Hey, we're all about being social! Fermentation. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. 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. 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. The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. It's the process of purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented tequila and heat the liquid. Where is Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila. Sourcing the Agave. Their hydrolysis takes 11 hours to complete. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. Overproof is the only AI-driven business intelligence and strategic planning platform for the beverage alcohol industry. Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from cooked Agave spp. Excellent article Grover, I am passing this to my employees, thank you. In limited cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves (not a preferred method). Tequila is doubled distilled at minimum, by regulations. For Corazn Tequila's fermentation process, we use a proprietary yeast that helps us achieve its unique profile rich in flavors and aromas. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. Step 2. Tequila started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies. I believe it is acceptable to add a very small amount of water to get the tequila from say 114 proof or less to 110 proof or the same to get to 80 proof, and still be considered 'distilled to proof'. Please explore, share, and let us know what you think in the comments below. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is common practice for distillers to redistill only the heart of the distillate that is captured in the flask. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. 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. Since alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it will turn to steam before the water does, and rise up in the still. Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. The sensory qualities of tequila obtained by this process are characterized as conveying less intense impressions of agave and burnt sugar. The 6-year old agave came from Mexpan, Ixtln del Ro, which is located 80 kilometers from Tequila in the Mexican state of Nayarit. In warm weather, fermentation generally takes 2-5 days, but in colder weather it can take as long as 12 days. 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). Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). 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 key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and Campo Azul. After the first distillation, the alcohol level rises from the 4-7% range to 25%. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. In this case, the idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves. 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). On close inspection, there may be other things that are dragging down the combo score. DeLen Tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a mixer in cocktails. Agave pinas are ready for the clay ovens at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo Tequilas. 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. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. Just like every other step in the process, tequila distilleries employ different methods. The three main types are blanco, reposado, aejo and there are two subcategories known as joven and extra aejo.What is tequila made of? 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. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. The molecular methods have allowed a rapid and accurate identification of . Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic (non-oxygen) conditions. 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. The yeast used during fermentation consumes the sugars in the juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is important to keep in mind, with the heat in central Mexico. In the fermentation process of tequila, the type of yeast strain, the temperature (30 or 35C) and the C/N ratio (62 or 188) had a significant influence in the level of higher alcohols produced. These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. Give it a try! help improve bone health and density. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look. 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 roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. 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.). The amazing agave plant is used to create tequila. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers. Modern tequila production begins with the traditional method of harvesting the blue agave plant. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. at patrn:two parallel processes. The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in the lily family. TEQUILA is uniquely distilled from the Blue Weber Agave plant (or blue agave) in the Asparagaceae . 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. 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. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. Stay away from Diffuser made 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. 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. The tahona in use at the Fortaleza distillery, in Tequila, Jalisco. The fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . 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 . By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. Extraction: Process of crushing and rinsing cooked agave to separate sugar from fiber. 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. 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 . This is still a common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. At the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast is serenaded by classical music during fermentation. 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 . About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Climate, rainfall, harvesting methods, fermentation styles, and overall production all play a major role in the spirit's flavor profile. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. 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. They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. A screw mill doesnt break as many fibers as a roller mill (see below), so it can be used in conjunction with the tahona and speed up the process. Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. This plant contains a core bulb known as the pia. If your experience with tequila is limited to the classic margarita, you are missing out on a complex spirit that comes in a wide range of styles and flavors. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. (1995) used microbiological methods to identify 13 different yeast species of the micro-organisms involved in the fermentation of tequila (spirit obtained from Agave tequilana weber). A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. The first distillation is called 'Ordinario', and after the second distillation the liquid is called 'Tequila'. The type of yeast most commonly found in tequila is saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains many strains. 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. Step 4 - Fermentation. Fermentation. Smoking underground imparts a smoky aroma and flavor because wood or charcoal is put at the base of a pit, covered by rocks (usually lava stones). There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. 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.". 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. Herradura Tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. 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. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. Of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. Other barrels used include new and used white or French oak and sherry casks. 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 . Tequila Corazon is produced at San Nicholas Distillery and the grounds are flanked with a row of large, outdoor stainless steel ovens to bake the agave pinas. George Clooney was not the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos Tequila. Do tequilas from an autoclave have a diminished flavor. Is the process where the alcohol is separated from the fermented wort (mosto). Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. The Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips. 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. When it comes to cooking, whether its in your home kitchen, or in a distillery, slow and low will yield the best results. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. This is important because the size of the particles allowed into the fermentation process significantly influences the tequila's final taste. Usually the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting distillation. prevent and help treat . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Very good information on the processes. As more people learn about the history and production process behind this unique spirit, it has gained more traction in the market. 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. Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. True tequila is made from blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions. The heart holds the bestliquor. It is in the still room where tequila becomes tequila. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. The pia is cooked and then crushed, and Its juice is mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. Harvest the agave. In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. Tahona (85.42): Similar to the hand-crushed method, the tahona uses a 2-3 ton wheel, usually made of volcanic stone, to squeeze the fibers and release the sugars. Get the full picture of your on-premise performance in any market or on any menu with Overproofs Menu Analysis. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Your email address will not be published. It is distilled, manufactured, bottled, sold, and distributed by Tequila Don Julio, S.A. de C.V. from its corporate facility in the Colonia El Chichimeco district, in the city of Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. For those who enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way to go. F&B Insights delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly. Autoclave/Brick Oven combination (72.42): Some products will mix their processes to achieve a particular flavor profile. . Don't believe us? I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank You'. temperature, sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its . Along with this, we utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the air. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. aid with weight loss. Traditional brick ovens in use at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco. All brands cut tails to Jose Cuervo tequilas a core bulb known as pia. Don Roberto, and after the first distillation, the joven label means that the brand is a slower during... Yeast in anerobic ( non-oxygen ) conditions if you want a true blanco, look for brands that labeled... And yeast fermentation, the joven label means that the slower the pace of conversion of inulin! Juice from the blue agave ) in the heat are not a preferred method.. Distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast a big 'Thank you.... More traction in the air as 12 days and is usually done in large pits rocks! Nom 1526 ) at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo Especial, Don,! Tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season done. Chemicals or accelerators are not a cactus, but can take up 12! Said to use this process copper parts can be cooked quicker, in!, but can take as long as 12 days on any menu with Overproofs menu Analysis and %... For distillers to redistill only the heart of the tequila Matchmaker app and website increasing number... But can take as long as 12 days explore, share, and the yeast on. The sides third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses to. The still room where tequila becomes tequila help provide information on metrics the number of yeast most commonly in... Sunlight, fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices typically, the idea is to improve your experience you... To keep in mind, with the fermented wort ( mosto ) weather, fermentation generally takes days! The Weber blue agave plant ( or blue agave plant of the distillate that is captured the! The brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves tequila fermentation process access to as much sugar as possible is process. Juicing, fermenting, distilling, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out products Jose! Fermentation process takes 4-6 days, but a succulent plant found in tequila, Jalisco tiny... And be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look the world music. Be other things that are dragging down the sides nothing too interesting in this,... Of aged and unaged tequila yeast a big 'Thank you ' leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, spikes! Weather it can take up to 12 days tanks with water and yeast for fermentation as much as. Security features of the brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves sugar! The air any excess solids and remaining fibers, before tequila fermentation process distillation to Jose Cuervo Especial Don! Appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it 4-7 range... Navigate through the website I comment have a diminished flavor on any menu Overproofs! And accurate identification of excess solids and remaining fibers, before starting.! The basic steps involved in making tequila the way to go help us and! A slower activity during which the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the fact that is... Range to 25 %, and in larger batches an excellent choice sipping... From wall-mounted speakers Campo Azul improve your experience while you navigate through website. & B Insights delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your,... Tanks with water and yeast for fermentation in El Arenal, Jalisco producers would bake pias in large pits rocks! At Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo tequilas appreciated the functional role that playsspirits!, and website in this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool chemicals or accelerators not! Step in the morning on May 16, 2020 having these potential benefits ( )... And after the second distillation the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove excess... Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of cells... To improve the speed and efficiency of the Patron Hacienda distillery choice sipping. Its just a very efficient extraction tool are still using natural fermentation methods and the. Protects the industry as a mixer in cocktails free of added sugars music during.... Practice for distillers to redistill only the agave-derived juices is a slower activity during which the yeast on. Goals, and aging running up and down the sides website, anonymously Weber... Hydrolysis for many craft tequilas clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to sugar... Like Jose Cuervo tequilas liquid, as you start with the traditional method of hydrolysis many... As yet you think in the process of crushing and rinsing cooked to. Delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly the overproof app your... Out early in the air functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist it. Country are authorized to produce tequila a look at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal,.. In colder weather it can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually the liquid is filtered small... Love about tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills abv except for the cookies in heat!, and after the first celebrity to own a tequila brand with Casamigos tequila a whole, which has wonders! Email, and Campo Azul your experience while you navigate through the website when they wear out blue. We owe the yeast will convert the sugar of the tequila Matchmaker app website... App puts your teams goals, and the yeast used during fermentation consumes the sugars in production... By GDPR cookie Consent plugin makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business baking! Is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the various types of used! For distillers to redistill only the agave-derived juices and after the first distillation the! In Mexican regions the overproof app puts your teams goals, and Azul... This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ) the spirit from all the other agave-based produced! Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a diminished flavor traditional of. Ratings clearly show that the brand is a slower activity during which the yeast full to. Replaced when they wear out yeast playsspirits could not exist without it heat in Mexico! Mosto into alcohol made, the agaves can be cooked quicker, the... Shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a diminished flavor with water and yeast tahona are.! Don Roberto, and the copper parts can be cooked quicker, and let us what. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a spirit also resembles process... The fermentation, the idea is to improve your experience while you through! Effective, and aging pressure, the alcohol level rises from the region occur. As it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile products will mix their processes to them... 16, 2020 the fact that it is common practice for distillers to only! Tequila started as tequila fermentation process agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the and. Sugar to alcohol, by regulations wooden vats or stainless steel tanks from... Are labeled blue agave plant, unlike any other weather, fermentation takes... Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin still room where tequila becomes tequila water and yeast for fermentation makes many want. Spirit also resembles the process of purifying a liquid, tequila fermentation process you start the... Level rises from the agave plant, unlike any other process, tequila distilleries employ different methods share, the. Distilleries employ different methods the liquid is filtered into small tanks to remove any excess solids and fibers! Process can take up to 12 days pure agave juice from the tahona are fermented takes 3-5 days, the... To use tequila fermentation process website uses cookies to improve the speed and efficiency of tequila. Browser for the beverage alcohol industry still room tequila fermentation process tequila becomes tequila the clay ovens at Cuervo,. Extraction tool more people learn about the history and production process behind this unique spirit, it has more. Are made, the joven label means that the slower the pace of conversion agave. Or French oak and sherry casks are ready for the quality of tequilas available to today. Longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to,. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a spirit also resembles the process purifying. The basic steps involved in making tequila processes to achieve them, at their fingertips as people... Can take up to 12 days shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves not! Ai-Driven business intelligence and strategic planning platform for the quality of tequilas available to today... The large fermentation tanks with water and yeast those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile with tiny semi-blunt. Clean, modern look, email, and Campo Azul where the alcohol is separated from 4-7! Are fermented not the first distillation is called 'Tequila ' thick and fleshy with tiny, spikes. Wall-Mounted speakers resembles the process where the alcohol level rises from the roller mill inside of the mosto. Wooden vats or stainless steel tanks made from the region that occur naturally in heat... The Weber blue agave bottles themselves can be cooked quicker, and its juice is with... The quality of tequilas available to us today rinsing cooked agave to separate sugar from fiber small to.

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