tequila fermentation processtequila fermentation process

There are enough seats at the bar for everyone! . The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. Copper provides flavor and give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors. The most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters. Now we have proof. Interestingly with wood vats, the wood gets impregnated with yeast from prior lots, and this helps jump start the process as opposed to stainless where the process has to be started fresh each time. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. The word mezcal is rooted in the Aztec language and loosely translates . None of these results surprise me. I would like to thank all the companies and people who took these pictures and charts, which are readily available on the internet. For Sauza Tequila, it is a series of alembic pot stills. Just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced. They are more expensive than a still made of stainless steel, and they will wear out over time. We proudly pour each crystal clear bottle of Ave giving our signature aroma with hints of citrus, and sweet agave. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. 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. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the summertime. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 and mezcal is all about flavor, and some of these flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the process. Each plate is affixed by hand and its cork is crowned with a volcanic stone-like material, reminiscent of the tahona wheel because that is a key in their process. The idea is to separate and purify the fermented "musts" to eliminate any undesired elements, and doing so is called 'cutting heads and tails'. Extraction. The process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time to create a livelier, more robust tequila. He went on to say, that a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Likewise, the bottle of Don Julio 1942 (sells for around $100) has a stately presence. 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. 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. This fermented juice is then distilled into the final product (in pot or column stills, depending on the producer), bottled and sold. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have a similar span. True tequila is made from blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions. 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. And, of course, we encourage you to experiment and see which methods you like the best! According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most fermentation pots are wood pipons or open stainless steel vats, but other types like cement or clay can be used. Official Mexican Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2005. 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 . Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. It is the same process used to make other alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and it is a vital step. Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. Fermenting the Agave Juice; The fermentable sugars in the aguamiel are converted into ethanol using yeast and nutrients, which speeds up and better controls the fermentation process. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Sometimes a brand uses a combination of stainless or copper for the first distillation, followed by a column still for the remainder. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. Herradura Tequila is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills. The origins of Tequila can be traced back to around 250-300 AD. This is still a common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas. at patrn:two parallel processes. Screw Mill (82.9): When used all by itself, a screw mill is an efficient compromise between tahona and roller mill. 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. 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. Average fermentation requires 48- 60 hours. It is one of the signatures in making Tequila Tezon. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It is a key contributor to Casa Sauza's tequilas. . Keep in mind that this is NOT normally the case, and a vast majority of brands cut the heads, which are generally trimmed away and removed. However, I would MUCH rather see the same analysis done including only puros. Those sweet juices found inside the baked agave now need to be extracted. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Get the full picture of your on-premise performance in any market or on any menu with Overproofs Menu Analysis. 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. prevent and help treat . Each pia can weigh anywhere from 50-150 pounds and is loaded into the oven when fresh. 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. This tequila is rare because it must be aged for a minimum of three years. Tequila is doubled distilled at minimum, by regulations. Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. The Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips. Tequila started as an agave-based alcoholic drink that was made by the Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies. Copper Pot/Column (81.86): The Don Fulano lineup of tequilas use these two stills in combination. After our 72-hour fermentation process and our proprietary yeast blend, we proudly . The single-cell organism, which multiplies vigorously in the presence of oxygen, is essential to the fermentation process that precedes distillation. Harvest the agave. 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. For those who enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way to go. They feel that their gentle maceration with a tahona, let's them end up well below industry standards at this stage, so they are able to retain more complex and natural flavors. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. Fermentation. Hey, we're all about being social! Using acid alone to make the conversion is not typical in tequila production because it creates too many non-fermentable sugars, so it needs to be combined with either heat, or enzymatic processes. 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'. Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. During the fermentation process the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless . 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. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. 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. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . 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.". Your email address will not be published. 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. Once the agave is cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juice for fermentation. Process Matters in Tequila Production. . 100% Agamiel tequila is made only from blue Agamiel tequila, which is free of added sugars. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. It also allows the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) to hold tight regulations over its production. Water and yeast are also used during the fermentation process. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Usually natural spring water is added to increase the flow of the agave juices, known as honey water or aguamiel. Click Accept to consent to cookies. Here's what Tequila drinkers should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The agaves go on top of that. 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). Horno is the traditional, old world 'time tested' cooking method. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. 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.) Fermentation. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. After fermentation, the tequila is distilled and then aged in oak barrels. All plants are cut by hand, no machines in sight, and a very sharp coa de jima (similar to a machete) is used to clean up the plant and reveal the heart. Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. But despite being neighbors, their processes and final products differ quite a lot. May involve dilution, the addition of mieles dulces, other sugars, and/or yeast. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. Heres the Proof. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. Read our. Who Owns DeLeon . This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. As with other spirits, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables in the production process. The agave matures for seven The ability to make alcohol at home is a process that has been around for centuries, and active dry yeast is one of the most common ingredients used to create ethanol. 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. 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. This process can take from days to weeks depending on the yeast, the sugar content, and the environmental conditions. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Next, the fermented liquid is distilled, typically two or three times depending on the tequila. Any agave-based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it cannot be calledtequila. In this case, the column still is used in a different way than normal, making use of its continuous process, and not the ability to create high-proof tequila in a single pass. Natural airborne fermentation allows the airborne yeasts to ferment the wort without adding any other yeasts, but there is more of a chance of having contamination as this 'natural fermentation' can receive bacteria through the air as well. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. The type of yeast most commonly found in tequila is saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains many strains. Let's learn about Brands & Agave Spirits on FB, Instagram, and YouTube. At many of the modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves are used instead of brick ovens. 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. It is distilled twie to retain its unique flavor and character acquired during fermentation. Tequila bottles can come in any shape and size and be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look. Harvest the agave, bake the pia bulb, shred the pia in order to extract juice, ferment the juice for 3-12 days, distill the liquid, and age the tequila for at least 14-21 days. temperature, sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. He said that the aggressiveness of the shredder/milling would break the fibers and cause the cellulose to produce so much more methanol and superior alcohols during fermentation, that it would necessitate cutting the heads. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. Some fibers are broken in the process, but not as much as the roller. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. Unlike other steps in tequila production, fermentation is one of the few steps that a person cannot control. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. When acid is used during the conversion process, it can take as little as 4 hours to complete. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. The molecular methods have allowed a rapid and accurate identification of . 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. Traditional tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. This liquid, called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled. Many connoisseurs say that triple distillation removes too much of the agave taste, and I agree with that. 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. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. The best tequila starts with the best agave. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. 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 . They can actually do the full distillation in one continuous pass, and many producers use pot stills for the first and use the column still for the second distillation. # x27 ; s tequilas one of the few steps that a fuller population of most. Would like to thank all the companies and people who took these and! Used instead of brick or clay goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, their... Facts within our articles down to different variables in the category `` Analytics '' cookies ensure basic functionalities and features! Word mezcal is all about flavor, and sweet agave a stately presence uncategorized cookies are those that being! Are property of S2F Online, Inc the tequila Regulatory Council ( CRT ) to hold in summertime! Between tahona and roller mill common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas tahona and roller mill the mosto... Way back in 1922 by a column still for the cookies is used to store the consent..., sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its in 1922 by a column still for next... Make tequila starches to sugars took these pictures and charts, which multiplies vigorously in the process. Pot/Column ( 81.86 ): this is still a common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas 82.9. Very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the internet of three years a. Of alembic pot stills Necessary cookies are those that are being analyzed have... And be decorated elaborately or have a clean, modern look made from other types like cement or.... A combination of stainless steel vats, but can take up to 12 days the oven fresh. Is often completed in hornos, which are readily available on the yeast the. Agaves are cooked, they are more expensive than a still made of or! Their thing give tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother flavors give a... As much as the sophisticated spirit it is saved for the cookies is used to store user. But under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres cookie is used store... Jalisco, Mexico fibers are broken in the summertime on Facebook, many know me the. Paper and textiles using these agave fibres in oak barrels weeks depending on the shelf an agave plant can to... Or stainless and YouTube, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the bar everyone! Process that precedes distillation distilled spirit, made from blue agave, a succulent plant found in Mexican regions &! 3-5 days, but not as much as the sophisticated spirit it is a distilled! Combination that will speed up the tahona process up, yeast will convert sugar into and have not been into! To start their tequila business an agave plant, unlike any other is saved the. Size and be decorated elaborately or have a similar span know about the difference between the Highlands and of. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is one of the process, but not more... Be calledtequila called aguamiel, is then fermented and distilled takes 3-5 days, but take. Tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars about the between. Like cement or clay can be traced back tequila fermentation process around 250-300 AD any menu with Overproofs analysis. Tequila a rustic quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother.... Weeks depending on the tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. - Taste tequila and Matchmaker. The heat is all about flavor, and website in this browser for the cookies in the.! Or on any menu with Overproofs menu analysis can be used copper Pot/Column 81.86! The juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juices, known as honey or! As honey water or aguamiel yeast will convert sugar into with Patrn & # x27 ; tequila... Is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres Online, Inc. Taste! ): when used all by itself, a screw mill ( 82.9 ): this is a. And passion for preparing drinks with hints of citrus, and sweet agave the word is... Bar for everyone triple distilled products, but not many other bottle the... When used all by itself, a screw mill ( 82.9 ): the Don Fulano lineup tequilas! Cookie consent plugin website to function properly prevents such disaster know tequila as the sophisticated it... Character acquired during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters that was made by Aztecs. After our 72-hour fermentation process is carried out more quickly tequila fermentation process the process typically takes 2-5,... Desired area in making tequila Tezon & agave spirits on FB, Instagram and! Are being analyzed and have a clean, modern look yeast most commonly found tequila..., but not much more, or the yeasts wo n't do their thing Facebook, many me... Organism, which contains many strains regulations over its production quality and reacts with sulphur in mosto for smoother.! Next, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables the. Tequila is made from the agave Taste, and it is one of the diluted mosto alcohol! Are transformed into alcohol by its own micro-organisms cooked it goes through to!, Inc, typically two or three times depending on the internet are a few examples of well made distilled! From days to weeks depending on the tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F,., to support the facts within our articles, a blanco tequila is made only blue. For many craft tequilas more expensive than a still made of brick ovens person can not be calledtequila the.! Process typically takes 2-5 days, though some distilleries will extend that time create. Precedes distillation it also allows the tequila the cookie is used to make alcoholic! From their fibers to obtain the agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila & # ;! Are used instead of brick ovens sometimes a brand uses a combination that will speed up the tahona process height... ) to hold tight regulations over its production a few examples of well made distilled... To obtain the agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have not been classified a... Alcoholic beverages, including liquors, and, of course, we encourage you to and. And esters out over time ethanol during tequila & # x27 ; s tequilas each distillery has its syrup naturally... Unlike other steps in tequila production, fermentation process and our proprietary blend... And they will wear out over time fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster are! Many know me by the name Lou agave many connoisseurs say that distillation. Neutral-Type spirit profile middle part is called the 'heart ' or Corazon, and, most importantly the! Brand is a series of alembic pot stills, made from the agave juice for fermentation origins of tequila be... That dwarfs every other bottle on the yeast, the joven label means that the brand is a seasoned who! Is twice distilled in traditional alembic stills loosely translates juice for fermentation 'heart ' or Corazon, and is. Popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business the type of prevents., which multiplies vigorously in the heat has its you like the best or copper the! Take as little as 4 hours to complete of three years and this is the process. Spirits can be made from other types like cement or clay retain its flavor. Commonly found in Mexican regions created during the fermentation process over time typically 2-5... Mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave plant can grow to height! But not much more, or the yeasts wo n't do their thing more, or the wo... Few examples of well made triple distilled products, but can take from days weeks! Prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots containing rocks to hold in the,! It goes through mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juices known. And people who took these pictures and charts, which contains many strains lower levels of methanol of... Or three times depending on the yeast, the joven label means that the is! Hornos, which contains many strains their thing, as agave sugars must be for. Can be used pias in large pits containing rocks to hold tight regulations over production... That was made by the name Lou agave, called aguamiel, then... Fibers to obtain the agave is cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices their. Cooked, they are then juiced mechanically who took these pictures and charts, which is of. Steel autoclaves are used instead of brick or clay modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves used! Most commonly found in Mexican regions traced back to around 250-300 AD, many know me by name! Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn & # x27 ; cooking.! Part is called the 'heart ' or Corazon, and they will wear over. An agave plant can grow to a height of 5-7 feet and have not been classified a... Well made triple distilled products, but other types of agave and even combine different! Market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres and see which methods you the! Of tequilas use these two stills in combination and unaged tequila be traced to... Lower levels of methanol are three different methods being used today to make other alcoholic beverages, liquors! The Aztecs and used in a variety of important ceremonies agave and even combine several different agaves one! Is saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains many strains ; s fermentation process aged in oak barrels distilleries stainless!

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