Agave Spirits Workshop

One of the largest gains in global beverage alcohol consumption in recent years has been in the agave spirits category. With significant growth projected for the next half-decade, this new development in consumer tastes comes with huge potential for distillers looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In our hands-on, two-day workshop, we’ll explore the ancient agave plant, examining the differences between tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits. From harvest to cooking, pressing, and distillation, we’ll cover the nuanced styles, production techniques, and distilling methods for preparing the agave plant, which yields such stunning and complex spirits. You will explore the various spirits from all sizes, from small craft distilleries to large scale production. Students will also get to practice hands-on distilling of an agave spirit in our hand-made Filipino still, as well as experience source material tasting, category and sensory training, and more. Join us as we explore one of the most regulated distillates in the world.

In addition to gaining valuable insights on the world of agave spirits, we’ll take an in-depth look at:

• The history of agave spirits
• A discourse about the plant and its meaning throughout history
• The different species of agave according to region: Tequilana, Angustifolia, Americana, Karwinskii, Durangensis, Inaequidens, Maximilliana, Potatorum, Salmiana
• Agave beverages and their legal classifications: Tequila, Mezcal, Raicilla, Bacanora, Pulque, Aguamiel, Henequen, Sotol
• Growing/harvesting agave and the regional impact
• Roasting/cooking: oven, pit, diffuser
• Fermenting
• Hands-on distilling of agave spirits
• Barrels & aging
• Additives & Cristalinos
• Blending
• Filtration and post-distillation processes
• Source material tasting
• Quality assurance and control
• Sensory training on various types of agave spirits

Tuition includes all class materials; breakfast, lunch, and refreshments; and transportation between our contracted hotel and our campus.

**Early Bird Registration covers your stay at our contracted hotel from Day 1 to the last day of class. The Early Bird deadline is 3 weeks before the first day of class.