Tequila spirit can only be produced in the region of tequila in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila is a tradicional mexican drink.
The blue agave plant, raw material for tequilas, grows mainly in the state of Jalisco and some surrounding counties. Farming and growth of the Blue Agave plant takes between 8 to 10 years. During this time, the plant and soil, are all under strict supervision to avoid issues such as plagues, and allow the plant to grow naturally.
Once the Blue Agave plant is grown, the tequila production starts.
Hand Harvest - Blue Agave Plant
The raw-material of elixir de agave tequila is the Blue Agave plant. After a growth period of 8 to 10 years, the farmer cuts the leaves of the agave to obtain the 'pina', the heart of the blue agave plant.
Steam Cooking
The pinas are cut in half and cooked in a steam brick oven for 24 hours. After cooked, the pinas rest for another 24 hours until the fibres are relented.
Milling
The pina is shredded in different mills to extract the juice.
Fermentation
The agave juice, or "Agua Miel", is pumped into stainless steel fermentation tanks. Once the juice is in the tanks, natural yeast is added. The fermentation process takes between 30 to 48 hours.
Distillation
The fermented juice is distilled twice. First in a stainless steel still, then sent for a second distillation process. The second distillation process consists of a tower, in order to get a more refined, clear and transparent tequila at 55% alcohol content. After the distillation process, Viva Agave tequila is master blended to achieve the 35% alcohol content.
Ageing
Viva Agave tequila is aged in french white oak barrels. This type of barrell has no time limitations; patience is the best ingredient to produce the very best Elixir de Agave Tequila spirits.
