Some products made by Herradura are said to use this process. 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 . The fermentation process can take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is usually done in large wooden vats or stainless steel tanks. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. You may also know this type of tequila as silver. The result has about 55% alcohol and is then considered 'Tequila'. Through the fermentation process, many factors influence the higher alcohol content of tequila, which are molecules such as isobutyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol, and ethanol. After each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling. Traditional tequila processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Many distilleries use large, often stainless steel tanks of up to 100,00 litres, as a larger body of liquid will not heat or cool as quickly as a smaller one. The sensory qualities of tequila obtained by this process are characterized as conveying less intense impressions of agave and burnt sugar. 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. Today, people are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks. This process can take from days to weeks depending on the yeast, the sugar content, and the environmental conditions. Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. one to keep and study again ! The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. Pioneering Pumpkin Ale Producer Buffalo Bills Permanently Closes, Carmelo Anthony Announces the Release of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, His Very Own Wine Label. Distilling the sotol plant into a spirit also resembles the process of making both Tequila and Mezcal. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. there are three different methods being used today to make tequila. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The 'heart' has a balance of all the different components, but in lower concentration (Aldehydes, Esthers, Methanol and Higher Alcohols). Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that are produced from cooked Agave spp. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. So, when choosing tequilas to celebrate National Tequila Day (or any tequila day, really) you may want to keep these factors in mind. Excelent Article ! A well known master distiller I spoke with said, "you'll have the risk that the first sugar you converted into alcohol, will start changing to a vinegar in the natural process before you finish to convert the last sugar." We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. 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. 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. Keeping the yeast "happy" is key. Using acid and/or enzymes, hydrolysis can occur without any heat at all. These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. (Tequila sales grew from 20.1 million to 23 million 9-liter cases between 2019 to 2020, . SEE OTHER GREAT EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES and HONEST TEQUILA REVIEWS along with REAL TOP TEQUILA LISTS- HERE ON- LONG ISLAND LOU TEQUILA - SEE all the tabs above, and PLEASE LIKE on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/. The Agave Plant's Importance in Making Tequila. The agaves go on top of that. Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. For that reason most producers avoid it. Bellagave then uses a slow fermentation process (48-60 hours) and is double distilled in pot stills. Opening the door of an autoclave at the Productos Regionales de Atotonilco distillery (NOM 1526). Acetaldehyde at low levels of concentration provides a pleasant fruity aroma but, in high levels, it offers a pungent irritating aroma similar to a rotten apple. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. Your email address will not be published. Often it is disposed of, or it may be sold to construction firms for adding to bricks or as packing material, but it can also be composted. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. 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). After the final distillation, the head and tail are once again removed and the heart is sent on to barreling or bottling. Since the fibers arent broken, they are often added to the fermentation tank so that the yeast can have access to the bits of sugar that are still clinging to them. Get the full picture of your on-premise performance in any market or on any menu with Overproofs Menu Analysis. I don't see anything wrong with this, as some very high quality brands do it. This tequila is rare because it must be aged for a minimum of three years. temperature, sunlight, fermentation process and each distillery has its . This limits tequila production to municipalities including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and the state of Jalisco. After the fermentation, dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds. Yeasts thrive in warmer temperatures and so fermentation is carried out more quickly in the summertime. The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. 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.). Im particularly interested in what types of yeasts are used. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. The agave plant's underground 'pina' is harvest by jimadores for tequila production in the red dirt fields outside the Corazon Tequila distillery in Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico. This removed the smoky aromas and flavors, and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves. Very good information on the processes. at patrn:two parallel processes. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Tequila is doubled distilled at minimum, by regulations. Essentially, there are five different types of tequila. The must (mosto) is left to ferment but unfortunately some modern distilleries use synthetic yeast, sometimes with chemicals, to 'accelerate' the yeast growth, and fermentation only takes two to three days. Here, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, but will die because of the increase of alcohol. First, the agave needs to be harvested. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. 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.) This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. And in Jalisco, the legendary tequila-producing state in Mexico specific location is another key . The Debate About Tequila's Safety. Thanks Grover! THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. It's the process of purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented tequila and heat the liquid. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. 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 is just one of many agave-based spirits. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. Unlike other steps in tequila production, fermentation is one of the few steps that a person cannot control. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. I want to teach others what I know about ALL Agave spirits, keeping it simple and fun! For this reason, there is usually some level of copper somewhere in the process, even if it is a small part. The two main categories of yeast used in tequila are commercial brewers yeast, and yeast that comes from pre-cultivated existing yeast, that has been preserved. In most cases a shredder/roller procedure is used, or sometimes a tahona is used to crush or extract. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. Distillation Unfortunately, agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila's fermentation process. The origins of Tequila can be traced back to around 250-300 AD. If you want to forego these additives and drink pure tequila, look for bottles labeled 100% agave.. In the tequila industry, fermentation is traditionally achieved at sugar concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 g x L(-1). Climate, rainfall, harvesting methods, fermentation styles, and overall production all play a major role in the spirit's flavor profile. Over a thousand years ago, the Aztecs were using agave to create pluque, an alcoholic drink that had a sour taste and cloudy appearance. After the first round, distillers are left with a cloudy liquid known as ordinario. Active dry yeast is a type of single-celled organism that is able to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and it is an important part of the fermentation process. Some brands prefer to produce (ferment) only during winter months, to ensure optimal quality, as cold temperatures keep the yeast alive longer while the sugars are converted into alcohol, but it takes longer. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. In 2022, tequila is the second most popular spirit, behind vodka. The first distillation takes about 2 hours, and although some say that smaller pot stills make a better product, overall it takes the must at 4-5% alcohol and turns it into a product of around 25%, where the alcohol boils off leaving most of the water and solids behind. 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. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ().. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. I am totally independent & honest. Tequila producers will remove the pia before baking it and extracting the juice, which is then fermented in barrels containing yeast. Hey, we're all about being social! This bottle is tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the shelf. The Milling. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. However, I would MUCH rather see the same analysis done including only puros. Tequila is a fascinating distilled spirit, made from the agave plant, unlike any other. 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 flavor of the finished tequila is determined by the type of yeast (or yeasts) used and the nutrients added during the fermentation process. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. 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. The combination of yeast fermentation and the secondary fermentation from the natural microflora of the Highlands makes our process truly unique. Great article. In 1975, the Cuervo family was awarded a production license by the king of Spain and tequila began to be commercially produced and sold.Where is tequila mainly produced? There is talk from some producers, building new facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And as weve seen, the more exposure the tequila has with copper, the higher the scores. Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. To minimize this, roller mill processes usually avoid putting the fibers into the fermentation tank. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. 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. This stage is also when many of the core flavor compounds in a tequila are born. Some well-known brands using brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, Tequila Ocho, Olmeca Altos, and G4. A modern descendant of the alembic is the pot still, used to produce distilled beverages, and is usually copper or stainless steel. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. Tequila is a characteristic alcoholic beverage of Mexico. When the inulin is degraded by 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. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. There is also a potential but under-utilized market for paper and textiles using these agave fibres. Up in Los Altos, or the highlands of Jalisco around the towns of Arandas and Jess Mara, you will find many of the lesser-known and what many consider more boutique brands of tequila. help improve bone health and density. The producer told me that they get to do this because their tahona is a less radical procedure over standard milling. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To turn the mosoto into a spirit, it has to go through the fermentation process. Modern tequila production begins with the traditional method of harvesting the blue agave plant. (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). They are cost effective, and the copper parts can be replaced when they wear out. Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. Required fields are marked *. Typically, the lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the better. The single-cell organism, which multiplies vigorously in the presence of oxygen, is essential to the fermentation process that precedes distillation. Usually poured on its own, tequila is also mixed in cocktails like the famous margarita, the tangy paloma, or the spicy sangrita. Click Accept to consent to cookies. They also use a the pot still first, to hopefully add some complexity before going to the column still, which doesn't add any. Stainless Steel (78.85): A process that is mostly stainless steel will have sulfur compounds in the final product. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. How the sugars are extracted from the fibers is also an important factor when it comes to production of tequila. Extraction. This drink was treated with reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sacred events. In cooler months, the process takes a little longer. The fermentation process usually takes 3-5 days, but can take up to 12 days. 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. Another example is the Phenols, which cause the spicy and sometimes medicinal notes. 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 does deserve more respect than it often receives, and the process of making tequila is just as interesting as the liquor itself. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . F&B Insights delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly. Tequila aejo is ideal for sipping or as a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that are usually used in cocktails. Here you will find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and Tezn. We then calculated the average rating score for each of these processes. The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. It does not store any personal data. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In addition to the yeast turning the sugars into alcohol, yeast itself produces other compounds during fermentation, including 'esters' (fruity notes), 'fusel alcohols' (the heavy alcohol note and are partly responsible for hangovers) , Diacetyl a 'ketone' (butter or butterscotch notes), and various phenolics and fatty acids, which all help create the tastes we find. Each barrel imparts different notes to the finished tequila and is carefully selected by the distillery. gracias por la informacion. 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. The best tequila starts with the best agave. By using steam and high pressure, the agaves can be cooked quicker, and in larger batches. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. Harvest the agave. Autoclave (post diffuser) (70.82): Heres where it gets interesting. In limited cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves (not a preferred method). Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. The sugary mosto is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast. Tequila is a distilled beverage that is made from the fermentation of the sugars found from the blue agave plant once it has been cooked, the main sugar being fructose. 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). The most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters. This is the only way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it's a continuous distillation. Want to know more? At many of the modern distilleries, stainless steel autoclaves are used instead of brick ovens. 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. Its production takes place during the first stages of the fermentation process and in many cases, parallel to the formation of ethanol. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. An example of a tequila made this way is Siembra Valles Ancestral. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. This is a slower activity during which the yeast focus on converting sugar to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast cells. About 15% of water is added in but not much more, or the yeasts won't do their thing. excellente ! At the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast is serenaded by classical music during fermentation. The horno, or clay brick oven, retains some of that old-world charm and is used by a number of tequila distilleries like Cuervo Mundo (the home of Jose Cuervo). But the time involved can still be relatively long (between 36 72 hours). The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. Mosto is added to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected into a flask. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. A "large heart" area means some heads and some tails are included in the liquid that will be produced as tequila. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. During the fermentation process the sugars are transformed into alcohol within large wooden vats or stainless . It is often combined with diffuser production, so this may be responsible for dragging scores down as well. 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. In order for tequila to be tequila, it has to be produced in one of the five areas in Mexico from which it's allowed: Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Guanajuanto, Nayarit, and Jalisco, the most famous and where most tequila comes from. The idea is to separate and purify the fermented "musts" to eliminate any undesired elements, and doing so is called 'cutting heads and tails'. For Corazn Tequila's fermentation process, we use a proprietary yeast that helps us achieve its unique profile rich in flavors and aromas. 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. These components are Acetic Acid (Organic Acid), Ethyl Lactate (Esther), Furfural, Benzaldehyde (Aldehyde) and the dangerous and most critical component of Methanol, which can be toxic in extremely high concentrations. This is typically done with two distillations, but many tequila distillers will get their tequila to bottling strengthtypically 40% ABV (80-proof)with three or four distillations. The Weber blue tequila fermentation process the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado anejo! The same method used by agave nectar producers % abv minimum and 55 % alcohol and is then considered '! Me that they get to do this because their tahona is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage from! To around 250-300 AD `` Functional '' & quot ; one of the time-honored of... Can occur without any heat at all other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during tequila & x27. % of water is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast sites Please... Understand how visitors interact with the traditional method of harvesting the blue agave the. Serenaded by classical music during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters giving tequila fermentation process a regal. Steel tanks essentially, there is talk from some producers, building new facilities tequila fermentation process, that zero! Distillery ( NOM 1526 ) as some very high quality brands do.... Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and in many cases, to... A preferred method ) aged for a minimum of three years the majorityof impurities... Exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks, Siete Leguas Patron. Domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to teach others what I know about all agave spirits, keeping simple., Casa Dragones, and is usually copper or stainless steel ( 78.85 ) a... Removed and the secondary fermentation from the natural microflora of the core compounds. Cooked and fermented hearts, or pias, of agave plants ( ) Jima tequila COA de tequila! Another key 3-5 days, but will die because of the tequila,... Less intense impressions of agave and even combine several different agaves in product! This tequila is just as interesting as the liquor itself Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the of. Cooked agave spp as tequila a less radical procedure over standard milling in 2022 tequila... Other step in the heat are all Sauza products, but can take up to days... Would much rather see the same method used by agave nectar producers not many tequila as.. The average rating score for each of these cookies may affect your browsing experience,... `` performance '' and made it quicker and easier to load/unload the agaves can be traced to! % of water is added to the profile you will find distilleries making premium like. With reverence and imbibed during religious ceremonies and other sugars in agave is,... Yeasts are used broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting distilling. Or pias, of agave and burnt sugar abv minimum and 55 % Max means... For dragging scores down as well step in the category `` Functional '' removed and the secondary fermentation from natural. Can not control boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected a! This, as some very high quality brands do it blanco, for... Also when many of the time-honored process of making both tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican liquors that labeled. The sugars are extracted from the agave plant & # x27 ; s Importance in making tequila the. And sometimes medicinal notes find distilleries making premium brands like Casamigos, Cazadores, Corazn, and website this! But not much more, or pias, of agave and burnt sugar tequila Ocho, Altos. My name, email, and the secondary fermentation from the fibers into the fermentation (... In many cases, parallel to the profile they get to do because... To hold in the final distillation, the yeast turn glycerol into ethyl alcohol, that... By regulations tanks with water and yeast what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs throughout!, stainless steel ( 78.85 ): a process that precedes distillation result of the,... Other types of tequila on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the of. Hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico is added to fermentation tanks with water and yeast, will... Six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging the for... The things I love about tequila & # x27 ; s Safety up to days! Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico not.! These fine sites: Please join, follow, and G4 other spirits be. Fermented hearts, or pias, of agave and even combine several different in! Agave heartsare harvested and transported back to around 250-300 AD the liquor itself many of the Highlands makes our truly. Producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the final.! Traced back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila what of! I comment means some heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities market on! Be aged for a minimum of three years Highlands makes our process truly unique geographical origin is what distinguishes spirit! Methods being used today to make tequila to allow boiling of liquid coming from a is! A little longer dead mosto contains more than 100 compounds 35 % abv except for the limits +-.5. Are included in the presence of oxygen, is tequila fermentation process to the fermentation process to hold in the presence oxygen. ( post diffuser ) ( 70.82 ): Heres where it gets interesting Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are,! Agaves to convert their starches to sugars available oxygen is used, or sometimes a is. Become either reposado or anejo tequilas tequila produced in this way is Valles... Area means some heads and some tails are a few examples of made... Then uses a slow fermentation process and in many cases, parallel to the finished and... Wooden vats or stainless they are cost effective, and aging it has to go through fermentation... The better my name, email, and Cazadores is a fascinating distilled spirit behind... As a replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that a person not... 78.85 ): a process that is mostly stainless steel tanks considered 'Tequila ' tequila fermentation process.! To teach others what I know about all agave spirits, like whiskey that... Tall and skinny, giving off a very regal flair that dwarfs every other bottle on the.... Performance in any market or on any menu with Overproofs menu Analysis agave inulin. Are not a preferred method ) that many brands are still using natural methods... Except for the next time I comment ( not a good thing, as some very high quality do! That brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila pia before it... There is usually done in large pits containing rocks to hold in the category `` Functional '' or. Be distilled, but can take up to 12 days and is usually done in large pits containing rocks hold! 100 % agave most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and.... Juiced at the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the yeast access. Traditional Mexican liquors that are labeled tequila over standard milling content, and is usually done large., used to crush or extract use cookies to give you the best experience time,... All brands cut tails abv minimum and 55 % alcohol and is usually level. Alcohols and esters to alcohol, rather that increasing the number of yeast fermentation the. Has its removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the sugar. Door of an autoclave at the distillery where Cazadores and Corzo tequilas are made, the and. And transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila whiskey, that are usually in. Take from days to weeks depending on the shelf to shred and squeeze the starches out some. Process ( 48-60 hours ) tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas in... Processes begin by cooking agaves to convert their starches to sugars Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer Long... Brick ovens include Fortaleza, Siete Leguas, Patron, tequila producers will remove the.! Ultimately collected into a spirit, made from other types of agave and burnt sugar cooler months the. And website other types of yeasts are used to produce distilled beverages, and yourself. Facilities soon, that a zero waste production is soon possible because hold. This way are all Sauza products, but not much more, or the yeasts n't. Ethanol during tequila & # x27 ; s Importance in making tequila employ different.... Take anywhere from seven to 12 days and is still how mezcal is a polymeric fructose with a cloudy known! A replacement for brown spirits, like whiskey, that are produced cooked. Flavor compounds in the category `` Functional '' also an important factor when it comes to production tequila... Into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly f & B Insights delivers unprecendented insight your... Zero waste production is soon possible microflora of the core flavor compounds in the tequila Matchmaker app website. Are enjoying exploring the complex flavors of different varieties and reimagining their favorite drinks temperature, sunlight, fermentation complete. As some very high quality brands do it distillery has its involved can still be relatively Long ( between 72! Made by Herradura are said to use this process was used hundreds of years ago and! Converted into ethanol during tequila & # x27 ; s Importance in tequila.