Discover the spirit behind our Orange Agave Liqueur
The Unique Journey of Our Agave Spirit liqueur
At Tamborine Mountain Distillery, we pride ourselves on crafting an agave spirit that's unique to Australia.
Our Orange Agave Liqueur is made using certified organic agave syrup, imported specifically for distillation. You might be wondering—why don’t we call it tequila?
Well, the name "tequila" isn’t just a catchy label—it’s actually a protected designation of origin (PDO). This means that, according to international law, only spirits made from blue agave in specific regions of Mexico can be legally called "tequila." Since we’re distilling our agave spirit here in Queensland, Australia, we’re unable to use the name tequila. But that doesn’t mean our agave spirit doesn’t stand on its own—far from it. We’ve created something entirely our own with a distinct Aussie twist.
Here’s how we do it:
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Fermentation
We ferment certified organic agave syrup, which we import from Mexico, to create our spirit base. The syrup is diluted with pure water and fermented with a neutral yeast strain. This fermentation process typically takes 5–7 days and is closely monitored to preserve the agave’s natural sweetness and earthy character. The result is a rich, aromatic wash that’s clean and full of flavour, ready for distillation.
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Distillation
After fermentation, the agave wash is distilled in our large copper reflux still, which allows us to carefully control the purity and strength of the final spirit. Reflux distillation helps us achieve a smoother, cleaner profile by refining the vapour through multiple condensation and re-evaporation cycles. This method brings out the delicate, earthy-sweet notes of the agave while ensuring a crisp, elegant finish.
The result? A crystal-clear agave distillate, rich in character but smooth enough to serve as a base for a variety of infusions.
Why Orange?
That’s where the real twist comes in.
We infuse the spirit with zest from Beechmont-grown oranges, hand-harvested from trees over 60 years old that have never been sprayed. These untreated citrus fruits pack intense flavour and aromatic oils, giving the liqueur its bold, zesty identity.
To round things out, we add a touch of dark agave nectar for balance and sweetness, and allow the liqueur to rest before bottling to develop a smooth, integrated finish.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bright orange zest, soft floral hints, underlying agave sweetness
- Palate: Lively citrus, light herbal notes, smooth texture, subtly sweet
- Finish: Clean and fresh with a soft lingering citrus tang
Pairing Suggestions
Our Orange Agave Liqueur is incredibly versatile. Try pairing it with:
- Goat cheese or blue cheese – The citrus cuts through the richness
- Dark chocolate – Especially with orange peel or sea salt
- Seafood canapés – Think scallops or prawns with a citrus glaze
- Charcuterie – It complements salty cured meats with a refreshing lift
Cocktail Spotlight : Tamborine Paloma
A refreshing twist on a classic, showcasing the citrus brilliance of our Orange Agave Liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 60ml Tamborine Mountain Distillery Orange Agave Liqueur
– 30ml Pompelmocello
– 30ml grapefruit juice
– Dash of fresh lime juice
– 60ml soda water
– Pink salt rim + dehydrated grapefruit garnish
Method:
Rim a whisky glass with pink salt. Build all ingredients over ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a grapefruit wheel.
Bright, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing – it’s a celebration in a glass.
Bring home the sunshine
Whether you’re after a vibrant cocktail base or a smooth after-dinner sip, our Orange Agave Liqueur is a standout addition to your drinks cabinet. Handmade in small batches, packed with local flavour, and one-of-a-kind in Australia.
