El Velo - Tequila Reposado (750ml)
El Velo Description
100% Puro de Agave, sourced entirely from the Tequila Valley, Matured for at least 2 months in Ex-Jack Daniels barrels, and bottled at 44.5% ABV
NOM 1137
TERROIR / REGION
The Blue Agave used in the production of ElVelo comes solely from the “Valley” of Tequila within the state of Jalisco - directly surrounding the town of Tequila itself. Called the “Valley” or “Valles” because of its lower elevation, sitting at roughly 1,200 meters above sea level; still fairly high in elevation, however not nearly as high as the “Highlands” or “Los Altos” which sits around 2,000 - 2,500 meters. The soil content and terroir of the Valley is also distinctly di erent. Much of this region was coated in ash and lava from volcanic eruptions occurring over 200,000 years ago. These eruptions resulted in high concentrations of Basalt, Andesite, and Rhyolite - a very unique volcanic soil and substrate, which allowed the Agave to thrive.
AGAVES
Age: Minimum 6 Years Old
Sugar Content: Minimum 21% Brix
Jima(Cut): Trimmed leaving between 1”-1-¼” of “penca” (leaf), Agave “piñas” (pineapples) are then broken down to remove the waxy core of the quiote and/or cogollo.
FERMENTATION
Fermentation occurs in open top 42,000L Stainless Steel Tanks, along with a portion of “aguas amargas” allowing for acidification of the mash and complexity of flavor. This takes roughly thirty two hours - depending upon the conditions of the season and each particular batch. Temperature is controlled with external water cooled rings on each tank.
DISTILLATION
Double-Distilled. First distillation occurs in a 2,500L copper-lined stainless steel pot still, and yields “Ordinario” between 24-26% ABV. The second distillation is then completed in a smaller 1,500L copper-lined stainless steel pot still and yields “Tequila” between 55-57% ABV.
MATURATION
ElVelo Tequila Reposado is then matured in Ex-Jack Daniel’s Barrels tasted regularly for balance of barrel and agave character. This adds notes of cocoa, nutmeg and vanilla from the oak without becoming too tannic, and still allowing the Agave to shine.
PROOFING
The water source for proofing is a natural mineral rich spring, that runs direct from the famous Volcan de Tequila. Once the production process was finalized, thirteen different proof points were tasted & tested by a panel of experts - bartenders, spirits professionals, and Tequila specialists - both from the US and Mexico. The top three selections were then used in preparation of a variety of cocktails - ranging from Tequila based classics and complex modern craft cocktails. The unanimous winner and favorite was 44.5% Alc./Vol (89 Proof) - which is what you find in your bottle today.
COOKING
Piñas are cooked in steam powered ovens at 98° Celsius for 32 hours. Cooking is paused after the first 8 hours to remove the “aguas amargas” (bitter honeys). Cooked piñas are then rested for an additional 16 hours with the oven doors left closed - this allows heat and moisture to remain contained and increases the development of caramelized sugar and flavor.
CRUSHING
Crushing happens in three stages. The first stage consists of the piñas being processed by a roller mill. Those fibers then pass on to the second stage - a proprietary extruder / masticator. The third and final stage involves an additional roller mill. All three phases assist with maximizing the extraction of “agua miel” (honey water) from the cooked piñas.
