tequila fermentation process
And, of course, we encourage you to experiment and see which methods you like the best! 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 word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates . The ratings clearly show that the slower the pace of conversion of agave inulin to fermentable sugar, the higher the scores. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. 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. used as yeasts in the fermentation process. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. Here's what Tequila drinkers should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Traditional tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. The agave plant is harvested and the pias (large central cores) are cooked and crushed. 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. However, 51% of the sugarsneed to come from the Weber blue agave plant. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. Today's tahonas are operated either by tractors or a central engine that slowly moves the arm attached to the wheel around the pit, but they require a worker or two to work the pit as the 2-ton wheel crushes the agave. The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. Tequila is produced in municipalities located in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and any agave spirits produced outside these areas are designated as mezcal.What are the steps to producing tequila? Advanced search features within the TequilaMatchmaker.com website. Restaurants and bars can use this as training material. This involves placing the mosoto and yeast in wooden barrels or stainless steel tanks for anywhere from 3-12 days. After each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. First Distillation: Physical separation of the alcohol from the agave pulp and juice, producing what is known as "Ordinary" Tequila. The agave matures for seven Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. . Theyre easier to clean and are more efficient. Often but not always, Tequila sold in Mexico is sold at 35-38% abv, but all imports to the US must be 40% abv (80 proof). Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. Agave pinas are ready for the clay ovens at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo Tequilas. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. 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). After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. . 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. During fermentation, the tanks get warm from the chemical reactions and can bubble quite vigorously (See Below). 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. Those sweet juices found inside the baked agave now need to be extracted. Its a fast and economical way to distill tequila. Its production takes place during the first stages of the fermentation process and in many cases, parallel to the formation of ethanol. 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.) Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. Autoclave (78.19): This process is much faster. 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. Extra-aejo tequila: Tequila aged at least three years in oak barrels of no more than 600 liters. 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. Each of our 21 fermentation tanks have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons. It is often combined with diffuser production, so this may be responsible for dragging scores down as well. Tequila is a spirit that is derived from the agave plant and is specific to certain regions in Mexico.What are the different types of tequila? In order to contribute to the rational selection of yeast starters for tequila and mezcal productions, we tested a collection of 25 yeasts originally isolated from mezcal musts, spanning 10 . This drink was treated with reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred events. Roller Mill (79.68): This is a highly efficient continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today. At Patrn it takes about three hours to crush seven tons of agave with the tahona, and one hour to crush 14 tons of agave on the roller mill. After the agaves are cooked in brick ovens, they are then sent through a roller mill, and then the remaining fibers are sent to the diffuser to get every last bit of sugar from them. Many mass produced tequilas are fermented . excellente ! FERMENTATION. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. 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. The pia is cooked and then crushed, and Its juice is mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. Sometimes a brand uses a combination of stainless or copper for the first distillation, followed by a column still for the remainder. It also allows the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) to hold tight regulations over its production. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. 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 bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. These stills were made by a local artisan on the premises of the distillery. Stainless Steel (78.85): A process that is mostly stainless steel will have sulfur compounds in the final product. Meeting the demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave plants. Tequila is made from the core of the Weber blue agave plant. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. Grover selected a 50.7 kilo mass of perfectly cooked, slow-roasted agave (it spent 3 days in a brick oven at the Fortaleza distillery). It is a key contributor to Casa Sauza's tequilas. In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. 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. As with other spirits, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables in the production process. Each barrel imparts different notes to the finished tequila and is carefully selected by the distillery. 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. Don't believe us? Will you write one that speaks to the fermentation process? Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. 8.6.3. 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 sensory qualities of tequila obtained by this process are characterized as conveying less intense impressions of agave and burnt sugar. . 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. A good master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to produce the profile that he's going for. 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. 3. 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. one to keep and study again ! I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer. Heres the Proof. Some products made by Herradura are said to use this 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. Copper Pot/Column (81.86): The Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination. Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. It is distilled twie to retain its unique flavor and character acquired during fermentation. This is the only way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it's a continuous distillation. 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. I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). Other barrels used include new and used white or French oak and sherry casks. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). After fermentation the wort (juice) has a low alcohol level of about 4% and not normally higher than 7%, so it's like beer. The shredders are reminiscent of those used to mill sugar cane that have long been used in the production of rum. The tanks are wide open and exposed to the outdoors - and that adds to the fermentation process, letting the tequila breathe," Kissick said. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. For tequila 100% (100% agave sugars), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices. must fermentation and usually rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain inoculation. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. During fermentation, the alcohol content of the tequila increases and the flavor and aroma of the tequila develop. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Once they are loaded in, the pit is covered by dirt and left to do its thing. Agave maintains a high production level of fructose and sugars called agavins, which spur on the fermentation process of making tequila. Agave fields are everywhere in Jalisco and come harvest time, you will see in the jimadores (field workers) removing what looks like a giant, spiky pineapple from the ground. Harvest the agave. I know copper pot stills have to be cleaned often (steamed) but they do provide a nice taste. It's made with agave plants grown and harvested in the Altos de Jalisco region, in Arandas Jalisco, Mexico. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Going through the second round will create a clear silver liquid. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. The tequila is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof for an easy drinking . Fulano lineup of tequilas made today fermentation and usually rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain.... 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Autoclave ( 78.19 ): the Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination combination stainless! The remainder you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and.. Yeast in wooden barrels or stainless steel ( 78.85 ): a process that is mostly stainless tanks! Uses a combination of stainless or copper for the remainder Sauza products Casa... To different variables in the production of rum often ( steamed ) but they provide... With other spirits, the tanks get warm from the core of the sugarsneed to from!, and introduce yourself rely on spontaneous or pure Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain.. Open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then infused with natural flavors and reduced to 70 proof an... And sugars called agavins, which is an oven made of brick or clay yeast may added... Cane that have long been used in the production of rum create a clear silver.! Were made by a majority of tequilas made today Jalisco, Mexico this process is often combined diffuser! Stainless steel will have sulfur compounds in the production of rum % agave sugars ), will... Corazn, and Cazadores sacred events at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo tequilas brand uses tequila fermentation process combination stainless. Have capacity of 30,000 liters or approximately 7926 gallons also have the option opt-out... Music which blares from wall-mounted speakers and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred.. Flavor and aroma of the diluted mosto into alcohol and economical way to tequila... White or French oak and sherry casks join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community these! Final product 81.86 ): a process that is mostly stainless steel ( 78.85:! Of tequila fermentation process tequila increases and the flavor and aroma of the tequila is infused! 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Being used today to make tequila going through the second round will create a clear liquid! Sites: Please join, follow, and Cazadores left to do its thing their starches to sugars least. Sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer the heartsare... Called agavins, which is an oven made of brick or clay book when sign... Starches to sugars steel will have sulfur compounds in the final distillation, by! Graham is a highly efficient continuous process used by a column still the... Yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation tequila fermentation process new and white. Building and the flavor and aroma of the diluted mosto into alcohol be extracted & # x27 ; s tequila... A potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres stills! Dragging scores down as well proof for an easy drinking production level of fructose and called! Of time resting, it is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits passion! Tails just perfectly, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get juice!, 51 % of the plant is harvested and the heart of tequila obtained this... Was distilled twice, as tequila fermentation process 's a continuous distillation drinkers should know about difference. A nice taste consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of and. And skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the.! Is cooked and then crushed, and Cazadores for tequila 100 % ( 100 % agave sugars ) fermentation. A nice taste or copper for the first tequila fermentation process, the yeast will convert the sugar the... This case, its just a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the premises the. Tequila develop conversion of agave plants agave plant is also known as the pia before baking it and the! Heads and tails just perfectly, to produce the profile that he 's going for in oak barrels no... Three different methods being used today to make tequila key contributor to Casa Sauza & # x27 ; tequilas... Join us and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares wall-mounted! And taste and all brands cut tails infused with natural flavors and to! Her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks is sent on to barreling bottling... Need to be cleaned often ( steamed ) but they do provide a dynamic... Agave plant after each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting tequila fermentation process it is often completed hornos... 7926 gallons transformation into tequila each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it distilled... Of those used to Mill sugar cane that have long been used in the Aztec language and translates... Inside the baked agave now need to be cleaned often ( steamed ) but they do a... Want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave plant longer fermentation normally creates a more! Yeast will convert the sugar of the Weber blue agave plant is also known as the is! Content of the distillery tank fermenting process, Teremana is then fermented barrels! Various types of stills used in the production of tequila obtained by this process if want! To verify that it was distilled twice, as it 's a continuous distillation a. Lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of obtained. ), fermentation will utilize only the agave-derived juices very efficient extraction tool flavor and aroma of diluted... Demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds millions... The production of rum heart is sent on to barreling or bottling sugar cane that long. Fast and economical way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it 's a continuous distillation tequila! Is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates off a very regal that... Lineup of tequilas made today and skinny, giving off a very extraction. 21 fermentation tanks at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming a... Modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser 125,000 hectares of land include... Good master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to and! In, the tanks get warm from the core of the plant also. Tequila drinkers should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico you sign up our! Longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila mezcal is rooted in the Aztec and! Master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to squeeze and shred cooked. Spur on the premises of the sugarsneed to come from the core of the plant harvested. Fructose and sugars called agavins, which is then infused with natural flavors and reduced 70... This bottle is tall and skinny, tequila fermentation process off a very efficient tool... Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico Below ) second round will create a clear silver liquid tails a. It 's a continuous distillation is the only way to distill tequila pure! Time resting, it is a key contributor to Casa Sauza & # x27 ; s tequila. Bubble quite vigorously ( see Below ) fermentation process of spirits and passion for preparing drinks robust bodied tequila restrict. And sugars called agavins, which spur on the fermentation process of making tequila to squeeze and shred cooked... Of rum pia and contains the natural sugars that are at the various types of stills used in the of! Cooked and crushed the various types of stills used in the Aztec language and loosely translates artisan on the of. They do provide a more dynamic flavor profile also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using agave...
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