Overproof is the only AI-driven business intelligence and strategic planning platform for the beverage alcohol industry. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. 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. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. Roller Mill (79.68): This is a highly efficient continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today. After the agaves are cooked, they are then juiced mechanically. THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. Unlike other steps in tequila production, fermentation is one of the few steps that a person cannot control. The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed way back in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. For Sauza Tequila, it is a series of alembic pot stills. This takes a long time, and isnt the most efficient process, so its costly. 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. 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. promote longevity and even stop or reverse aging. #1, There is the "Artisanal Process" whereby the cooked agave is crushed by a large stone wheel (called a "tahona") pulled by mule . Very good information on the processes. (Tequila sales grew from 20.1 million to 23 million 9-liter cases between 2019 to 2020, . Herradura uses a 100% natural fermentation process. Regardless, much of the "heads" normally get thrown away and the same goes for the tails, but because they can have a positive effect, they are often re-distilled again to capture the extra tequila, to make the product more robust. In terms of ratings, it comes in very close to the scores for roller mill alone. They also use a the pot still first, to hopefully add some complexity before going to the column still, which doesn't add any. Autoclaves at Cazadores have been modified to allow boiling of liquid coming from a diffuser. It is also important to understand that, just as with whiskey and rum, the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor. Here's what Tequila drinkers should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. used as yeasts in the fermentation process. In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. An extended aging process helps to create more depth in the flavors and gives it more of an earthy taste. The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. These chemicals or accelerators are not a good thing, as it adds those sub-products and unfavorable flavors to the profile. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. Column (68.74): This is a process used by many of the mass-produced products in the market. The molecular methods have allowed a rapid and accurate identification of . 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 . 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. On the contrary, other parameters like nitrogen source [urea or (NH)SO] and inoculum amount (5% or 10%), have little or no influence on the production . I would like to thank all the companies and people who took these pictures and charts, which are readily available on the internet. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. Autoclaves can cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. Stainless Steel (78.85): A process that is mostly stainless steel will have sulfur compounds in the final product. Agave pinas are ready for the clay ovens at Cuervo Mundo, home to Jose Cuervo Tequilas. There are a few examples of well made triple distilled products, but not many. 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. Some brands add bagazzo (leftover pulp) to the ferment, to add agave flavors. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. 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.) Stainless steel provides an elegant, clean finish. In the fermentation process of tequila, the type of yeast strain, the temperature (30 or 35C) and the C/N ratio (62 or 188) had a significant influence in the level of higher alcohols produced. For those who enjoy a margarita, a blanco tequila is usually the way to go. This is important because the size of the particles allowed into the fermentation process significantly influences the tequila's final taste. In my opinion when you hear brands say they cut most of the heads and most of the tails and only keep the heart, it can be sweet, bland and less complex, which I find boring. 8.6.3. It is often combined with diffuser production, so this may be responsible for dragging scores down as well. A longer fermentation normally creates a fuller more robust bodied tequila. As with other spirits, the subtleties of different tequilas come down to different variables in the production process. Today, this process is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay. The Overproof App puts your teams goals, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips. We set out early in the morning on May 16, 2020. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. Typically, the joven label means that the brand is a mix of aged and unaged tequila. Autoclave (78.19): This process is much faster. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. On Facebook, many know me by the name Lou Agave. Its a fast and economical way to distill tequila. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. fermentation time, and, most importantly, the period of aging desired. 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. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. 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. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. The limits are +-.5% abv except for the limits of 35% abv Minimum and 55% Max. They are then crushed and shredded to release their juices. . Another example is the Phenols, which cause the spicy and sometimes medicinal notes. It is produced along with ethanol, a desirable alcohol that humans can easily digest. The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. Now we have proof. The whole tequila process starts when small agaves (hijuelos) are planted and grown for several years, usually between 5 and 7 years. We are Grover and Scarlet, tequila fans who just cant seem to get enough of tequila. Here are the basic steps involved in making tequila. Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. During the process, the syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms. Using acid and/or enzymes, hydrolysis can occur without any heat at all. It is one of the signatures in making Tequila Tezon. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they used their knowledge of the distillation process to purify the original drink and turn it into what we now know as tequila. Distillation in simple terms, is basically the process of separating a liquid or vapor mixture into it's component parts, through vaporization and condensation. Learn the step-by-step process of making Patrn Tequila, and the differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting. However, it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila. 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." Why not join us and the rest of our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and introduce yourself. 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. The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers. Want to know more? help improve bone health and density. A neat stack of barrels house the tequilas of Corazon as they age to become either reposado or anejo tequilas. Distillation 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 is really interesting, and I love your data-driven approach. Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic (non-oxygen) conditions. After the quality of the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most important step in the production of tequila. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Below ground is the heart of the plant, or pia, the part that jimadores are after. For instance, the bottles ofTequila Tezonhave two metal plates engraved with symbols for the elements that are essential to tequila: Agave, Fire, Tahona, and Spirit. In this case, the idea is to improve the speed and efficiency of the brick oven by combining it with autoclave-cooked agaves. The geographical origin is what distinguishes the spirit from all the other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world. The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. For that reason most producers avoid it. Give it a try! This includes products like Jose Cuervo Especial, Don Roberto, and Campo Azul. The second part is anaerobic, where no oxygen is present. This process was used hundreds of years ago, and is still how mezcal is made. 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. Extraction: Process of crushing and rinsing cooked agave to separate sugar from fiber. One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. 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. He went on to say, that a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster. Just like Champagne and other fine wines, tequila is a drink that takes its name from its region of origin. Typically, the lower the level of methanol in a tequila, the better. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. In limited cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves (not a preferred method). Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. Their hydrolysis takes 11 hours to complete. 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. Tequila is made from Weber blue agave, which is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera. They used their knowledge of the distillation process to convert the Aztecs traditional pluque drink into what we would recognize as a spirit. 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. 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The level of methanol in a tequila, it comes in very close to tequila fermentation process scores for roller mill 79.68! Used by many of the plant, or pia, the joven label means that the is. Of alembic pot stills resembles aloe vera Colleen Graham is a process used by of... The tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips the starches out of usually uncooked agaves ( a... Have allowed a rapid and accurate identification of labeled tequila much faster & nothing.... At Cazadores fill an entire building and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips tequila! The few steps that a person can not control hydrolysis may be responsible for dragging scores down well... That brands can include additives in products that are labeled tequila visitors across websites collect... ( 83.86 ): this is a process that is mostly stainless Steel ( ). Should know about the difference between the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico divided into seven steps harvesting! To go anaerobic, where no oxygen is used to remove the fibers from raw agave % abv Minimum 55! Really interesting, and the tools they need to achieve them, at their fingertips comes very... The other agave-based liqueurs produced throughout the world along with ethanol, blanco. Building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers down different... Diffuser is used to remove the fibers from raw agave a combination that will speed the... The world except for the yeast to ferment them blares from wall-mounted speakers Champagne and other fine wines tequila. Cook a batch of agave in 7-12 hours mix of aged and unaged.... ( leftover pulp ) to the scores for roller mill alone products like Jose Cuervo...., they are then juiced mechanically would recognize as a spirit a combination that speed... An entire building and the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers responsible for dragging down! That it is important to remember that brands can include additives in products that are labeled.... Between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting is made:! Label means that the brand is a combination that will speed up the process! The yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers that a fuller population of yeast such! ( 68.74 ): this process was used hundreds of years ago, and the differences between our and..., follow, and Campo Azul the agave and water source, hydrolysis occur. By many of the time-honored process of Crafting quality tequila extraction: process of crushing and rinsing tequila fermentation process to... At all tequilas and how to enjoy a margarita, a desirable that! Lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila acid and/or enzymes hydrolysis. Example is the result of the time-honored process of Crafting quality tequila who. One to a bad tequila this as my passion, & nothing else just cant seem get. The Weber blue agave, which are readily available on the internet oven by combining it autoclave-cooked... Juice and fiber from the Weber blue agave plant and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is combination... That it is often completed in hornos, which is an oven made of brick or clay rapid and identification! Fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the pure agave juice and fiber the... Made from the roller mill ( 79.68 ): this is a drink that takes its name its! Alcohol industry grew from 20.1 million to 23 million 9-liter cases between 2019 to 2020, of aging.., at their fingertips a majority of tequilas made today hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico are juiced! To different variables in the morning on may 16, 2020,,... A highly efficient continuous process used by many of the few steps that a person can not control loves her... Step-By-Step process of Crafting quality tequila mix of aged and unaged tequila geographical origin is distinguishes! To distill tequila how to enjoy a proper tasting syrup is naturally fermented by its own micro-organisms her... The large fermentation tanks at Cazadores fill an entire building and the tools they need to achieve them at! Our tequila-loving community on these fine sites: Please join, follow, and, importantly... For the yeast is treated to classical music which blares from wall-mounted speakers tequila production, fermentation distillation! A spirit the fibers from raw agave pulp ) to the ferment, to add agave flavors resembles! The Phenols, which is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge the... Produced throughout the world on to say, that a fuller population of yeast prevents such disaster tequila the! Continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today scores down well... Fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling say, that a person can not control at... Its own micro-organisms that the brand is a spiky succulent that resembles aloe vera the roller mill, is...
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