How to Make TEQUILA w/ AGAVE SYRUP!

I made an agave spirit like Mezcal and Tequila from Agave Syrup that I bought at the grocery store. I used some interesting techniques to bump up the flavor profile and get as close to a traditional flavor as possible with agave syrup.

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Agave Spirit Recipe: OG=1.070
1.25 Gallons (4.75L) Agave Nectar (11lbs or 5Kg by weight)- https://amzn.to/374gcZQ
4 Gallons (15L) Water
7.5 tsp Yeast Energizer - https://amzn.to/3nNopIw
4-6Tablespoons Distillers Active Dry Yeast (DADY) - https://amzn.to/3pMvwCV
Optional - 2T active culture yogurt or 1 cup Sourdough Starter
pH Test Strips - https://amzn.to/39iEkuv
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1. Combine the water, agave nectar, yeast energizer and yeast. Aerate the wash thoroughly, then airlock it and ferment at 95F(35C) until gravity reading is consistent. 5-7 days. See notes below for details.

Gravity Reading: Your Original Gravity should be in the range of 1.060 to 1.070. No higher than that to keep the fermentation healthy.

Temperature: Float the temperature of the wash as close to 95F or 35C as you can.

Nutrient: Use a quality Yeast Energizer when you pitch your yeast. Then as the gravity drops wait until about 30% of the sugar has been depleted before adding a half dose of more nutrient. For example, my OG was 1.070 and I waited until it was below 1.047 before adding more nutrient. This will ensure the yeast stays healthy throughout the whole fermentation.

pH: This is critical. Check the pH daily and adjust it with baking soda or calcium carbonate to keep it between 4 and 5. Add baking soda 1 Tablespoon at a time, and check pH before adding more.

Yeast: Use DADY yeast and pitch heavy. Add at least 4 Tablespoons per 5 gallons of wash. Try adding other strains of yeast if necessary to get it started, or to restart.

Agitation and Oxygenation: Oxygenate the wash very well at pitching time, and then agitate it with bucket shaking or stirring once a day.

Flavor Booster1: Make a Bochet syrup with a small portion of the agave syrup by simmering it on medium low for 20-30 minutes until the color darkens significantly. Dissolve this dark syrup in water before adding to the wash.

Flavor Booster2: Add sourdough starter and/or Active Culture Yogurt to the wash 24-48 hours before pitching yeast. Allow a lactobacillus fermentation to take place to create acid and help with ester production.

DISTILLING NOTES: From a professional distiller, they found that since agave syrup has a lot less inherent flavor than the fresh roasted agave pulp it is better to de-tune their still to run at a lower ABV, around 60-70%, and run slow. This seemed to preserve more flavor.

Disclaimer: This video may contain a simulation of the process of distillation filmed for entertainment and educational purposes only. The equipment depicted is solely for the production of distilled water and essential oils. The information on the process is provided for its entertainment and educational value only. Distillation of alcohol is currently illegal at the U.S. Federal level if done without a license, even for the sole purpose of personal consumption. Understand and follow Federal and State laws when making alcoholic beverages. If you attempt this project, you assume all risk. Please drink responsibly.

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#HowToMakeTequila #HomemadeTequila #AgaveSyrup