Tequila is traditionally made by harvesting agave plants, removing the leaves to reveal the “piña,” or heart, and roasting and crushing the pia to extract the liquid. To make the finished product, the juice is fermented and distilled.
However, in recent years, a new method of tequila production that involves the use of a diffuser has evolved. A diffuser is a machine that uses heat and chemicals to separate the sugars from the fibers of the agave plant. Although this approach is speedier and more effective than the old method, it has created disagreement and controversy within the tequila industry.
The diffuser method’s proponents contend that it enables a more reliable and effective production process, leading to a higher yield and lower costs. They also assert that using a diffuser has no impact on the final product’s flavor or quality.
On the other hand, detractors of the diffuser method contend that it can lead to lower-quality products and is not a natural or conventional method of making tequila. They also raise questions about the potential dangers of the chemicals used in the process to workers and their effects on the environment.
The flavor of a diffuser tequila tends to be more similar to vodka, as it no longer uses traditional cooking methods to release the sugars from the piñas. This means that in order to achieve a tequila flavor, diffuser producers will put additives and flavors (up to 1% of the total liquid) back into the tequila to mimic those of a traditionally made tequila. While there is debate over using a diffuser, the majority of knowledgeable tequila enthusiasts are aware that it is not prohibited. In fact, the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) approved diffuser use some time ago.
CRT does not require the labelling of additives so this is up to the consumer to research themselves. We suggest exploring https://tequilamatchmaker.com/ to find out whether your favorite tequila has additives or not.
Ultimately, whether or not the use of a diffuser in tequila production is a good thing depends on one’s perspective. Some people may prefer the traditional method and the craftsmanship it represents, while others may see the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of the diffuser method as a positive development. It is up to individual consumers to decide which method they prefer and to choose the tequila brands that align with their values and preferences.