Tequila Pueblo Viejo is proudly produced at the San Matias distillery, located in Jalisco, Mexico. This distillery has a rich history, making it one of the oldest distilleries in the region. Being an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of visiting this distillery and witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into creating this exceptional tequila.
The San Matias distillery is situated in the Highlands of Jalisco, also known as Los Altos. This region is renowned for its ideal agave-growing conditions, which contribute to the exceptional quality of tequila produced here. The high elevation and volcanic soil create a unique terroir that imparts distinct flavors and characteristics to the agave plants.
One of the things that sets Tequila Pueblo Viejo apart is its commitment to using 100% agave in its production. This means that all the agave used to make the tequila comes from the blue agave plant, which is cultivated and harvested in the Highlands of Jalisco. This attention to detail ensures that the tequila is of the highest quality and truly representative of the agave plant.
During my visit to the San Matias distillery, I had the opportunity to witness the entire tequila-making process. It all starts with the agave plants, which are carefully selected and harvested by skilled jimadores. These skilled workers hand-harvest the agave plants, removing the leaves to reveal the heart, or piña, of the plant. The piñas are then cooked in traditional brick ovens, a process known as roasting, to convert their starches into fermentable sugars.
After roasting, the piñas are crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented using naturally occurring yeast. This fermentation process is crucial in developing the unique flavors and aromas of the tequila. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is distilled to remove impurities and create a clean, pure spirit.
At the San Matias distillery, they take great pride in their traditional distillation methods. They use copper pot stills, which are believed to contribute to the smoothness and complexity of the tequila. The distillation process is carefully monitored to ensure that only the best quality tequila is produced.
Once the tequila has been distilled, it is aged in oak barrels to further develop its flavors and characteristics. The aging process can vary depending on the type of tequila being produced. For example, the blanco tequila is typically unaged or aged for a short period, while the reposado and añejo tequilas are aged for longer periods to impart more complexity and depth.
Tequila Pueblo Viejo is produced at the San Matias distillery in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This distillery has a long-standing tradition of producing exceptional tequila, and their commitment to using 100% agave ensures that the tequila is of the highest quality. Visiting the distillery allowed me to witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating this tequila, from the hand-harvesting of the agave plants to the traditional distillation methods. The result is a tequila that truly captures the essence of the agave plant and the rich terroir of the Highlands of Jalisco.