In cooler months, the process takes a little longer. We are founders of the Tequila Matchmaker app and website. Usually poured on its own, tequila is also mixed in cocktails like the famous margarita, the tangy paloma, or the spicy sangrita. The liquid that comes out of the still has three parts: the top is called the "head," the middle is the "heart" and the bottom is the "tail." Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. Formulation: Process of preparing aguamiel for fermentation. 2009-2022, S2F Online, Inc. - Taste Tequila and Tequila Matchmaker are property of S2F Online, Inc. Witnessing the beautiful landscape and the labor-intensive process for producing it makes this spirit worthy of tremendousrespect. The juice is then transferred to the fermentation tanks. Your email address will not be published. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". One thing that is clear, though, is that this is not the slow-going, traditional method of production that our app users really love. Brands who use diffusers typically dont like to talk about it. This produces a sweet rich liquid that is then aged in American White Oak barrels from 45 days to 49 months, depending on the type of tequila. 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. As a result of their secrecy, we have very little data to go on. This is still a common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas. It is a key contributor to Casa Sauza's tequilas. 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). 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'. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Unlike whisky where the majority of time is spent in the ageing process, producing tequila requires a vast amount of time invested in cultivation. Its production takes place during the first stages of the fermentation process and in many cases, parallel to the formation of ethanol. 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. In limited cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out of usually uncooked agaves (not a preferred method). After fermentation, the tequila is distilled and then aged in oak barrels. . The pure agave juice from the roller mill, and the pure agave juice and fiber from the tahona are fermented . This part normally lasts 24-48 hours. Each method produces a distinct tequila with its own flavor characteristics the roller mill produces tequila with fruity citrus notes, and from the tahona we get . Our Maestro Cirilo takes such pride in this process, he even serenades the yeast with classical music daily, believing it helps the yeast activate thanks to the vibrations of the music's sound waves. Usually, reposados are used to create super flavorful margaritas that provide a more dynamic flavor profile. The producer told me that they get to do this because their tahona is a less radical procedure over standard milling. Many tequila brands have a story behind their bottle design. The agave plant is not a cactus, but a succulent in the lily family. The important thing to keep in mind here is that the agave fibers are not broken in this process, which results in lower methanol levels created in fermentation. 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. Using the tahona wheel is a very traditional method and it was originally pulled by horses, mules, or oxen. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. For Corazn Tequila's fermentation process, we use a proprietary yeast that helps us achieve its unique profile rich in flavors and aromas. "One of the things I love about tequila is that many brands are still using natural fermentation methods. This single step does not consign one to a bad tequila. And, of course, we encourage you to experiment and see which methods you like the best! During fermentation, the alcohol content of the tequila increases and the flavor and aroma of the tequila develop. The Debate About Tequila's Safety. 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. I do this as my passion, & nothing else. These are the plant remnants, and it's a big problem in Mexico, disposing properly of this waste material, which causes pollution to the water and land. The Milling. Step 4 - Fermentation. Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities. This process takes a long time, and is less common, but results in lower levels of methanol. Carlos Camarena and a few others do not dilute tequila with water. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The three main types are blanco, reposado, aejo and there are two subcategories known as joven and extra aejo.What is tequila made of? In the fermentation room, the process of making tequila mirrors every other distilled spirit. Required fields are marked *. By law, tequila must have two distillations. Agave thrives in Mexico because it needs rich, sandy soil filled with nutrients. Giving the yeast full access to as much sugar as possible is the goal. 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? 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. Next, the pia needs to be baked so that the sugars can be extracted. Stay away from Diffuser made Tequila. Tequila and mezcal is all about flavor, and some of these flavors are created during the fermentation phase of the process. Just for fun, lets take a look at the various types of stills used in the production of tequila. The tails are a cloudy liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails. All that is needed here is yeast, the juices of the cooked agave (called must or wort) and water. This is important because the size of the particles allowed into the fermentation process significantly influences the tequila's final taste. Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. Technically Column stills are the most efficient, but not used often, and not the most desired procedure. Tequila is made from the core of the Weber blue agave plant. It does not store any personal data. After each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it is time for bottling. Of course, distillers have always appreciated the functional role that yeast playsspirits could not exist without it. Once the pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. Tequila Matchmaker users prefer tequilas distilled with copper pots. Regardless of whether the process takes longer, to obtain the best and most concentrated flavors, Tequila Orendain agave pineapples are cooked exclusively in masonry ovens. 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. Traditional brick ovens in use at the Cascahuin distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco. I think it would also be interesting to further restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists. This process turns a plant into a tequila that can be used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat. Theyre easier to clean and are more efficient. Once tequila is obtained, the remaining material known as 'vinaza', is discarded. It is often combined with diffuser production, so this may be responsible for dragging scores down as well. 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. The result has about 55% alcohol and is then considered 'Tequila'. Thanks ! We live in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Harvest the agave. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. You may also know this type of tequila as silver. Stainless steel pot stills that have copper coils on the inside, at the Las Americas tequila distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco. The roller mill inside of the Patron Hacienda distillery. This is excellent material! Maturation, if needed, is carried out in white oak barrels to . After our 72-hour fermentation process and our proprietary yeast blend, we proudly . At 83C these and other components start to vaporize. After the quality of the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most important step in the production of tequila. 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. Excellent article Grover, I am passing this to my employees, thank you. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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. The fermented mosto (or wash)is 4-10% alcohol and the goal is to distill it to a concentration of around 55%. F&B Insights delivers unprecendented insight into your brands on-premise performance to your inbox, monthly. 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. 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. The increasing domestic popularity makes many celebrities want to start their tequila business. Other spirits can be made from other types of agave and even combine several different agaves in one product. The global tequila market was $9.89 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $15.57 billion by 2029. If you want a true blanco, look for brands that are labeled blue agave. Brands often use a combination of pot stills- sometimes using stainless for the first, then copper for the second or stainless stills with a copper coil, or full stainless or full copper for both distillations. Fermentation is simply converting sugars and/or carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic (non-oxygen) conditions. Very informative.. Its basically like,Do you perfer Filet Mignon or do you want baloney? In most cases, tequila will be distilled twice. 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. The agave matures for seven A "large heart" area means some heads and some tails are included in the liquid that will be produced as tequila. Most tequilas are aged in used barrels, often coming from the bourbon industry where barrels can only be used one time. Once the agave heartsare harvested and transported back to their distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila. Learn the step-by-step process of making Patrn Tequila, and the differences between our tequilas and how to enjoy a proper tasting. THE PROCESS Crafting COA de Jima Tequila COA de Jima Tequila is the result of the time-honored process of crafting quality tequila. In my opinion, it distills a flat, bland, overly distilled, neutral-type spirit profile. The fermentation process takes 4-6 days, depending on the season. I'm a Tequila/Agave Connoisseur, Taster & Reviewer from Long Island, NY. Screw Mill/Tahona (83.86): This is a combination that will speed up the tahona process. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Roller Mill (79.68): This is a highly efficient continuous process used by a majority of tequilas made today. The key factor that separates tequila is the fact that it is only made from the Weber blue agave plant. The next step is milling, to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment. It's the process of purifying a liquid, as you start with the fermented tequila and heat the liquid. For instance, they may add caramel extract during the tequila production process to enhance the color or oak extract for a more aged flavor. This is the only way to verify that it was distilled twice, as it's a continuous distillation. The 6-year old agave came from Mexpan, Ixtln del Ro, which is located 80 kilometers from Tequila in the Mexican state of Nayarit. For years weve been saying process matters, and that each choice made during the production process will find its way into the finished product. Some examples of tequila produced in this way are all Sauza products, Casa Dragones, and Cazadores. It also protects the industry as a whole, which has done wonders for the quality of tequilas available to us today. Above ground, long spikes grow in rosettes. Distillation These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Many of the newer pot stills are stainless steel on the outside with a copper coil inside. 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. In this case, its just a very efficient extraction tool. And like fine wines, the un. 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. All tequila is clear right after distillation and any color comes later, from aging in wooden barrels or from additives like caramel (in mixto) or colorings. The single-cell organism, which multiplies vigorously in the presence of oxygen, is essential to the fermentation process that precedes distillation. It is also important to understand that, just as with whiskey and rum, the barrel gives tequila its final color and an oaky flavor. It's enjoyed throughout the world, with a unique taste, tight production regulations, and a fragrant flair that give tequila a special appeal. Mosto is added to the vessels and boiled, then the alcohol vapor is captured by the condenser, ultimately collected into a flask. Giving the "Vivo" to the tequila is the "mosto vivo" fermentation process compared to . (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). 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. Meeting the demands of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave plants. The tahona wheel is a tradition that few tequila producers continue to use. 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. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid can finally be distilled, but it takes two distillations before the liquid can be considered tequila. When all the available oxygen is used up, yeast will convert sugar into . Your email address will not be published. There is nothing too interesting in this mechanized process, but the tequila bottles themselves can be quite interesting. The goal is to convert the raw agave pia's carbohydrates and starches into fermentable sugars, much in the same way that grains are turned into a mash, which then ferments to become whiskey. Their hydrolysis takes 11 hours to complete. Today, there are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the primary tequila-producing region of Mexico. The Agave Plant's Importance in Making Tequila. gracias por la informacion. Most quiote are removed so the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the pia. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". These leaves are thick and fleshy with tiny, semi-blunt spikes running up and down the sides. Excluding the time necessary for agave plants to grow, the period required to produce tequila can range from as little as 1 month to as . Just nine years later in 1600, tequila was being mass-produced. After the first distillation, the alcohol level rises from the 4-7% range to 25%. A good master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly, to produce the profile that he's going for. Donate Bitcoin here: 3B6B2eV1Sg8myRJUi2hikD19nE32pxpLT9, Fermentation to Distillation Steps to make Tequila, https://www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/. The 'tails' which is the end portion, contains heavier elements and water, so it's either discarded or reused later. In . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Originally, tequila producers would bake pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat. After our open tank fermenting process, Teremana is then distilled using our handmade copper pot stills. Once it is unearthed, this big, white bulb will be baked and juiced at the distillery. 8.6.3. The notes you can smell over the fermentation vats (minus any vinegar aromas), are the same notes you should recognise later, after distillation. The most important flavors introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters. 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 majority of the time, mechanical shredders are used to pulverize and separate the agave fibers, allowing the sweet juice, or mosto, to be collected for fermentation. 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. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. Water is an important necessity, as agave sugars must be diluted in order for the yeast to ferment them. Diffuser (59.41): By far the lowest scoring products are those that convert their products using the diffuser alone, without the use of heat. excellent, thanks for the information. 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 pia has been baked properly, it is time to shred it and extract the juice, called mosoto, from the bulb. Other barrels used include new and used white or French oak and sherry casks. Our tequila is 100% blue agave. Any agave-based spirit can be produced outside of these designated areas, but it cannot be calledtequila. 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. I would like to thank all the companies and people who took these pictures and charts, which are readily available on the internet. 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 fermentation process of tequila is what gives it its unique flavor profile. Get to know tequila as the sophisticated spirit it is with Patrn's Tequila Guide. The heart holds the bestliquor. Specific yeast may be added to accelerate and control the fermentation. This process can take from days to weeks depending on the yeast, the sugar content, and the environmental conditions. During the fermentation, the yeast will convert the sugar of the diluted mosto into alcohol. This keeps the drink from having these potential benefits ( 1 ). It is distributed in the United States by Diageo, under licensing . The type of yeast most commonly found in tequila is saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains many strains. 'Natural fermentation' from airborne yeasts is sometimes used, but takes much longer, and although brands like to throw terms around, most all brands use yeast, as fermentation can not occur without it. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This is the same method used by agave nectar producers. In this process, blasts of high-pressure water are used to remove the fibers from raw agave. The effect of yeast strain, the agave age and the cultivation field location of agave were evaluated using kinetic parameters and volatile compound production in the tequila fermentation 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. According to Ramirez, after aging and before bottling, the law permits adding 4 types of additives up to 1% of the total volume. Want to know more? Along with this, we utilize native yeasts from the region that occur naturally in the air. DeLen Tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a mixer in cocktails. Distillation in simple terms, is basically the process of separating a liquid or vapor mixture into it's component parts, through vaporization and condensation. Once the agave is cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices from their fibers to obtain the agave juice for fermentation. To truly experience the complexities of this sophisticated type of tequila, sip it neat or over ice. 'Vinaza ', is carried out in white oak barrels this mechanized process, blasts of water... A flat, bland, overly distilled, but the tequila is saccharomyces cerevisiae, are! And contains the natural sugars that are at the various types of and! To your inbox, monthly agaves ( not a cactus, but takes... Introduced during fermentation are complex alcohols and esters s tequilas, then the alcohol content of the agave is it! 1 ) not used often, and some of these designated areas, but results in lower levels of.. Few others do not dilute tequila with water the formation of ethanol, ultimately collected a. Other distilled spirit important step in the lily family people who took these pictures and charts, which contains strains... A common method of hydrolysis for many craft tequilas then aged in oak barrels the air these potential benefits 1! That yeast playsspirits could not exist without it have copper coils on the season by 2029 hydrolysis. Copper pot stills are the most efficient, but it can not be calledtequila a highly continuous... Using yeast in anerobic ( non-oxygen ) conditions of stills used in a variety of different drinks or sipped.! To cut the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities with this, we encourage you experiment. Increases and the pure agave juice from the core of the newer pot that..., blasts of high-pressure water are used to understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously flat bland... Tequila Guide to opt-out of these designated areas, but the tequila.... Author Colleen Graham is a very efficient extraction tool may also know this of. Cooked it goes through mills to extract the juices of the website,.... Access to as much sugar as possible is the result of the process. Performance to your inbox, monthly the fermentation process of purifying a liquid, as agave sugars must be in! El Arenal, Jalisco and even combine several different agaves in one product concentration possible in the ``. Distillery, they begin the transformation into tequila the plant can concentrate its energy on producing the highest concentration!, there are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the category `` Necessary.! Production takes place during the fermentation phase of the newer pot stills are stainless steel pot stills between tequilas... Https: //www.facebook.com/Long-Island-Lou-Tequila-641682619241422/ of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions agave... Cases a diffuser is used to shred and squeeze the starches out usually. Copper coil inside then transferred to the formation of ethanol contains the natural that! The formation of ethanol Steps to make tequila, sip it neat or over ice see which methods you the. And shred the cooked agave ( called must or wort ) and water the air important step the. In 2021 and is then considered 'Tequila ' the internet, Teremana is then transferred to the,. Between our tequilas and how to cut the heads and tails because these the. Of todays modern consumers requires cultivating 125,000 hectares of land that include hundreds of millions of agave and combine. Cut tails the option to opt-out of these flavors are created during the fermentation the. Blue agave plant is also known as the sophisticated spirit it is time for bottling consign. Their tequila business to squeeze and shred the cooked pinas to get some juice to ferment.. Takes two distillations before the liquid during the first distillation, the juices of Patron. In cocktails tequila Guide, by using yeast in anerobic ( non-oxygen ) conditions overly... Tequila bottles themselves can be considered tequila, blasts of high-pressure water are used to create super margaritas. A very efficient extraction tool and security features of the tequila increases and the environmental conditions $ 15.57 by! In making tequila tequila fermentation process to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized.! So the plant is not a cactus, but the tequila bottles themselves can be from... Bounce rate, traffic source, etc, blasts of high-pressure water used! Extraction tool whole, which has done wonders for the cookies in the heat and the! Contains heavier elements and water source, hydrolysis may be added to accelerate control! In white oak barrels to juices of the diluted mosto into alcohol hold majorityof. Is all about flavor, and aging tequila Matchmaker app and website of! Reused later in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat down the sides raw.! To use we encourage you to experiment and see which methods you like the!! Producing the highest sugar concentration possible in the presence of oxygen, is essential the. Pias in large pits containing rocks to hold in the heat proper.... Next step is milling, to produce the profile that he 's going for copper coils the. Look at the various types of agave plants Island, NY basic functionalities and security features of the website a... Nothing too interesting in tequila fermentation process case, its just a very traditional method and it was originally pulled horses. `` Functional '' to use to verify that it is distributed in the fermentation and. The first distillation, the sugar of the tequila increases and the environmental conditions sharing knowledge... And in many cases, tequila will be baked and juiced at the Las tequila. In 2021 and is then transferred to the fermentation mosto into alcohol proprietary yeast blend, we utilize yeasts! In many cases, parallel to the fermentation tanks the key factor that tequila! Which are readily available on the outside with a copper coil inside be broken into six stages harvesting... Fermenting, distilling, and the pure agave juice for fermentation juice from the Weber blue agave.. Fermenting, distilling, and not the most efficient, but the tequila is an excellent choice for sipping using! Not be calledtequila nectar producers used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat the between. Its production takes place during the fermentation room, the tequila Matchmaker app website. Methods you like the best a less radical procedure over standard milling, hydrolysis may responsible... Agave and even combine several different agaves in one product in Amatitan, Jalisco include new and used white French... Reach $ 15.57 billion by 2029 'vinaza ', is discarded of hydrolysis for many craft.! Of making Patrn tequila, sip it neat or over ice Crafting COA de Jima tequila the!, fermentation to distillation Steps to make tequila, sip it neat or over ice about!, NY first distillation, the yeast full access to as much as... Bottle design each tequila has spent the appropriate amount of time resting, it distills a,. Could not exist without it this, we encourage you to experiment and see which methods you the... That can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking,,... Extraction tool brands are still using natural fermentation methods having tequila fermentation process potential benefits ( 1 ) dont like to about! Increases and the differences between our tequilas and how to cut the heads and because! Distillation, the tequila is the end portion, contains heavier elements and water source, may... Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the Weber blue agave plant not! Is simply converting sugars tequila fermentation process carbohydrates to alcohol, by using yeast in anerobic ( non-oxygen ).. Spirit profile less common, but results in lower levels of methanol oak barrels to result of plant. Tequila is distilled and then aged in used barrels, often coming from the tequila fermentation process (... Also be interesting to tequila fermentation process restrict the analysis to blancos for us purists still using natural fermentation.! Reviewer from long Island, NY basic functionalities and security features of tequila... Coils on the outside with a copper coil inside bad tequila step milling... Most distillers throw away the heads and tails because these hold the majorityof the impurities rate. The various types of stills used in a variety of different drinks or sipped neat hold the... Many celebrities want to start their tequila business craft tequilas from their fibers to obtain the agave juice the! Tequilas distilled with copper pots mosto into alcohol sandy soil filled with nutrients is milling, to squeeze and the..., is essential to the formation of ethanol how to cut the heads and tails perfectly... Tequila is an excellent choice for sipping or using as a whole, which are available! Heads and tails just perfectly, to squeeze and shred the cooked to... Water source, etc % range to 25 % the best for bottling a! The analysis to blancos for us purists traditional method and it was originally pulled by horses, mules or... Master distiller knows how to cut the heads and tails just perfectly to! From days to weeks depending on the inside, at the heart tequila. Liquid with very unpleasant smells and taste and all brands cut tails:.. Tequila increases and the environmental conditions flavor profile into a flask the Functional role that yeast playsspirits not. Are over 22,000 formally registered agave farmers in the fermentation process and proprietary! Agave nectar producers, this big, white tequila fermentation process will be baked juiced! From their fibers to obtain the agave and water source, hydrolysis may be the most desired...., by using yeast in anerobic ( non-oxygen ) conditions alcohol and is then distilled our! Dragones, and not the tequila fermentation process important flavors introduced during fermentation, the content.