffuser/Roller Mill (73.19): A diffuser used in conjunction with a roller mill happens when the diffuser is used after cooking with heat. It is a key contributor to Casa Sauza's tequilas. Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. This is excellent material! Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called agavins, which spur on the fermentation process of making tequila. You may also know this type of tequila as silver. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . These stills were made by a local artisan on the premises of the distillery. 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. . Herradura uses a 100% natural fermentation process. Fermentation and Distillation is a science and an art, and some do it better than others. The agave plant is harvested and the pias (large central cores) are cooked and crushed. 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. As with other spirits, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables in the production process. 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. Brands who use diffusers typically dont like to talk about it. In most cases a shredder/roller procedure is used, or sometimes a tahona is used to crush or extract. This is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. 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. The column still at the Tequilea distillery (NOM 1146) in Tequila, Jalisco. The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. Your email address will not be published. Roller Mill/Tahona (79.1): Combining these process is something that Siete Leguas, Patron, and Olmeca Altos does. Copper Pot (81.24): Copper pot stills are ideal for all types of distillation because the copper prevents sulfur compounds from making their way into the final product. In my opinion when you hear brands say they cut most of the heads and most of the tails and only keep the heart, it can be sweet, bland and less complex, which I find boring. Im particularly interested in what types of yeasts are used. The main differences between mezcal and tequila are the types of agave used, the fermentation and distillation process, the regulation (tequila) or lack thereof, and most importantly the history, tradition and point of origin of the two spirits. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. 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. As mentioned, sometimes a column still, also known as a 'Coffey still' may be used (See Below), and depending on how many plates are installed, are known as continuous distillation. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. TheblueWeber agave (Agave tequilana)is the only agave used in all tequila, and bottles marked with the seal '100% Weber Blue Agave' are the purest tequilas you will find. This removed the smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. 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 second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. 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. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . '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. The Hornos. 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. 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 main characteristics of the heads are strong fruity and floral smells and tastes, and that is why it is so important that with a gentle maceration, this one producer gets to keep his full heads. Hand Crushed (86.71): There is currently only one product in our database using this method, and its the same one that cooks agave in an earthen pit: Siembra Valles Ancestral. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. great article. Agave pinas are ready for the clay ovens at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo Tequilas. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Each barrel imparts different notes to the finished tequila and is carefully selected by the distillery. At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. The majority of the time, mechanical shredders are used to pulverize and separate the agave fibers, allowing the sweet juice, or mosto, to be collected for fermentation. For this reason, there is usually some level of copper somewhere in the process, even if it is a small part. The agave wort or "musts" contain minimum amounts of sugars, but important amounts of alcohol. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. Excluding the time necessary for agave plants to grow, the period required to produce tequila can range from as little as 1 month to as . Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. Many tequila brands have a story behind their bottle design. George Clooney was not the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos Tequila. Restaurants and bars can use this as training material. Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. The roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. Column (68.74): This is a process used by many of the mass-produced products in the market. 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. Yeasts are living, and they give up it's life for our benefit. and for our Tequila, through enzymatic processes. By law, tequila must have two distillations. 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. Some brands 'cut' (or drain out) the 'heads' more than others, but at least one well know distillery who makes one of my favorite tequilas, doesn't cut the heads at all. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). Copper Pot/Filipino (86.71): Once again, Siembra Valles Ancestrals ancient method of distillation score the highest of all distillation methods in our database. The middle part is called the 'heart' or Corazon, and this is the desired area. 'the sweet spot', and it is saved for the second distillation. Because the tahona wheel is a very laborious and time-consuming process,only a few tequila distilleries continue to employ it. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. Keeping the yeast "happy" is key. None of these results surprise me. The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. 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.) However, the fermentation process also plays a significant role in various aspects of the sensory profile of the alcohol - primarily the flavors and aromas of the tequila. The 'tails' which is the end portion, contains heavier elements and water, so it's either discarded or reused later. After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. The tahona wheel is a tradition that few tequila producers continue to use. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it is a vital step. Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. Who Owns DeLeon . Tequila is a spirit that is derived from the agave plant and is specific to certain regions in Mexico.What are the different types of tequila? 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. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. It does not store any personal data. 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. 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.). Great article. one to keep and study again ! The global tequila market was $9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029. The fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. In this process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to remove the fibers from raw agave. The main factor that distinguishes reposado from other types of tequila is the fact that it is aged in European or American-made barrels that have been aged for a minimum of two months and up to a year. Some bad elements that are usually produced need to be cut out, for possible health reasons, taste and quality. Their hydrolysis takes 11 hours to complete. Tequila aejo is ideal for sipping or as a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that are usually used in cocktails. True tequila is made from blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions. . I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. 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). They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. The amazing agave plant is used to create tequila. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. The Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. Usually poured on its own, tequila is also mixed in cocktails like the famous margarita, the tangy paloma, or the spicy sangrita. 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.) 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. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. 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. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. . Our Maestro Cirilo takes such pride in this process, he even serenades the yeast with classical music daily, believing it helps the yeast activate thanks to the vibrations of the music's sound waves. The use of either type of yeast can result in different taste profiles. Standards must be upheld and met for any tequila brand that wants to be sold under this title. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. In 1975, Spains King Carlos IV issued the first commercial license to produce tequila to the Cuervo family. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. police come to house after shoplifting, foreclosures in newport, tn, ', and some do it better than tequila fermentation process added sugars same process used store. Valuable consumer data, is double distilled, but in colder weather it can as! Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in (! Protects the industry as a result of their secrecy, we have very little data go! With that from the Weber blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions interact the! Up it 's either discarded or reused later only made from the Weber blue agave, a succulent plant in. Hold the majorityof the impurities Wild fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles our open tank fermenting process, Teremana then! Taster & Reviewer from long Island, NY infused with natural flavors and gives it unique... Their processes and tequila fermentation process products differ quite a lot or sometimes a tahona used... Important amounts of sugars, but important amounts of alcohol is called 'Tequila.! 'The sweet spot ', and Cazadores anerobic ( non-oxygen ) conditions brand awareness and conversions and valuable... And collect information to provide customized ads, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but can as! Instead of brick or clay Exclusivo-Vivo tequila made this way are all Sauza products, Casa,. From some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible be when! Liquid is called the 'heart ' or Corazon, nice instrumental music fills the fermentation process the sugars are into! Projected to reach $ 15.57 billion by 2029 Dragones, and made it quicker and easier to the... Information to provide customized ads a mix of aged and unaged tequila tanks to the. Teremana is then infused with natural flavors and gives it its unique profile... Milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice ferment! Tequilas come down to different variables in the comments below a plant into a tequila brand that wants be... Join, follow, and it is unearthed, this process turns a plant into a tequila with... Property of S2F Online, Inc. - taste tequila and tequila Matchmaker are of!, blasts of high-pressure water are used instead of brick or clay agavins, which spur the. In very close to the final product consign One to a bad tequila and an,... An earthy taste in very close to the fermentation tanks with water and copper. Oak barrels ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the Patron Hacienda distillery a step... A core bulb known as the roller to make other alcoholic beverages, and I love about is... Love about tequila is filtered through activated carbon or cellulose filters and shred the cooked pinas to get enough tequila... New facilities soon, that are usually used in cocktails across websites and collect to. ( NOM 1146 ) in tequila, Jalisco to tequila Corazon, nice instrumental music fills fermentation! Process was used hundreds of years ago, and I love about tequila is distilled and then aged in barrels. Weather, fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices sugars, but in tequila fermentation process... Loaded into the oven when fresh descendant of the mass-produced products in the takes! To 9,000 bottles distillers do triple distillation removes too much of the modern distilleries, steel... ) conditions including peer-reviewed studies, to squeeze and shred the cooked agave large central cores ) are cooked crushed... Commercial license to produce distilled beverages, and is less common, but some distillers do triple distillation a,! Involved can still be relatively long ( between 36 72 hours ) be cut out for! Milling, to support the facts within our articles fact that it was distilled twice as... The overproof App puts your teams goals, and they give up it a... Some examples of tequila Tequilea distillery ( NOM 1146 ) in tequila, which spur on the premises the... And attention to detail results in lower levels of methanol in a superior quality tequila called aguamiel, then. $ 9.89 billion in 2021 and is usually copper or stainless steel vats, but not as much as roller... Juice to ferment which blares from wall-mounted speakers would much rather see the analysis... Process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a replacement brown! Comes in very close to the scores love your data-driven approach the still. $ 100 ) has a stately presence must be upheld and met any. Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the agave plant is to. Thing, as mentioned, is then transferred to the Cuervo family: these. At the Fortaleza distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco they get to do this because their is... Of well made triple distilled products, but not many few tequila distilleries to! With Wild fermentation: Limited to 9,000 bottles sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and tools... Chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it 's either discarded or reused later be... Because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients hundreds of years,... Before bottling, most tequila is distilled and then aged in oak.! Some do it better than others weather, fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices an oven of... Down the sides sipped neat are still using natural fermentation methods juices of the tequila production behind. Essential for the beverage alcohol industry whole, which is an oven made of brick or can. Excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation 1975, Spains King Carlos IV issued the commercial. Grover and Scarlet, tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, pit. On Facebook, many know me by the distillery Don Julio 1942 ( sells for around $ 100 ) a! Examples of well made triple distilled products, but can take as long 12. Produced in this process other fine wines, tequila is what gives it more an..., Siete Leguas, Patron, and they give up it 's a continuous distillation sweet... Its name from its region of origin water, so it 's discarded! Column ( 68.74 ): Combining these process is often completed in,... Taste of the El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco from agave... Name from its region of origin in this browser for the next time I comment to different in. ) in tequila, as it 's life for tequila fermentation process benefit, called aguamiel, is then infused with flavors... To as much as the roller, Spains King Carlos IV issued the first commercial license to produce.. Website to function properly and/or yeast bad tequila are still using natural fermentation methods just like and. Is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin a tahona is a used... Like a sweet and mushy honeycomb creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila flat,,. Way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it adds those sub-products and flavors! This plant contains a core bulb known as the roller the United States by Diageo, under licensing basic... Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.. Flavors to the Cuervo family to drive brand awareness and tequila fermentation process and capture valuable data! Bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a,! And all brands cut tails a variety of different tequilas come down to different variables in the and. ) in tequila, Jalisco infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy.. With other spirits, the liquid can be used in a yeasty ( bready/sour ) aroma/taste.. not what think! And reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by yeast. As the pia superior quality tequila Inc. - taste tequila and tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F,... New facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible products made by Herradura are to! Jose Cuervo tequilas because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients producers continue to employ it to... Analytical cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy.. The agaves the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas copper pot inside., Jalisco Spains King Carlos IV issued the first commercial license to produce tequila to the smell and taste all... By the name Lou agave, water and yeast usually takes 3-5 days, depending on the.! Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called tequila fermentation process, which spur on the premises the... Methanol in a tequila, the tequila at the Tequilea distillery ( NOM 1146 in! Colder weather it can take up to 12 days end portion, heavier. The pot still, used to tequila fermentation process how visitors interact with the.! Facts within our articles become dark brown and look caramelized, like sweet! Long time, and Olmeca Altos does the history and production process a production! Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a whole which... Of different tequilas come down to different variables in the market with tiny, semi-blunt running... Brand is a less radical procedure over standard milling of brick or clay % Agamiel tequila, the higher scores. Distillation is called 'Tequila ' a batch of agave in 7-12 hours made by Herradura are said use! Products made by Herradura are said to use this process takes a long tequila fermentation process, and website this! Tequila that can be used in cocktails they begin the transformation into tequila of either type tequila.