The Art of Tequila-Making; From Agave to Bottle

At Don Levi, our passion for crafting 100% agave premium tequila begins long before it reaches your glass. Every bottle represents a deep respect for tradition, an appreciation of heritage, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Join us as we take you through the fascinating journey of tequila production, from the rich soils of Jalisco, Mexico, to the exquisite experience of enjoying a world-class spirit.

The Foundation: Blue Weber Agave
Tequila’s story starts with one essential ingredient: the Blue Weber Agave. Grown primarily in the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, this special variety of agave is what makes 100% agave tequila stand out. Unlike mixed tequilas that contain sugars from other sources, our premium tequila is made exclusively from blue agave, ensuring a pure and rich taste.
The journey begins in Jalisco’s volcanic soil, where the agave plants take between 7 and 10 years to mature.

Harvesting: The Jimador’s Craft
When the agave is fully grown, skilled harvesters known as Jimadores take over. The Jimador’s role is essential in the tequila production process. Using a tool called the “coa”, they carefully strip away the plant’s sharp leaves, leaving behind the piña, or heart of the agave. These piñas, which can weigh anywhere from 40 to 90 kg, are what we use to create our tequila.
The craft of the Jimador is more than just technique—it is about tradition. The art of harvesting agave has been passed down through generations, and at Don Levi, we are proud to preserve this cultural heritage.

Cooking the Piñas: Bringing Out the Sweetness
Once the agave piñas are harvested, they are transported to ovens to be slowly roasted. This step is vital as it transforms the plant’s natural starches into fermentable sugars. Traditionally, brick ovens (called hornos) are used for this process, which brings out the piña’s natural sweetness and rich flavours.
At Don Levi, we remain committed to these time-honoured cooking methods, ensuring our premium tequila maintains its authentic taste. The slow roasting process, which can last up to 48 hours, releases a deep, complex sweetness that forms the foundation of the flavour profile in every sip of 100% agave tequila.

Fermentation: Transforming Sugars into Alcohol
Once the aguamiel is extracted, it’s time for fermentation. In this process, the sugars in the agave juice are converted into alcohol by natural yeasts from the air or the environment. The fermentation stage can last anywhere from 3 to 12 days, depending on the method used.
This critical phase defines much of the tequila’s body, aroma, and flavour. Longer fermentation periods often lead to more complex and nuanced spirits, and we closely monitor this process to ensure the premium tequila you enjoy is rich in character and distinction.

Distillation: Refining the Spirit
The next stage in the tequila production process is distillation. Premium Tequila brands such as Don Levi will double or triple distill to purify the liquid and concentrate its alcohol content, which traditionally gives tequila a smoother, richer texture. Distillation not only refines the alcohol but also enhances the flavour profile, ensuring a clean, crisp finish that’s characteristic of top-tier 100% agave tequila.

Aging: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo
One of the final steps that distinguish different types of tequila is the aging process. Tequila blanco, also known as silver or white tequila, is bottled straight after distillation whereas Reposado and Añejo are aged in oak barrels from 2 months to 2 years. Visit products for more details on the tasting notes.

Why 100% Agave Tequila Matters
Not all tequilas are created equal. Many brands blend agave with other sugars to cut costs, resulting in a lower-quality product. At Don Levi, we believe that 100% blue Weber agave tequila is the gold standard. This commitment to purity ensures that our tequila is free from additives, delivering a true and authentic agave flavour that tequila connoisseurs love.

From Agave to Glass: The Don Levi Experience
The tequila-making process is one of craftsmanship, patience, and dedication, and at Don Levi, we honour this tradition in every bottle we produce. From the fields of Jalisco to the hands of our skilled Jimadores, we are committed to producing a premium, 100% agave tequila that celebrates both the heritage of Mexico and the meticulous artistry behind every sip. We invite you to taste the difference that dedication, tradition and premium ingedients make with those that matter most.

Don Levi Tequila: For celebrating life’s cherished moments with those who matter most.