FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Agave Bulk Spirits

Q: What Are Agave Spirits?

A: Agave spirits are made primarily from green and blue agave sourced from specific regions of Jalisco, Mexico. We can produce products such as Silver, Gold, and Aged.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Tequila And Agave Spirit?

A: The difference between tequila and agave distillate is the composition and the regulation of each spirit. Tequila is regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) and must be made from at least 51% blue Weber agave in designated regions of Mexico, primarily Jalisco. Tequila must also follow strict Denomination of Origin rules.

Tequila must be exported in bottles, which prevents bulk exportation to avoid mislabeling. However, it’s not just agave distillate that can't be called "tequila"—other spirits made from agave outside the CRT regulations or without the geographical certification fall under the broader term "agave spirits."

Q: What Is The Difference Between Mezcal And Agave Spirit?

A: The production methods set mezcal and agave apart as spirits. Mezcal uses traditional methods, such as cooking the agave in underground pits, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor. Mezcal, like tequila, has its own Denomination of Origin, and its production is regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM). Mezcal can only be exported in bottles from its designated areas.

Agave Spirit: Cultivation & Production

Q: Where Do You Produce The Agave-Based Spirit?

A: At Sasma, we work with a generation of producers in Jalisco, Mexico. With over 2.2 million tons of agave produced annually in this region, they make the best agave spirits in the country. We work with them to offer a high-quality product, handcrafted using ancestral methods that their family has passed down for over 60 years. 

Q: How Do You Cultivate And Harvest The Agave Plant?

A: The process begins with cultivating agave plants, primarily variations of blue and green agave and Espadin Agave, which typically take 7-10 years to mature. Skilled workers called "jimadores” then harvest the plant.

Q: Can You Walk Us Through The Production Process of Agave?

A: The production process, including the cooking of piñas in ovens or autoclaves to convert carbohydrates into fermentable sugars, is standard in agave spirit production. This process can take several days.

The fermented liquid undergoes double distillation to refine the flavor and ensure a high-quality, clear spirit. Distillation is carried out using stainless steel and copper stills.

Q: Why Is Agave Often Produced In Small Batches?

A: It is not a product made in large quantities or mass-produced. Our producers carefully craft each profile in a calm and detailed manner to meet any requested specifications. They maintain close control over each step of the process through small-batch production.

Q: What Sets Sasma BV apart?

A: We take quality very seriously at Sasma, and that’s one of the factors that sets us apart from our competitors. Each agave spirit profile is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a premium product. We can offer first-hand, competitive prices while providing high-quality products.

Advantages of 100% Agave

Q: Do Your Experts Offer Spirit Customization?

A: Sasma is the ideal partner if you are searching for a reliable supplier of agave-based spirits. We have the flexibility and availability to ship agave spirits to your desired preference. Our supply is ready to bottle and ship in 1000 litre IBCs, 25,000 litres, and ISO tanks upon request. We also offer an assortment of base alcohols and ready-to-drink (RTD) products if you're looking to craft seltzers and pre-mixed cocktails or produce flavored alcoholic beverages.

Q: Can You Infuse Agave With Flavor?

A: Yes, we can add natural flavors of citrus or spices. 

Q: What Are The Different Applications?

• Culinary: It can be used in marinades, sauces, and desserts.
• Mixology: A key ingredient in many ready-to-drink cocktails and beverages like margaritas, Palomas, tequila sunrises, agave mojitos, agave old-fashioned, and agave sours.
• Bottle: The spirit can also be bottled for commercialization.

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