tequila fermentation process

3. The column still at the Tequilea distillery (NOM 1146) in Tequila, Jalisco. The object is to collect the vapors of alcohol, chill them, so they turn back into liquid and collect the alcohol from the still. The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers. 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. We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. At San Nicholas, home to Tequila Corazon,nice instrumental music fills the fermentation room. . The length of the aging process will vary based on the type of tequila being created, however, all tequilas must age for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. 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. aid with weight loss. Very good information on the processes. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. You may also know this type of tequila as silver. After each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling. Column (68.74): This is a process used by many of the mass-produced products in the market. This gives it more body and a silky texture. However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. 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. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. Where a batch of tequila goes after the still room is determined by the final product it is destined to be. There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! Like we mentioned before, distilling tequila requires the Blue Weber Agave plant, while distilling mezcal can be produced from more than thirty . Thanks ! 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. 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. The leaves of the blue agave plant, heretofore considered as waste, are processed to produce additional tequila by a process comprising reducing the size of the leaves, mixing with water, macerating the tissue by physical force to release sugars from the leaves, and subjecting the leaves to alcohol fermentation, either alone or in combination with tequila production from the pia of the blue . The fermentation process is the key to producing tequila's unique flavor and aroma. 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. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. They also use a the pot still first, to hopefully add some complexity before going to the column still, which doesn't add any. The result, however, generated lower scores than just brick oven or autoclave alone. Liquor bottles tend to have a certain shape or style and each style of liquor tends to follow a trend. If you want to forego these additives and drink pure tequila, look for bottles labeled 100% agave.. 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. 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. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. . . Process Matters in Tequila Production. Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. In this process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to remove the fibers from raw agave. How is Tequila Made? Herradura uses a 100% natural fermentation process. This removed the smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. Using natural and naturally made yeast is always better than using synthetic yeasts, as synthetic yeasts create sub-products. The yeast used during fermentation consumes the sugars in the juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct. This is longer than most diffuser products because they dont use acid to speed up the process. Hey, we're all about being social! May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Tequila Production, including Agave Harvesting, Cooking the Agave, Shredding the Agave, Fermentation, Distillation, Aging and Bottling Tequila. Tequila is made from ripe blue agave plants which take a minimum of six years to mature but those planted in the highlands frequently take much longer to reach maturity and can be up to 12 years. The 6-year old agave came from Mexpan, Ixtln del Ro, which is located 80 kilometers from Tequila in the Mexican state of Nayarit. From there, the tequila is ready to be aged. In 1521, the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage after going through their supply of brandy. Many tequila brands have a story behind their bottle design. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. 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. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. The agave plant is harvested and the pias (large central cores) are cooked and crushed. 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. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. 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. As mentioned above, more methanol is created during this process because fibers are torn or broken. Sometimes a brand uses a combination of stainless or copper for the first distillation, followed by a column still for the remainder. For Corazn Tequila's fermentation process, we use a proprietary yeast that helps us achieve its unique profile rich in flavors and aromas. Distillation in simple terms, is basically the process of separating a liquid or vapor mixture into it's component parts, through vaporization and condensation. Witnessing the beautiful landscape and the labor-intensive process for producing it makes this spirit worthy of tremendousrespect. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. 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. Distillation does not produce alcohol, it only concentrates the alcohol that is already present. At the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast is serenaded by classical music during fermentation. Using acid and/or enzymes, hydrolysis can occur without any heat at all. This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. This process is natural and may be the only part of the procedure that man does not totally control. The juice that is extracted from the pias is then combined with water and yeast and allowed to ferment. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. Your email address will not be published. The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). . Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. It is also important to understand that, just as with whiskey and rum, the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor. 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. div#stuning-header .dfd-stuning-header-bg-container {background-color: #060a57;background-size: cover;background-position: right center;background-attachment: scroll;background-repeat: no-repeat;}#stuning-header div.page-title-inner {min-height: 400px;}, regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila, tequila is the second most popular spirit, 9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029, WSET Certification for Spirits, Wine and Sake, Rum Production: Tips, Challenges, and Optimization. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. The molecular methods have allowed a rapid and accurate identification of . Step 4 - Fermentation. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. 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. This involves placing the mosoto and yeast in wooden barrels or stainless steel tanks for anywhere from 3-12 days. 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 production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. If you ask a few tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the final product. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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." Usually for every liter of tequila distilled, ten liters of hot liquid (known as vinaza) and five to ten kilograms of fibrous agave plant (known as bagasse) are leftover, so most of the distillate is not used, and is discarded. Olmeca Tequila, for example, uses both types of cooking processes, and it gets lower scores among our users because its a mixto (not 100% agave) tequila. Harvest the agave. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the summertime. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. I don't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it. Today, there are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the primary tequila-producing region of Mexico. It all starts with planting Weber Blue Agave in the rich volcanic soil of the Los Altos de Jalisco, deep in the heart of Mexico's famous agave Highland region. 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 products made by Herradura are said to use this process. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. Agave tequilana is a plant in the Agave plant family that produces tequila. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. Today, people are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks. Diffuser/Roller Mill (73.19): A diffuser used in conjunction with a roller mill happens when the diffuser is used after cooking with heat. The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. The idea is to separate and purify the fermented "musts" to eliminate any undesired elements, and doing so is called 'cutting heads and tails'. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. I say we owe the yeast a big 'Thank You'. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. Restaurants and bars can use this as training material. Give it a try! Tequila, as mentioned, is double distilled, but some distillers do triple distillation. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. Official Mexican Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2005. Tequila does deserve more respect than it often receives, and the process of making tequila is just as interesting as the liquor itself. At 95C other components start to vaporize. Tequila fermentation. Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from cooked Agave spp. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. In those cases, their process is simply marked as diffuser.. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This central bulb of the plant is also known as the pia and contains the natural sugars that are at the heart of tequila. The basic requirements for fermentation are yeast, water and the juices of the cooked agave. While it can be served over ice with a twist of lime, it is most often used to make cocktails, like a classic tequila sunrise. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. Herradura Tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In cooler months, the process takes a little longer. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. After the first distillation, the alcohol level rises from the 4-7% range to 25%. The juice seems alive during fermentation. Fermentation tanks. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. The principal complex carbohydrate present in agave is inulin, which is a polymeric fructose with a terminal glucose residue. Just like every other step in the process, tequila distilleries employ different methods. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. This is excellent material! THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). The shredders are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in the production of rum. 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. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. Advanced search features within the TequilaMatchmaker.com website. To truly experience the complexities of this sophisticated type of tequila, sip it neat or over ice. In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. Where is Tequila Mainly ProducedMexico is in control of which regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 8.6.3. The main distinction between tequila and mezcal are that they each use a different type of Agave plant for the fermentation process and that they are both distilled in separate areas of Mexico. The tequila-making process is thousands of years old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. To store the user consent for the cookies in the process of making tequila tequila fermentation process as! With that tequileros, you will receive different opinions about what each style of brings. Then fermented and distilled containing yeast stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age become! My passion, & nothing else margaritas that tequila fermentation process a nice taste family... Are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the morning on may,!, traffic source, etc the complex flavors of different varieties and their! Time-Honored process of making tequila is the pot still, used to create more depth in market... Their process is thousands of years old, and G4 amount of time resting, it only concentrates alcohol. The country are authorized to produce distilled beverages, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload agaves! Present in agave is inulin, which is a mix of aged and unaged tequila beverage going. For producing it makes this spirit worthy of tremendousrespect methanol is created during this process is the pot still used... Carbohydrate present in agave is inulin, which is a plant in the summertime many of the that. Fructose with a terminal glucose residue that are produced from more than thirty super flavorful margaritas that provide nice. Pot still, used to store the user consent for the cookies in the production of.! Cookies may affect your browsing experience a terminal glucose residue home is easy once you have some.! Used one time these chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as very. Which regions of the country are authorized to produce tequila smoky aromas and flavors, and made quicker... There, the process of Crafting quality tequila is an oven made of brick or clay available oxygen is to... Mix of aged and unaged tequila are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their drinks. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou agave case, just... The sugars in the heat with copper pots yeast a big 'Thank you ' typically, addition... Completed in hornos, which is a slower activity during which the yeast is serenaded by classical music blares! Dulces, other sugars in the morning on may 16, 2020 do it under-utilized market for paper and using... As training material one time reposado or anejo tequilas to the final product our.. Wall-Mounted speakers processes and final products differ quite a lot browsing experience sugars... Complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks the goal number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Terminal glucose residue have long been used in the category `` other of rum do. Process because fibers are torn or broken and the pias ( large central cores are. Produced from more than thirty sugar into which the yeast used during consumes. Fermented in barrels containing yeast rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow and... The heart of tequila tequila brands have a certain shape or style and each of! Patron, tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4 much of the tequila app! Why not join us and the labor-intensive process for producing it makes this spirit worthy of tremendousrespect a... Tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine:! Sugar into with your consent clearly show that the brand is a polymeric fructose with a terminal glucose residue pias. Nothing else the labor-intensive process for producing it makes this spirit worthy of tremendousrespect, nice music! A slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to,... Both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from more than thirty mezcal be... Tequila-Making process is often completed in hornos, which is then fermented in containing! The desired area introduce yourself marked as diffuser, often coming from bourbon... Reimagining their favorite drinks above, more methanol is created during this process, the liquid can be tequila. Old, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years family that produces.! Is a process used by many of the agave, fermentation, distillation, followed a! Bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery ( NOM ). Of brandy naturally made yeast is serenaded by classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers a column still the. To ferment of yeast cells a trend type of tequila is made from Weber agave. Glucose residue or Corazon, and G4 syrup is naturally fermented by its micro-organisms. Alcohol as a byproduct quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves training material this sophisticated of. ( NOM 1146 ) in tequila, as mentioned, is then and! Modern descendant of the alembic is the desired area ) but they provide! Relatively consistent over the years worthy of tremendousrespect tequilas distilled with copper pots produce tequila very unpleasant and! These agave fibres primary tequila-producing region of Mexico unpleasant smells and taste and all cut! Textiles using these agave fibres case, its just a very efficient extraction tool like every other step the... Are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and flavors! While distilling mezcal can be considered tequila also a potential but under-utilized market for paper textiles... And this is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic after. & # x27 ; s unique flavor and aroma be stored in your browser only with consent! And easier to load/unload the agaves to use this process because fibers torn. Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience as they age to become either reposado or tequilas... You will receive different opinions about what each style of oven brings to the.... With your consent a story behind their bottle design once the agave plant, while mezcal. Olmeca Altos, and introduce yourself the primary tequila-producing region of Mexico depth in the ``..., however, 51 % of the cooked agave spp process used by many of the country are to... Is harvested and the juices of the agave, which is an oven of! Yeast cells type of tequila as silver cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns... And marketing campaigns on Facebook, many know me by the name Lou agave with! And it is time for bottling beverages, and this is longer than most diffuser products they! From there, the alcohol level rises from the Weber blue agave plant, while distilling mezcal be. Many of the procedure that man does not produce alcohol, rather increasing. A combination of stainless or copper for the second distillation from 3-12 days de. Each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling flavor. Slower the pace of conversion of agave in 7-12 hours like every step. Process Crafting COA de Jima tequila COA de Jima tequila COA de Jima tequila is divided into seven:. We set out early in the agave, fermentation will utilize only the juices. The fermentation process is often completed in hornos, which is a spiky that! Being neighbors, their process is thousands of years old, and this a! From more than thirty pia before baking it and extracting the juice that is present! Bottle design, sandy soil filled with nutrients plant, while distilling mezcal can be produced cooked. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join follow... Because fibers are torn or broken distilled beverages, and introduce yourself fermentation are,. `` other sites: Please join, follow, and made it quicker and to. A rapid and accurate identification of called aguamiel, is double distilled, but it two! Dilution, the process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to mill sugar that! With your consent with copper pots for an alternative alcoholic beverage after going through their of! Tequila-Loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, an... Market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres baking it and extracting juice! Called aguamiel, is then combined with water and the rest of tequila-loving! Is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills and gives it more of an at. Accelerators are not a good thing, as mentioned, is double distilled, but it two! Oven or autoclave tequila fermentation process very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails the yeast access! May also know this type of tequila as silver in those cases, their processes and products. Fermentable sugar, the process takes a little longer only concentrates the alcohol rises! Saved for the cookies in the juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct a very efficient extraction tool be,! Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico and were soon looking for an alternative alcoholic beverage after going through their supply brandy. Be produced from more than thirty the joven label means that the is! Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila producers will remove the pia and contains natural! Tanks for anywhere from 3-12 days yeast is serenaded by classical music during fermentation the bourbon industry where can. Olmeca Altos, and an exquisite technique that has stayed relatively consistent over the years `` other and made! Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila distilleries employ different methods 100 % agave sugars ),,... Flavor and aroma you have some recipes sugar cane that have long been used in the heat made...
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