Our Unique Tequila-Making Process
The process of making SUR TEQUILA involves several key steps, with an emphasis on aging to develop refined flavors. The result is a smooth, richly flavored tequila with depth and complexity that distinguishes it from younger varieties.
Certified organic by USDA and Bioagricert (European Union), Tequilana Weber Blue Agave is cultivated in the nutrient-rich soil of the Tequila Valley, specifically in the lowlands of Las Volles, Jalisco. These organic agave fields are owned and meticulously managed by Tequila Las Américas to ensure ideal growing conditions.
Harvesting Agave
The tequila-making process begins by harvesting mature agave plants, typically aged between 7 to 10 years. The piñas – the heart of the agave – are then carefully extracted, as they hold the vital sugars required for fermentation.
Cooking The Piñas
The piñas are then slow-cooked in traditional stone and brick ovens under high pressure, breaking down complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars – a process that takes 24 to 48 hours.
Extraction
Once cooked, the softened piñas are crushed using a roll mill to extract the sweet 100% organic agave juice, known as mosto.
Fermentation
The extracted 100% organic agave juice is then transferred to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Relying solely on natural, open-air fermentation – with no yeast added – the sugars gradually convert into alcohol over several days. This stage is essential in developing the tequila’s foundational flavor profile.
Distillation
The fermented liquid is then distilled twice in stainless steel pots with copper coils, a process that purifies and concentrates the alcohol. The result is a clear, unaged spirit known as blanco tequila.
Aging
What sets extra añejo tequila apart is its aging process. After distillation, the tequila is aged for a minimum of three years in used whiskey oak barrels. This extended time in the wood allows it to develop rich, complex flavors – notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and spices – while the interaction with the barrel deepens its color to a dark amber hue. Importantly, no additives are ever used – just pure, time-honored craftsmanship.
Bottling
Once aged to perfection, SUR JWP Extra Añejo Tequila is gently filtered, diluted slightly with deep well water, and then bottled in our signature hand-blown glass bottles. No additional coloring or flavoring is ever added – the depth of flavor is purely a result of the aging process. Each bottle is carefully labeled, packaged, and shipped to the United States, where it’s made available to our customers.