Organic tequila is made using a meticulous and careful process that ensures the highest quality and purity of the final product. Let's delve into the detailed steps involved in making organic tequila.
1. Harvesting: The first step in making organic tequila is harvesting the agave plants. These plants are grown in organic-certified fields, where no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used. The agave plants are allowed to mature for several years, typically around 7-10 years, to develop their unique flavor profile.
2. Roasting: After the agave plants are harvested, they undergo a slow roasting process in a traditional clay oven. This slow roasting helps to break down the agave's starches into fermentable sugars and imparts a smoky flavor to the tequila. The use of a clay oven adds an authentic touch to the process and enhances the overall character of the tequila.
3. Shredding: Once the agave plants are properly roasted, they are shredded using a roller mill. This process extracts the juices from the agave, which will be later fermented to produce alcohol. Shredding the agave ensures that maximum flavor and sweetness are extracted from the plant.
4. Fermentation: The shredded agave is then fermented using a wild, natural open-air process. This means that no commercial yeast strains are added to initiate fermentation. Instead, the natural yeast present in the environment ferments the agave juices. This wild fermentation process contributes to the unique flavors and aromas found in organic tequila.
5. Distillation: After fermentation, the resulting liquid, known as “mosto,” is distilled. Distillation is typically done in both stainless steel tanks and copper tanks. The use of stainless steel tanks helps maintain the purity of the tequila, while copper tanks contribute to the removal of any impurities and add subtle flavors to the final product. The tequila is distilled twice to further refine and concentrate the flavors.
6. Water source: Organic tequila is made using well water, which is sourced from natural underground springs. Well water is often preferred for its purity and mineral content, which can positively influence the taste of the tequila.
Throughout the entire process of making organic tequila, strict quality control measures are implemented to ensure that each step is carried out with precision. This attention to detail ultimately results in a clean and flavorful tasting ultra-premium Blanco tequila.
Personal experience:
During a visit to a tequila distillery in Mexico, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the process of making organic tequila. The agave fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and it was impressive to learn about the care taken to ensure the plants were grown organically.
Inside the distillery, the aroma of roasted agave filled the air as the agave piñas were slowly cooked in the clay ovens. The shredding process was fascinating to watch, with the roller mill expertly extracting the agave's sweet juices.
The fermentation tanks were open to the elements, allowing the natural yeasts to work their magic. It was amazing to see how the simple combination of agave juice and wild yeast could produce such complex flavors.
The distillation process was conducted with precision, and the use of both stainless steel and copper tanks showcased the distillery's commitment to quality. Tasting the final product, the organic tequila had a smooth and distinct flavor that truly showcased the natural beauty of the agave plant.
Making organic tequila involves a series of carefully monitored steps, from harvesting the agave to distillation, that ensure the highest quality and purity of the final product. This attention to detail results in a tequila that is not only delicious but also environmentally friendly.