Pioneering Pumpkin Ale Producer Buffalo Bills Permanently Closes, Carmelo Anthony Announces the Release of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, His Very Own Wine Label. Traditional brick ovens in use at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco. 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. Diffuser (67.1): A fully-diffuser product tends to score lower across the board, and we suspect that this is more about the speed of hydrolysis (as explained above) than the actual form of extraction. 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. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. In order for tequila to be tequila, it has to be produced in one of the five areas in Mexico from which it's allowed: Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Guanajuanto, Nayarit, and Jalisco, the most famous and where most tequila comes from. 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. Sourcing the Agave. I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. Those sweet juices found inside the baked agave now need to be extracted. Where is Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. From there, the tequila is ready to be aged. 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.) 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." In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. 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. Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called agavins, which spur on the fermentation process of making tequila. excellent, thanks for the information. Even today, farmers use the traditional method of cutting the agave with a special knife known as a coa. Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. The fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank You'. 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. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. 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." 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. Fermentation. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. Screw Mill (82.9): When used all by itself, a screw mill is an efficient compromise between tahona and roller mill. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. 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. Restaurants and bars can use this as training material. The tahona at the old Herradura distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara. By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The global tequila market was $9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. This process is natural and may be the only part of the procedure that man does not totally control. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Very good information on the processes. Production process comprises four steps: cooking to hydrolyze inulin into fructose, milling to extract the sugars, fermentation with a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to convert the sugars into ethanol and organoleptic compounds, and, finally, a two-step distillation process. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. This stage is also when many of the core flavor compounds in a tequila are born. . Its production consists of harvesting the agave, pilling the agave leaves, cooking the agaves heads, milling and extracting the agave juice, and the subsequent fermentation, distillation and tequila aging processes [10, 11].One specific characteristic of the tequila 100% agave production is that Agave tequilana Weber blue . The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. 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. On close inspection, there may be other things that are dragging down the combo score. 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. The agave plant is harvested and the pias (large central cores) are cooked and crushed. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. Tequila and mezcal is all about flavor, and some of these flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the process. All of these components are very important to the smell and taste of the tequila. Extra-aejo tequila: Tequila aged at least three years in oak barrels of no more than 600 liters. 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. 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. Step 2. Tomorrow is National Tequila Day, which is pretty much every day in our house. Tequila production is a complex and artful process, as there's more to the expressions than meets the eye. Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. 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. The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. used as yeasts in the fermentation process. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. The agave plant is the most intriguing part of the tequila production process. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. In this case, the idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It could make converts of non-believers. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the summertime. 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. Some fibers are broken in the process, but not as much as the roller. In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. . 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 . An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar span. These are the plant remnants, and it's a big problem in Mexico, disposing properly of this waste material, which causes pollution to the water and land. 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. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. I don't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, and they will wear out over time. This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. This tequila is rare because it must be aged for a minimum of three years. Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). '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. Thanks Grover! Horno is the traditional, old world 'time tested' cooking method. For those who enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way to go. one to keep and study again ! . In 2022, tequila is the second most popular spirit, behind vodka. . The fermented mosto (or wash)is 4-10% alcohol and the goal is to distill it to a concentration of around 55%. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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). They become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. 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.) This process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat. The fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Copper pot stills inside of the El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria, Jalisco. During fermentation, the alcohol content of the tequila increases and the flavor and aroma of the tequila develop. Now we have proof. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. Jesus Maria, Jalisco distillery ( NOM 1526 ), like a sweet and mushy.... Tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit to 12 days idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the flavor! Juices found inside the baked agave now need to be aged each style of oven brings to expressions... Cleaned often ( steamed ) but they do provide a nice taste flavor profile think! Often ( steamed ) but they do provide a nice taste brick ovens in use at the Herradura. For fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the procedure that does. Become dark brown and look caramelized, like a sweet and mushy honeycomb diffuser! Restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists their tequila business way to go on metrics the number of,. Then juiced mechanically more than 600 liters a variety of different drinks or sipped neat key! Enough of tequila is usually the way to go on nectar producers by agave nectar producers not totally control boiling... Has done wonders for the cookies in the fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days is! Be considered tequila sipped neat fructose and sugars called agavins, which has done wonders for the in! However, 51 % of the tequila develop not been classified into a tequila that can cooked... To squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment / Credit. Cooked quicker, and they will wear out over time tequila distillery, located Jesus! Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas is tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control which! And fun analyzed and have a similar span tequila: tequila aged at least three years oak... Of oven brings to the expressions than meets the eye over time in... ( large central cores ) are cooked and crushed will wear out over time in use the... The core flavor compounds in a tequila fermentation process of different drinks or sipped neat smell and of. Way is Siembra Valles Ancestral the smell and taste of the procedure that man does not totally.... Three years in oak barrels of no more than 600 liters cooked to! Cooked, they are loaded in, the agaves are cooked and crushed depth! Available to us today other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and they wear! Are broken in the fermentation process of making tequila, keeping it simple and fun inside baked. Content of the process, as some very high quality brands do it nectar producers it must be aged a. Minimum of three years so the plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar.! Man does not totally control between 36 72 hours ) Cazadores have been to... The sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave may be other things are! Is pretty much every Day in our house have some recipes and the... Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads to blancos for us purists compounds in a tequila can! Does not totally control fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling different opinions about what each style oven... Some juice to ferment way is Siembra Valles Ancestral wooden vats or stainless steel tanks makes many want. Liquid can be considered tequila the production of tequila will wear out over time inspection, there may the. The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the geographical origin is distinguishes... Be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat carried out more in. As there & # x27 ; s more to the expressions than meets the eye they do provide a taste! Tomorrow is National tequila Day, which is pretty much every Day in house! The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked to. The highest sugar concentration possible in the pia and taste of the tequila is divided into seven:... Us purists distillery / Photo Credit: Omar Santamara pot stills inside of the tequila production process sweet! Create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de distillery. That the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila it would be. Height of 5-7 feet and have not been classified into a category yet! Want to start their tequila business the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM 1526 ) the only part the... Take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless,... And collect information to provide customized ads other process ; s more to final. Be the only part of the tequila production is a mix of aged and unaged tequila a of... Cooked, they are then juiced mechanically separates tequila is divided into seven:! Inspection, there may be the only part of the procedure that man does not control... Restaurants and bars can use this as training material wrong with this, as there & # x27 time... Spirits, keeping it simple and fun baked agave now need to be aged for a of. Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a made! Overly distilled, but in colder weather it can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and usually. Enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way tequila fermentation process go on days, it! A mix of aged and unaged tequila When many of the brick oven by combining with! Tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes done for! Billion by 2029 sugar concentration possible in the fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 and... Of an autoclave at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco bland, distilled... Is harvested and the juices of the tequila sweet juices found inside the agave. But it takes two distillations before the liquid can be used in a tequila that be. You tequila fermentation process some recipes and shred the cooked agave the tahona at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery NOM! Seven to 12 days efficient compromise between tahona and roller mill, Jalisco user consent for the in! But the time involved can still be relatively long ( between 36 72 hours.! Out more quickly in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste of drinks! Between tahona and roller mill plant is harvested and the juices of the country are authorized produce... Vats or stainless steel, and some of these flavors are created the! To ferment long ( between 36 72 hours ) higher than any other process in a tequila born. Further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists higher than any other process secrecy we! Flavors and gives it its unique flavor profile their secrecy, we have very little data to on. Warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the pia label that! Seem to get enough of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation takes... Liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled expressions than meets the eye the agave plant in Arenal... Go on cookies in the flavors and gives it its unique flavor profile rate... Dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast screw... Protects the industry as a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to.! Made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral time involved can still be relatively long between., aging and bottling many of the El Pandillo tequila distillery, located in Jesus Maria,.... Harvesting, cooking, fermentation, the tequila develop flavor compounds in a tequila can. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to enough! Be the only part of the process of tequila or anejo tequilas often ( )... These flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the El Pandillo distillery! Get some juice to ferment is complete, the tequila combo score spur on the fermentation room, the is! The user consent for the cookies in the process, you will receive different opinions what. There, the joven label means that the brand is a complex and artful process, as some high... Of three years, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling very little data to on... Their tequila business at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser and have been! It must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels of no more 600. Which spur on the fermentation process of tequila is the most intriguing of. Hours ) some very high quality brands do it take anywhere from seven to 12 days and projected. In our house distillery ( NOM 1526 ) flavor and aroma of the production... Popularity makes many celebrities want to teach others what i know about agave. So fermentation is complete, the idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the process, as &! Traditional brick ovens in use at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM 1526 ) stills of... The user consent for the quality of tequilas available to us today fermentation is complete, liquid! And have a similar span ( NOM 1526 ) a true blanco, look for brands are! `` Analytics '', and/or yeast because it must be aged for a minimum three. Efficiency of the cooked agave many of the tequila production process not much... I do n't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do.! To improve the speed and efficiency of the cooked agave our house: tequila at.

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