You may have seen our review of Tres Manos Añejo a while back, where we mention that it is “triple distilled.” The tag on the bottle boasted about triple distillation in bold print, three times. When I picked out the bottle at BevMo, I admit I had no idea what triple distillation really meant – it seemed like a good thing. But recently, I found out that it’s not necessarily true.
When we were in Mexico last month, going on distillery tours, our tequila consultant mentioned that triple distillation is only necessary if the first two distillations don’t render a crystal clear product. Under a normal process, the crushed, fermented agave goes through a first distillation that produces a cloudy liquid called “ordinario.” Ordinario isn’t considered tequila yet. The first distillation is done to remove solid particles, yeast, proteins and minerals and does not produce a high enough alcohol level for it to be called tequila. When you see ordinario, you see why you wouldn’t want to drink it – it’s pungent and cloudy.
Tequila is normally produced after the second distillation when the alcohol level is increased to around 80 proof and the last traces of particles are stripped away, leaving a very clean agave flavor. Tequila produced after the second distillation is bottled and sold as blanco.
Tres Manos tequila is Triple Distilled. Is this a good thing?
You may have seen our review of Tres Manos Añejo a while back, where we mention that it is “triple distilled.” The tag on the bottle boasted about triple distillation in bold print, three times. When I picked out the bottle at BevMo, I admit I had no idea what triple distillation really meant – it seemed like a good thing. But recently, I found out that it’s not necessarily true.
When we were in Mexico last month, going on distillery tours, our tequila consultant mentioned that triple distillation is only necessary if the first two distillations don’t render a crystal clear product. Under a normal process, the crushed, fermented agave goes through a first distillation that produces a cloudy liquid called “ordinario.” Ordinario isn’t considered tequila yet. The first distillation is done to remove solid particles, yeast, proteins and minerals and does not produce a high enough alcohol level for it to be called tequila. When you see ordinario, you see why you wouldn’t want to drink it – it’s pungent and cloudy.
Tequila is normally produced after the second distillation when the alcohol level is increased to around 80 proof and the last traces of particles are stripped away, leaving a very clean agave flavor. Tequila produced after the second distillation is bottled and sold as blanco.
So, as it happens, triple distillation isn’t necessary, unless your first two tries don’t render quality product that’s ready to labeled tequila blanco. Lesson learned.
Some triple distilled tequilas are legit and taste smoother without a hard after taste. And best of all, triple distilled tequilas dont leave you with that typical tequila hangover. Corralejo triple distilled is one of my favorites.
Be my wife has discovered that triple distilled tequilas also have a clean finish and no hangover, which is really crazy. But because of the traditional tequila idea it is not very sought after. but if you saw my wife after drinking triple distilled tequila you as well would throw tradition to the wind…
Gran Patron Platinum Triple Distilled has a distinct but very smooth flavor,I can definitely say that it sets itself apart from other tequilas. The Light Oak and citrus flavor is Phenomenal.
Sincerely,Top Shelf
I have just discovered triple distilled tequila and have tried several and swaza 901 is probably my most favorite so far. It is also Justin Timberlake’s favorite tequila if anyone is interested. 😁 I haven’t tried Gran Patron Platinum triple distilled yet, but I am picking up a bottle today! Thank you Troy for the input.
La tercera destilacion no es necesaria es opcional y se obtiene un alcohol mas puro, son tequilas suaves, sedosos y amigables al paladar pero afecta en la cantidad de tequila que se obtiene por eso no es comun
You may have seen our review of Tres Manos Añejo a while back, where we mention that it is “triple distilled.” The tag on the bottle boasted about triple distillation in bold print, three times. When I picked out the bottle at BevMo, I admit I had no idea what triple distillation really meant – it seemed like a good thing. But recently, I found out that it’s not necessarily true.
Some triple distilled tequilas are legit and taste smoother without a hard after taste. And best of all, triple distilled tequilas dont leave you with that typical tequila hangover. Corralejo triple distilled is one of my favorites.
Be my wife has discovered that triple distilled tequilas also have a clean finish and no hangover, which is really crazy. But because of the traditional tequila idea it is not very sought after. but if you saw my wife after drinking triple distilled tequila you as well would throw tradition to the wind…
Casa noble repo and anejo is the only triple i have tasted; i really like that. Just picked up a bottle of Milagro repo, see what thats like
Gran Patron Platinum Triple Distilled has a distinct but very smooth flavor,I can definitely say that it sets itself apart from other tequilas. The Light Oak and citrus flavor is Phenomenal.
Sincerely,Top Shelf
drink double distilled neat and you won’t have a hangover
I have just discovered triple distilled tequila and have tried several and swaza 901 is probably my most favorite so far. It is also Justin Timberlake’s favorite tequila if anyone is interested. 😁 I haven’t tried Gran Patron Platinum triple distilled yet, but I am picking up a bottle today! Thank you Troy for the input.
La tercera destilacion no es necesaria es opcional y se obtiene un alcohol mas puro, son tequilas suaves, sedosos y amigables al paladar pero afecta en la cantidad de tequila que se obtiene por eso no es comun
Exactly 👍👍