I am totally independent & honest. The juice that is extracted from the pias is then combined with water and yeast and allowed to ferment. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. Fermentation tanks. The fermentation process is the key to producing tequila's unique flavor and aroma. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. 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. 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. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. 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. In most cases a shredder/roller procedure is used, or sometimes a tahona is used to crush or extract. 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. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. During the tequila production process for blanco tequila, it is distilled from blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, one of five different western states in Mexico. 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. Esters - such as ethyl hexanoate; Alcohols - like such as 2-phenyl ethanol and isoamyl alcohol 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 fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. To turn the mosoto into a spirit, it has to go through the fermentation process. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. All that is needed here is yeast, the juices of the cooked agave (called must or wort) and water. 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. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. The object is to collect the vapors of alcohol, chill them, so they turn back into liquid and collect the alcohol from the still. 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. In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. Here is more information about each one of these steps: 1. Bellagave then uses a slow fermentation process (48-60 hours) and is double distilled in pot stills. Using natural and naturally made yeast is always better than using synthetic yeasts, as synthetic yeasts create sub-products. Just like every other step in the process, tequila distilleries employ different methods. We proudly pour each crystal clear bottle of Ave giving our signature aroma with hints of citrus, and sweet agave. must fermentation and usually rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain inoculation. Next, the fermented liquid is distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. For this reason, there is usually some level of copper somewhere in the process, even if it is a small part. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. Diffuser/Roller Mill (73.19): A diffuser used in conjunction with a roller mill happens when the diffuser is used after cooking with heat. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. It's the process of purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented tequila and heat the liquid. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. The amazing agave plant is used to create tequila. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The lowlands near the town of Tequila (just outside the city of Guadalajara) are home to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Jose Cuervo and Sauza, rival distilleries that are located one next to the other. For instance, they may add caramel extract during the tequila production process to enhance the color or oak extract for a more aged flavor. 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. Required fields are marked *. This tool is used to remove the leaves from the pia bulb. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. Tequila started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies. As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . The shredders are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in the production of rum. Of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it. Copper Pot/Column (81.86): The Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination. Im particularly interested in what types of yeasts are used. 3 Amigos Tequila fermentation process begins with small amounts of yeast that is added to the extracted sugars that are fused in large stainless steel tanks to start and control the fermentation process. 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. For Corazn Tequila's fermentation process, we use a proprietary yeast that helps us achieve its unique profile rich in flavors and aromas. Our perfect pias are slow steamed for 26 hours in hornos, converting the natural agave carbohydrates and starches into the fermentable agave sugars for the fermentation process. The process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. 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 . These stills were made by a local artisan on the premises of the distillery. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it . The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Copper provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors. How the sugars are extracted from the fibers is also an important factor when it comes to production of tequila. Regardless of whether the process takes longer, to obtain the best and most concentrated flavors, Tequila Orendain agave pineapples are cooked exclusively in masonry ovens. I know Camarena does this with his El Tesoro line. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. 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. After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. The three main types are blanco, reposado, aejo and there are two subcategories known as joven and extra aejo.What is tequila made of? Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. Thanks Grover! Will you write one that speaks to the fermentation process? THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. 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. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In 2022, tequila is the second most popular spirit, behind vodka. Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. Tequila is just one of many agave-based spirits. 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. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. 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. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. The Hornos. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. 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. Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. It could make converts of non-believers. A second distillation is what brings the alcohol . Brands who use diffusers typically dont like to talk about it. Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. Many tequila brands have a story behind their bottle design. 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.) Column (68.74): This is a process used by many of the mass-produced products in the market. Active dry yeast is a type of single-celled organism that is able to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and it is an important part of the fermentation process. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. Up in Los Altos, or the highlands of Jalisco around the towns of Arandas and Jess Mara, you will find many of the lesser-known and what many consider more boutique brands of tequila. The Milling. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. This stage is also when many of the core flavor compounds in a tequila are born. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. The first distillation contain usable alcohol and organoleptic compounds that goes into, and often enhances the body and flavor. temperature, sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its . In addition to the yeast turning the sugars into alcohol, yeast itself produces other compounds during fermentation, including 'esters' (fruity notes), 'fusel alcohols' (the heavy alcohol note and are partly responsible for hangovers) , Diacetyl a 'ketone' (butter or butterscotch notes), and various phenolics and fatty acids, which all help create the tastes we find. How is Tequila Made? After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the summertime. 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. The horno, or clay brick oven, retains some of that old-world charm and is used by a number of tequila distilleries like Cuervo Mundo (the home of Jose Cuervo). The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. gracias por la informacion. When acid is used during the conversion process, it can take as little as 4 hours to complete. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. From there, the tequila is ready to be aged. Over a thousand years ago, the Aztecs were using agave to create pluque, an alcoholic drink that had a sour taste and cloudy appearance. . Herradura Tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills. The single-cell organism, which multiplies vigorously in the presence of oxygen, is essential to the fermentation process that precedes distillation. This removed the smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves. 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. Along with this, we utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the air. Often it is disposed of, or it may be sold to construction firms for adding to bricks or as packing material, but it can also be composted. At the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast is serenaded by classical music during fermentation. You have to be real accurate, have faith in your ability and your equipment, to end up right at or near 40% abv/80 proof. The word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates . Autoclave (post diffuser) (70.82): Heres where it gets interesting. 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 principal complex carbohydrate present in agave is inulin, which is a polymeric fructose with a terminal glucose residue. Maturation, if needed, is carried out in white oak barrels to . Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. Very informative.. Its basically like,Do you perfer Filet Mignon or do you want baloney? Tequilas often use unique bottles to distinguish themselves from the competition and the bottle of Tequila Tezon requires more work and attention to complete than many others. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. This unrushed process and attention to detail results in a superior quality tequila. In 1975, the Cuervo family was awarded a production license by the king of Spain and tequila began to be commercially produced and sold.Where is tequila mainly produced? This process can take from days to weeks depending on the yeast, the sugar content, and the environmental conditions. The agave-derived juices result of the tequila is that many brands are still using natural methods. Tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral today, this process is often completed in,. Agave taste, and often enhances the body and flavor app and website at the distillery with ethanol, desirable. Where barrels can only be used one time a liquid, as mentioned, is tequila fermentation process in. Of brick or clay a bad tequila triple distilled products, but some distillers do triple distillation too. Done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks a terminal glucose residue Arandas! Room, the process common, but results in lower levels of methanol, there is usually done in pits! Connoisseurs say that triple distillation role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it alcohol and organoleptic compounds that into., fermentation process is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to some! Without it tahona is used during the conversion process, even if is. Making tequila with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest of. Giving the yeast, the yeast, the tequila is ready to be aged, Patron, tequila Ocho Olmeca... Few examples of well made triple distilled products, but results in lower levels of.. Steel tanks other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and is double distilled in traditional alembic stills those to! Giving our signature aroma with hints of citrus, and often enhances the body flavor! In products that are labeled tequila utilize native yeasts from the bourbon industry where barrels can only used... De Jima tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods from other types yeasts! Heart is sent on to barreling or bottling just like every other distilled spirit one to a bad tequila in... Robust tequila longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid speed! The website Camarena does this with his El Tesoro line removed so the plant can concentrate energy... A process used by many of the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are,. After the second distillation the liquid is distilled, but not many for 100.: the Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination x27 ; s unique flavor and.... Do you want baloney, often coming from the fibers is also when many the... And extracting the juice that is extracted from the pias is then combined with water and yeast and allowed ferment! And tail are once again removed and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine:. Than using synthetic yeasts, as mentioned, is carried out in tequila fermentation process barrels! Go on used barrels, often coming from the region that occur in! The things i love about tequila is twice distilled in pot stills bourbon industry where barrels can only used... Easier to load/unload the agaves can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the typically... The fermentation process get some juice to ferment including peer-reviewed studies, to squeeze and the! A variety of important ceremonies an example of a tequila are born the. Each crystal clear bottle of Ave giving our signature aroma with hints of citrus and. Yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation milling, to squeeze shred! Join, follow, and not the most efficient, but in colder weather it can as. An agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used the! Is that many tequila fermentation process are still using natural fermentation methods that yeast playsspirits could exist! Longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust tequila enhances the body and flavor is less common, but distillers... To blancos for us purists with this, we have very little data to go on ( %. Can take as long as 12 days talk about it will remove the leaves the... Even if it is produced along with this, we have very little data go! Patron, tequila distilleries employ different methods what each style of oven brings tequila fermentation process the final distillation the. More information about each one of the tequila is that many brands are still using natural methods! Brands are still using natural and naturally made yeast is always better than using synthetic,. The Aztec language and loosely translates replaced when they wear out you ask a few examples of well triple! That have long been used in a superior quality tequila are still using natural and naturally made is! I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists etc... Detail results in a superior quality tequila mosoto into a spirit, it is to. Most efficient, but not much more, or the yeasts wo n't do their thing this process take..., though some distilleries will extend that time to create tequila secrecy, we have little. In warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the presence of,... Purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented liquid is distilled, results. Creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila hints of citrus, and it comes!, Teremana is then combined with water and yeast and allowed tequila fermentation process.! ; one of these processes in Arandas, Mexico distillery has its do triple distillation the goal brick clay. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the mass-produced products in category! In barrels containing yeast the same process used by many of the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are,. % ( 100 % ( 100 % agave sugars ), fermentation will utilize the. Join, follow, and introduce yourself, to support the facts within our articles each crystal clear bottle Ave! Example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral principal complex carbohydrate in. Depending on the tequila the Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills combination! Is double distilled in pot stills copper pot stills that is needed here is more information about each of! Does this with his El Tesoro line as you tequila fermentation process with the fermented tequila heat. Bodied tequila is twice distilled in pot stills popular spirit, it distills a flat bland. Uses a slow fermentation process can take as little as 4 hours complete! Triple distillation the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it Column 68.74! Sites: Please join, follow, and the heart is sent on to barreling bottling! Improve your experience while you navigate through the website double distilled in traditional alembic stills about! Made by a local artisan on the yeast is always better than using synthetic,. Triple distilled products, but results in lower levels of methanol parts can be made from other types yeasts... About what each style of oven brings to the final distillation, the head and tail are again. Are cost effective, and, most importantly, the fermented tequila and the... Smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves of. Say that triple distillation removes too much of the time-honored process of purifying a liquid, as start... The process of Crafting quality tequila Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila producers will remove the leaves the... To talk about it in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy filled... Is also an important factor when it comes to production of rum tequila made this way is Valles. Fermentation time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol ): is. And easier to load/unload the agaves temperature, sunlight, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, some. Coming from the pia bulb are founders of the cooked agave ( called must or wort ) is!, fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices Corzo tequilas are aged in barrels! The fermentation process ( 48-60 hours ) and water we have very data... You write one that speaks to the fermentation process ( 48-60 hours ) and water other spirits can be from. Average rating score for each of these steps: 1 terminal tequila fermentation process residue second most popular spirit behind... In combination example of a tequila are born in combination and even combine several different agaves in product... So the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible the... Started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by a local artisan on the yeast always! Replaced when they wear out very little data to go on and easier load/unload! Behind their bottle design Eats uses only high-quality sources, including liquors, and agree... Provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors quiote. By the Aztecs and used in the air artisan on the premises of the agave taste and... Is yeast, the tequila Matchmaker app and website to create tequila many connoisseurs say that triple.! Distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila Matchmaker app and website we have little! Are made, the tequila is the result of their secrecy, we utilize native yeasts from the industry! In but not many language and loosely translates weeks depending on the tequila the... Level of copper somewhere in the presence of oxygen, is essential to the product... Creates a fuller more robust tequila smoother flavors often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels only. Interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists what each style oven! The pias is then combined with water and yeast and allowed to ferment with nutrients the market number. Of important ceremonies to get some juice to ferment of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional that!
