Production Process
About
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the Weber blue agave plant. Tequila is a popular spirit used in many different cocktails, like the Margarita, Paloma, and the Tequila Sunrise. The Mexican government decrees that tequila is only allowed to be produced in Mexico, and only in certain designated regions, including: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas
Tequila is made from the Weber blue agave plant, or agave tequilana, which is a large succulent with long, spiked leaves similar to aloe vera. Within the core of the blue agave plant is a bulb called the piña. This bulb is baked and juiced, and the juice is fermented with yeast in barrels to make tequila.
History
What Is The History of Tequila Production?
Around the year 250, the Aztecs made a drink called pulque—made from the fermented juices of a plant called the maguey, which is a cousin of the agave—which is considered a predecessor to tequila. Tequila as we know it today—which is distilled, unlike pulque—was likely first made by the Spanish colonists when they invaded South America. In the early 1600s, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle began the first distillery in what is now known as Tequila, Jalisco.
In 1974, the Mexican government declared tequila the intellectual property of Mexico, and that tequila can only be produced in certain Mexican states: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. A tequila regulatory council (the Consejo Regulador de Tequila, or CRT) maintains tequila production standards (like agave content, ABV, aging time, and ingredients) and supports the tequila industry through promoting tourism to tequila-producing regions and supporting trade with other countries.
process
How Is Tequila Made?
Tequila production can be broken into six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. Here is more information about each one of these steps:
Mr Sancho PancHo's - "Tequila Maestra"
This role requires extensive knowledge of the agave plant, fermentation, and distillation processes, and a refined palate to ensure the highest quality of tequila.
A “Tequila Maestra” is a title often given to a highly skilled and knowledgeable expert in the production of tequila.
Their Responsibilities Typically Include:
1. Selecting Agave:
Choosing the best blue agave plants for production.
2. Overseeing Harvest:
Managing the jimadores (agave farmers) who harvest the agave.
3. Production Process:
Supervising the various stages of tequila production, including cooking the agave, fermentation, distillation, and aging.
4. Quality Control:
Ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.
5. Blending and Tasting:
Blending different batches to create a consistent and balanced flavor profile and tasting the product to ensure its quality.
6. Innovation:
Developing new tequila varieties or production techniques.
Aging Process/Duration
Esmeralda
reposado
Minimum 2 months, maximum 1 year in oak.
MSP Tequila: 10-12 Months
Turquesa
blanco
Bottled without spending time in barrel.
MSP Tequila: Direct
Beige
añejo
Minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years of aging.
MSP Tequila: 16-18 Months
EXTRA: At least 3 years of ageing in oak barrels.
The Journey of Mr. Sancho Pancho Tequila: From Agave to Extra Añejo
Origin of the Spirit: Mr. Sancho Pancho Tequila begins its journey in the rich, fertile fields of Jalisco, where only the finest blue agave, also known as Agave Azul Tequilana Weber, is harvested. This meticulous process starts with mature agave plants that have been carefully cultivated for a minimum of six years to ensure they possess the perfect balance of sweetness and complexity.
The Transformation Process:
1. Blanco: The Purest Form
First Stage: Once the agave is harvested, it undergoes a careful distillation process that transforms it into Blanco tequila. This is the purest form of tequila, bottled immediately after distillation, capturing the fresh, natural flavors of the agave.
2. Reposado: The Rested Spirit
Second Stage: The Blanco tequila is then transferred into oak barrels. After two months in the barrel, it begins to take on the characteristics that define Reposado, a rested tequila with a subtle infusion of oak flavors. The tequila continues to age in these barrels for up to 11 months, gaining complexity and a smooth, mellow character.
3. Añejo: The Matured Masterpiece
Third Stage: Once the tequila has aged for 12 months, it earns the title of Añejo. This stage lasts from 12 to 35 months, during which the tequila deepens in flavor and color, developing rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The extended aging process allows the tequila to mature into a sophisticated spirit with a robust profile.
4. Extra Añejo: The Ultimate Expression
Final Stage: After 36 months in the barrel, the tequila reaches the pinnacle of its aging process, becoming Extra Añejo. This category represents the ultimate in luxury tequila, where time has imparted an unparalleled depth of flavor, richness, and smoothness that can only be achieved through extended aging.
The Evolution of Mr. Sancho Pancho Tequila: A Journey Through Time
At Mr. Sancho Pancho Tequila, every bottle tells a story—a story of passion, tradition, and a deep respect for the heritage of tequila-making. Our journey begins with the finest Weber Blue Agave, nurtured in the rich soils of Jalisco, Mexico. This is not just any tequila; this is a spirit crafted with dedication and precision, destined to become a legend in the world of fine spirits.
From Blanco to Extra Añejo: The Art of Transformation
Our tequila’s journey begins as Blanco, the purest form of the spirit. Fresh from distillation, Blanco captures the vibrant, earthy essence of the agave. It is clear, crisp, and filled with the bright, unadulterated flavors that define this stage of the tequila-making process.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. The Blanco tequila is carefully placed into oak barrels, where it begins its transformation. After two months, the tequila emerges as Reposado. This aging process imparts a subtle spice and hints of vanilla, as the spirit begins to absorb the rich characteristics of the oak. Reposado, meaning “rested,” is aged between two and eleven months, gaining complexity and a golden hue that hints at the deeper flavors to come.
As the tequila reaches twelve months in the barrel, it transforms into Añejo. The extended aging process brings out a richer, more nuanced flavor profile—caramel, oak, and a smooth, velvety texture that caresses the palate. Añejo tequila is aged from twelve to thirty-five months, each bottle a testament to the meticulous care and time-honored techniques that define our craft.
Finally, after thirty-six months, the tequila reaches the pinnacle of its evolution: Extra Añejo. This luxurious spirit, aged for over three years, is the embodiment of refinement. Deep, complex, and with a profound richness, Extra Añejo offers a tasting experience that is unparalleled—truly the crown jewel of our tequila lineup.
A Legacy of Excellence
Experience the Spirit of Mexico
Raise Your Glass to Tradition, Excellence, and the Timeless Spirit of México
Discover the Magic in Every Bottle of Mr. Sancho Pancho Tequila