Tres Mujeres Tequila Tour - A Guide to the Distillery and Tastings

An Introduction to Tres Mujeres Tequila

Tequila is known around the world as Mexico's signature spirit. Made from the blue agave plant, tequila has a rich history and culture behind it. One brand that exemplifies the tradition of fine tequila production is Tres Mujeres.

Tres Mujeres, which translates to "Three Women" in English, is produced in the region of Jalisco, Mexico. Known as the heartland of tequila, Jalisco boasts the ideal climate and soil for growing blue agave. The plants thrive in the region's volcanic soil and sunny weather.

The Tres Mujeres distillery honors the three essential figures involved in crafting tequila: "La Madre" (the mother) represents the blue agave plant itself, "La Abuela" (the grandmother) symbolizes the master distiller, and "La Hija" (the daughter) embodies the entire production process.

Tres Mujeres Tequila Reposado

One of Tres Mujeres' standout expressions is their reposado tequila. Reposado means "rested" in Spanish, referring to the aging process.

Tres Mujeres Reposado is aged for up to 364 days in American white oak barrels. Unlike whiskey barrels that impart heavy oak flavors, these lightly charred barrels allow the agave flavor to take center stage. The aging softens the finish and adds subtle vanilla and wood notes.

This reposado tequila strikes a perfect balance between the cooked agave flavor and the mellow oak influence. It has lovely notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon on the palate. The finish is smooth and warming.

The Production Process

Tres Mujeres uses traditional, time-honored methods to produce their tequila. It all starts with the blue agave plants, which take 6-8 years to mature before harvest.

The mature agave piñas weigh anywhere from 80 to 150 pounds. They are harvested by a jimador, an expert field worker who uses a special tool called a coa to remove the spiky leaves.

The trimmed piñas are then transported to the distillery and baked in traditional stone ovens. This converts the starch into fermentable sugars. The piñas are then crushed to extract the sugary juice, which is fermented and distilled into tequila.

For the reposado, the distilled spirit goes into white oak barrels for aging. The master distiller, or Maestro Tequilero, checks periodically for color, aroma, and taste before bottling.

Enjoying Tres Mujeres Tequila

Tres Mujeres Reposado makes for an excellent sipping tequila. It's complex enough to sip neat and truly savor the flavors. Just pour a shot in a tequila glass or snifter. Swirl gently before inhaling the aromas of vanilla, caramel, and spices. Then take small sips, allowing the tequila to coat your palate.

This reposado also shines in classic tequila cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma. Itssmooth taste won't get overpowered by other ingredients. For a Margarita, mix with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur. For a Paloma, combine with grapefruit soda and a squeeze of lime.

In cooking, Tres Mujeres Reposado adds subtle sweetness and complexity to sauces, marinades, and desserts. It brings out savory flavors when used in dishes like moles, chili con carne, and barbecue sauces.

A few drops can also enhance the flavor of chocolate or fruit-based desserts. For example, use it to deglaze a pan when making a Mexican chocolate cake or flan.

Visiting the Tres Mujeres Distillery

One of the best ways to appreciate Tres Mujeres tequila is to visit the actual distillery in the Los Altos region of Jalisco. The tour provides a fascinating look behind-the-scenes into how traditional tequila is crafted.

The Agave Fields

The tour starts by visiting Tres Mujeres' own sustainably-farmed agave fields. Guests learn how agave plants are tended for years before reaching maturity. A jimador demonstrates how agave leaves are skillfully trimmed back by hand using a coa blade.

The Production Facilities

Inside the distillery, visitors get to see where the magic happens. The facilities have a charmingly rustic vibe with equipment made from local stone and wood. Guests will observe the processes of agave roasting, crushing, fermenting, and distilling.

The highlight is seeing the aging cellar with hundreds of oak barrels filled with reposado tequila. Patrons even get to sample the tequila straight from the barrel using a jicara cup. This is an ancient tasting tradition unique to tequila.

The Tasting Room

No distillery tour is complete without a guided tasting. Visitors gather in the cozy tasting room to sample different Tres Mujeres expressions. An expert leads the comparative tasting, describing the aromas and flavors of each tequila.

Guests can taste side-by-side the blanco, reposado, and añejo. This allows you to appreciate how aging changes the flavor profile. To accompany the tasting, the distillery serves up classic botanas like guacamole and salsa to cleanse your palate.

Bringing Home a Bottle

After an enlightening distillery tour, visitors will want to bring home a special bottle to remember the experience. Tres Mujeres Tequila makes for an excellent souvenir or gift.

The distillery's tasting room has an extensive selection of Tres Mujeres expressions as well as mezcals and other artisanal spirits. Exclusive bottlings are available that can only be purchased onsite.

Keep an eye out for their Extra Añejo Reserva Especial - an ultra premium tequila aged for over 3 years in French oak barrels. This is the perfect bottle to commemorate a memorable visit to the Tres Mujeres distillery.

A bottle also makes for a unique gift or souvenir from your Mexican travels. Share a taste with family and friends back home so they can discover authentic handcrafted tequila.

With its dedication to tradition and incredible spirit, it's easy to see why Tres Mujeres is one of Mexico's most celebrated tequila brands. A distillery tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience that tequila lovers and travelers won't want to miss.

FAQs

How long does the Tres Mujeres distillery tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Guests visit the agave fields, production facilities, aging cellar, and tasting room. Transportation to/from local hotels is included.

What is provided on the tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided walking tour of the facilities, an explanation of the tequila-making process, tastings of multiple tequila expressions, and botanas to eat.

What is the minimum age to take the tour?

The minimum age is 18 years. The distillery requires valid photo ID upon arrival.

Can I purchase bottles of Tres Mujeres Tequila onsite?

Yes, the distillery has an extensive selection available for purchase after the tour. Unique bottlings and exclusives are available in the gift shop.