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BOOKS:: Tequila

After the agave is crushed the juices run through pipes into special tanks where men climb in and pull out the "must" or excess fibers. There is a naturally occurring yeast on skin that starts the fermentation process so the men work naked, stirring the must with their arms and legs. The technique has been handed down over centuries and was adopted by the Spaniards from the local indians in the 1500's when they combined brandy making techniques to the local fermantation of agave to produce what became known as Tequila. With demand outstripping production, and the purchase of most of the large tequila companies by foreign distributors this ancient method is no longer used.

After the agave is crushed the juices run through pipes into special tanks where men climb in and pull out the "must" or excess fibers. There is a naturally occurring yeast on skin that starts the fermentation process so the men work naked, stirring the must with their arms and legs. The technique has been handed down over centuries and was adopted by the Spaniards from the local indians in the 1500's when they combined brandy making techniques to the local fermantation of agave to produce what became known as Tequila. With demand outstripping production, and the purchase of most of the large tequila companies by foreign distributors this ancient method is no longer used.

Book Cover Tequileros head out to harvest agave at dawn. Blue agave field, near the town of Tequila, Mexico. Workers called "tequileros" harvest mature agave, Amatitán, Mexico. The tradtional method allows for the agave "piña" to grow for around 8 years. The piña will weigh up to 300 pounds and over this long growth cycle absorb specific flavors from the soil in which it is grown. Workers roast a mid morning snack of beans and tortillas over open fires. At the distillery workers wear steel hats to support the heavy piñas as they haul them to be chopped, roasted and crushed. After the agave is crushed the juices run through pipes into special tanks where men climb in and pull out the "must" or excess fibers. There is a naturally occurring yeast on skin that starts the fermentation process so the men work naked, stirring the must with their arms and legs. The technique has been handed down over centuries and was adopted by the Spaniards from the local indians in the 1500's when they combined brandy making techniques to the local fermantation of agave to produce what became known as Tequila. With demand outstripping production, and the purchase of most of the large tequila companies by foreign distributors this ancient method is no longer used. At the Hacienda San Jose del Refugio, in Amatitån, near Tequila, Mexico. Tourists now ride the "Tequila Train" to visit this 150 year old landmark where Herradura tequila is still made. Left: A political science student in Guadalajara, Mexico. Right: Agave Mariachi and folkloric dancers entertain visitors to Hacienda San Jose del Refugio. A mother fixes her daughter's hair before posing for a portrait during a family gathering over traditional Sunday posole. Catedral de Guadalajara. Calle José Cuervo, Tequila, Mexico, before a fiesta. Folkloric dancers, near Tequila, Mexico. El Bar Maestranza, Guadalajara, Mexico. The correct and traditional way to drink tequila is sipping it slowly in a brandy snifter. El Bar Maestranza, Guadalajara, Mexico. El Bar Maestranza, Guadalajara, Mexico. El Bar Maestranza, Guadalajara, Mexico. El Dia de La Virgen de Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico. El Dia de La Virgen de Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico.