Agave Spirits Flashcards
How does the US define tequila?
An agave spirit distilled at less than 95% ABV and bottled at no less than 40% ABV, made in Mexico.
What status does tequila have in the EU?
GI status as a distinctive product of Mexico.
What is the NOM?
The Norma Oficial Mexicana, the official standards of Mexico regulating spirit production.
What are the two types of tequila?
Tequila
100% Agave Tequila
What must be on the label of 100% agave tequila?
One of the following:
100% de agave
100% puro de agave
100% agave
100% puro agave
Blue may be added.
What are the requirements for the production of both types of tequila?
Made from the Agave tequilana Weber plant.
Grown, harvested and produced in a designated tequila-producing area.
Bottled at between 35-55% ABV
Not “cold mixed” - no other added alcoholic beverage.
What are other requirements for 100% agave tequila?
Must be from 100% blue agave
Must be bottled in a bottling plant controlled by the authorized manufacturer and located in a tequila producing area.
What are the different requirements for non-100% agave tequila?
Must be produced with at least 51% blue agave. The remaining 49% may be from other sugars.
With approval, may be transported in bulk for bottling outside the designated tequila-producing areas.
Are additives allowed in tequila?
Yes, certain additives are allowed up to 1%, including caramel coloring, oak extract, glycerin and sugar syrup.
Are tequila producers required to list additives on their labels?
No.
What is octili poliqhui?
The Aztec name for a fermented juice made from agave. Named after the Aztec god of drink.
What is pulque?
Fermented juice made from agave.
What is mezcal wine?
A distilled spirit made from pulque, and early distillation of agave.
Who received the first license to produce mezcal wine in the Tequila region in 1795?
Jose Maria Guadalupe Cuervo
What is the botanical name of blue agave?
Agave tequilana Weber azul.
When was the term “tequila” first used to describe Mezcal wine from the Jalisco region?
1873
What botanical family does agave belong to?
Asparagaceae
What sub-family of Asparagaceae is agaeve a part of?
Agavoideae
What are pencas?
The long leave of an agave plant.
How high can a blue agave grow?
5-8 feet
How wide can a blue agave grow?
8-12 feet.
What is a quiote?
A fast growing stalk on an agave plant, the if left to mature will produce flowers and eventually seeds.
What is aguamiel?
The juice that builds up in the central rosette stem after the quiote is removed.
What are two names of the swollen portion of the agave?
Piña - resembles a pineapple
Cabeza - looks like the shape of a head.
How are most agave plants reproduced?
Via shoots (hijuelos or pups) that form along the bottom of the plant. During the 3rd to 6th year of a parent plant’s cycle, strong enough to be replanted.
What are Hijuelos?
Shoots at the bottom of an agave plant, also called pups.
What are the size designations for shoots severed from a parent agave plant?
Lemon-size
Onion-size
Grapefruit-size
What happens to agave shoots at the nursery?
They are dried for 1-3 weeks, then planted in nursery area. After around 2 years moved to their final growing site where they’ll mature.
What Mexican state is the largest tequila producer?
Jalisco.
Besides Jalisco, what other Mexican states are allowed to produce tequila?
Tamaulipas
Guanajuato
Nayarit
Michoacan
What are the two main agave producing regions of Jalisco?
The Amatitán/Lowlands Region
Los Altos/Highlands Region
In which part of Jalisco is the town of Tequila located?
The Amatitán
Which of the two agave producing regions of Jalisco is the overall warmest?
The Amatitán
What is the Altitude of the Amatitán?
About 4200 ft. (1300 m)
What agave producing area of Jalisco includes the town of Arandas?
Los Altos
What administrative regions are included in Los Altos?
Altos Norte
Altos Sur
Portion of Cienéga.
What is the altitude of Los Altos?
6500 ft. (2000 m)
What type of tequilas are produced in Los Altos?
Softer, fruitier and highly floral tequilas.
What type of tequilas are produced in the Amatitán?
Crisper, more vegetal, and earthy tequilas with black pepper spice flavors.
What are the main factors that effect the character of a specific brand of tequila?
Agave quality
Other base material (Mixto)
Water used
Fermentation
Distillation type
Maturation
Additives
What is mosto?
Agave juice that has been extracted.
What is a jimador?
A agave fieldworker
What is a coa?
The sharp tool used for preparing the agave plant to be harvested.
How is an agave plant prepared for harvest?
The central flower spike is removed, which forces the plant to send its growth and sap into the heart.
How are agave plants harvested?
The plant is cut from its roots and rolled onto its side. From the position, the leaves (pencase) are sliced off. The piña (cabeza) is sent to the distillery.
How much do Amatitán piñas weigh?
75-165 lbs. (35-75 kilos)
How much do Los Altos piñas weigh?
110-200 lbs. (50-90 kilos)
What is the first thing that happens to piñas when they reach the distillery?
Workers with axes cut them into halves and quarters.
What are fructans?
Polysaccharides/complex carbohydrates found in the aguamiel sap inside the piña of agave.
What fructans are found in the sap of an agave?
Inulin and agavin.
What must be done to aguamiel sap from an agave prior to fermentation?
The fructans must be converted to fermentable sugars. Often done by hydrolysis and/or heat.
What is hydrolysis?
The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.
How does the heat while cooking the piñas during the tequila making process help with the extraction of the juice?
It softens the piña, which makes it easier to crush.
What are hornos?
Steam ovens used to cook cut up agave piñas during the tequila making process.
How long and at what temperature are piñas generally cooked in hornos?
36-48 hours at 140-185º F
or
Shorter time - 200º F
What happens after the piñas are cooked?
The steam is turned off, ad they are left in the oven for 2 more days.
What are the two main methods of cooking agave?
Brick steam ovens
Stainless autoclaves
What is different about cooking agave in an autoclave?
They use higher temperatures, and shorter cooking times, usually 6 hours heating followed by 6 hours steam. Must be carefully controlled to avoid overcooking or burning.
What is a tahona?
A huge stone wheel drawn by oxen or horses, the historic method of extracting pulp from cooked agave.
What are bagazo?
Leftover fibers from the extraction of juice from agave.
What has replaced the historic agave crushing method for tequila production?
Modern grinder/juicer machines
What is the diffuser process in tequila production?
A process that bypasses the initial cooking stage and mechanically shreds the piñas, allowing the raw extraction of sap, which then goes through a heating and cooking process.
How is the agave juice fermented in the tequila making process?
Mostly in stainless, diluted with water to a sugar level of between 8-16%. Nearly all distillers use cultured yeast. Some artisanal producers add bagazo to their fermentation vessels.
How long does fermentation take in making tequila?
3-10 days.
What is mosto muerto?
Fermented agave juice ready for distillation.
What is the normal ABV for mosto muerto (the fermented agave juice used to make tequila)?
4-8%
If a basic tequila (non-100% agave) is made, when is the non-agave sugar portion added?
It is added to the fermentable must of the agave juice just before the yeast is added.
What are the distillation requirements for tequila?
It must be distilled a minimum of 2 times. No limitation on type of still used.
What ABV does “el corazon” (the heart of the run) have after the first distillation in tequila production?
Around 25%
What is Ordinario in tequila production?
The heart of the first distillation run. Sometimes called tequila primero.
What is the ABV for tequila coming off the second distillation?
Usually no higher than 55-60% ABV.
What is tequila primero?
The heart of the first distillation run. Sometimes called Ordinario.
What is mixto?
The original name for non-100% agave tequila.
Since when have flavored tequilas been on the market?
2004
What are some popular flavors of flavored tequila?
Chiles (Jalapeno, chipotle, ancho, etc.)
Tropical fruit (Coconut, mango pineapple)
Orange
Strawberry
Almond
What are the aging classifications for tequila?
Blanco
Jove
Oro
Reposado
Añejo
Extra-Añejo
What does Joven mean as a tequila labeling term?
No aging is required, but it is often an unaged tequila treated with caramel or other additives.
What is Joven Abocado on a tequila label?
It means young and smooth or young and mellowed, an unaged tequila with caramel coloring or other additives.
What is Oro tequila?
A blend of young/unaged tequila with older tequila.
What is Reposado tequila?
A tequila aged for a minimum of 2 months in oak.
What are some other possible labeling terms for Blanco tequila?
White, Silver, Plata
What are some other names for Reposado tequila?
Aged, rested.
What is Añejo tequila?
A tequila aged for at least 1 year in oak. May also be labeled Extra-Aged.
What is Extra-Añejo tequila?
A tequila aged for at least 3 years in oak. May also be labeled Ultra-aged.
What are the requirements for the size of the oak containers for aging Reposado tequila?
It is not regulated.
What are the requirements for the size of the oak containers for aging Añejo tequila?
Must be no larger than 600 liters (160 gallons).
What are the requirements for the size of the oak containers for aging Extra-Añejo tequila?
Must be no larger than 600 liters (160 gallons).
When was Mezcal awarded its own set of standards?
1994
What are the US standards for Mezcal?
An Agave spirit distilled at less than 95% ABV
Bottled at no less than 40% ABV
In compliance with NOM standards for Mezcal.
What are the NOM standards for Mezcal?
Produced from 100% agave
Solely from approved varieties of agave in designated areas.
Produced and bottled within the designated mezcal-producing area
Bottled at 35-55% ABV
What is Mezcal Tipo II?
A type of mezcal using a minimum 80% agave, disallowed as of 2020.
Why does mezcal often have a smokier or earthier aroma than tequila?
Partly the varieties of agave, also the tradition of cooking the piñas in earth-covered pits.
What is the tradition center of Mezcal production?
Oaxaca
Where may Mezcal be produced?
Oaxaca (center of production)
Guerrero
Durango
San Luis Potosi
Zacatecas
Portions of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Puebla, and Guanajuato.
What is the main type of agave used in the production of Mezcal?
Agave Espadin (Agave Angustifolia) - Close to 90%
Other varieties allowed.
What are the three categories of Mezcal?
Mezcal
Mezcal Artesanal
Mezcal Ancestral
What are the requirements for Mezcal Artesanal?
Must be cooked in pits or cement ovens May be milled using wooden bats, stone wheel, or mechanical shredders
Fermentation in a vessel made of stone, wood, clay, earth, or animal skins
Distilled in pot still or vessel made of clay/wood
Distillation fueled by direct fire.
May include bagazo.
What are the requirements for Mezcal Ancestral?
Must be cooked in pits
Must be milled using wooden bats or a stone wheel
Fermentation in a vessel made of stone, wood, clay, earth, or animal skins
Distilled in vessel made of clay/wood
Distillation fueled by direct fire.
May include bagazo.
What are the classifications for Mezcal relating to age?
White/Joven
Madurado en vidrio (matured in glass)
Reposado
Añejo
Abocado
Destilado con (Distilled with)
What are the requirements for Madurado en vidrio Mezcal?
Aged in a glass container for 12 months, must be underground or in another cool, dark place, age (in years) must be stated on the label.
What is White/Joven Mezcal?
Young mezcal, no aging required.
What is Reposado Mezcal?
A Mezcal aged in wooden barrels (any size) for at least 2 months.
What is Añejo Mezcal?
A Mezcal aged in oak barrels of no more than 200 liter capacity for at least one year, age on label.
What is an Abocado con Mezcal?
A flavored mezcal that has been infused with an approved flavoring additive.
What are some approved flavor additives for Abocado con Mezcal?
Maguey worms
Damiana (a flowering shrub)
Lime
Honey
Orange
Mango
What is Destilado con Mezcal?
Mezcal that is distilled with other ingredients.
What are some of the ingredients that Destilado con Mezcal may be distilled with?
Chicken/turkey breast
Rabbit
Mole
Plums
Cherries
How is Destilado con Mezcal made?
The ingredient is placed above the still, allowing for the vapors to pass over them.
What is Mezcal de Pechuga?
Destilado con Mezcal distilled with meat or poultry.
What is required to be on a Mezcal label?
The product category, species of agave, one of the six classifications, and the name of the state in which it was produced. Must be bottled in bottles of 5 liter capacity or smaller.
What is a jicara
A fruit of the Crescentia cujete tree (calabash), the dried peel of which is used to make a cup for serving mezcal.
What is a Veladora?
A small glass loosely resembling a votive candle holder sometimes used for sipping Mezcal.
What are some terms used to refer to agave spirits other than tequila and mezcal?
Destilado de agave
Aguardiente de agave
Destilado de maguey.
What is Pulque?
A fermented agave beverage.
What is the base material for Pulque?
The sap from the Agave Americana (maguey) plant is the base material.
How is the sap harvested for the production of Pulque?
After the agave is mature (takes 10-12 years) the floral bud and central leaves are removed, and a small cavity is carved into the center of the base. After a few days, the sap start to flow in. It is harvested once or twice a day. Scraped at regular intervals, can produce sap for 3-6 months.
How is the sap fermented in the production of Pulque?
It is brought to a production facility (a tinacal) and placed in a large vat. Fermentation (using Zymomonas mobilis bacteria) is induced by the addition of some freshly made and still fermenting pulque to the vat of fresh sap. Takes 7-14 days typically.
Why is most pulque consumed locally?
It spoils rapidly.
What is a pulqueria?
Neighborhood bars in Mexico that serve pulque.
What is Bacanora?
An agave distillate made in the state of Sonora in the north of Mexico.
What species is of agave is used for the production of Bacanora?
Augustfolia - AKA Agave Yaquiana
How is Bacanora made?
The agave piñas are roasted in underground pits of volcanic rock and heated with mesquite charcoal.
When did Bacanora become a denomination of origin?
2006
For how many years has Bacanora been made n Sonora?
At least 300.
Where does the name Bacanora come from?
The town in Sonora where it was first produced.
Describe Bacanora.
Made from 100% agave, quality is high. Has hints of smoke and earth.
What is Raicilla?
An agave based distillate made in central Jalisco for over 400 years.
What is the history of Raicilla?
It was basically a type of moonshine - bottled at more than 100 proof and consumed locally.
Where does the name of Raicilla come from?
It means “little root” - was adapted in the 1780s in an attempt to avoid a tax on Mezcal from Spain - the ploy was mostly successful.
What are the standards for Raicilla?
100% Agave (Any variety except blue)
Produced in Jalisco or Nayarit
Bottled at 35-55% ABV
What is Sotol?
A distilled spirit made from the Dasylirion plant group - known as the desert spoon plant or sotol. Formerly thought to be agave but recently reclassified. Produced similarly to Mezcal.
When did Sotol receive it’s denomination of Origin?
2004
What is the flavor profile of Sotol?
Typically less smoky and earthy than mezcal.
What other countries produce agave based spirits?
Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and the US.
What is Miske?
A traditional agave spirit from Ecuador. Has DO status.
Describe the aroma of agave.
Delicate, earthy, and almost floral.
How many brands of tequila are there in Mexico?
Over 350.
What are some popular cocktails made with tequila?
Margarita
Tequila Sunrise
Paloma
Brave Bull
Bloody Maria
