Master Every Step in Tequila’s Journey—from Agave Fields to Your Glass
By the end of this Tequila Masterclass, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently navigate the entire tequila-making process. You’ll learn how each step—cultivating, fermenting, distilling, and aging—defines the character of a truly authentic tequila. This masterclass goes beyond what most brands reveal, helping you distinguish quality spirits from mass-produced imitations loaded with hidden additives.
Complete this course and earn the Doc Agave Tequila Certification, the gold standard in tequila knowledge—making you the equivalent of a wine sommelier or beer cicerone.
Why This Masterclass Matters
With up to 94% (according to the CRT) of tequilas on the market containing hidden additives—and no label disclosure required—it’s crucial to know what you’re drinking. Some of the most expensive bottles rely more on celebrity branding and million-dollar marketing than on traditional craftsmanship. This course pulls back the curtain, giving you the knowledge to select, serve, and enjoy authentic tequila with confidence.
Meet Your Expert Guide: Chef Marcus Guiliano
I’m Marcus Guiliano, an award-winning chef, restaurant owner, and agave spirits expert. I’ve visited hundreds of wineries, breweries and distilleries and led tours through 5 countries uncovering true craftsmanship. I’ve been in backyard palenques in Oaxaca, the distilleries in Guadalajara, I’ve tasted alongside some of the most respected master distillers in the business. I opened my award winning restaurant in 2003 and have continually fought for authenticity. It’s my passion and profession.
Discover the Complete Process—From Plant to Glass
Agave Cultivation & Harvesting
Tequila begins in the fields of blue Weber agave, where plants take 7 to 10 years to reach maturity.
Learn how soil, climate, and regional terroir shape the plant’s flavor profile, much like wine grapes.
Cooking & Fermentation
Understand the difference between slow-cooked agave in stone ovens (hornos) and fast autoclave methods, and how each affects flavor. Or the controversial acid bath “cook”.
Explore the role of open-air fermentation, where wild yeast creates complex flavors that industrial yeasts can’t match.
Distillation & the Art of the Heart Cut
See how artisanal tequilas are distilled in copper pot stills, enhancing depth, while industrial column stills focus on speed and volume.
Discover the importance of isolating the heart cut during distillation—the purest expression of agave flavor—while discarding heads and tails.
Aging & Additive-Free Tequilas
Learn how barrels influence flavor, from blanco to extra añejo.
Uncover the truth about additives—sweeteners, glycerin, and flavor enhancers—used to imitate the complexity of well-aged tequila. Most brands don’t disclose these additives, so we’ll teach you how to detect them by taste alone.
Mass-Produced vs. Artisanal Tequila: Know the Difference
Mass-Produced Tequilas
Use rapid fermentation and high-volume column stills to maximize output.
Often contain hidden additives to mimic flavor, sacrificing authenticity for efficiency.
Craft Tequilas
Employ traditional methods such as:
Slow-cooking in volcanic stone ovens
Open-air fermentation with wild yeast
Distilling with agave fibers (bagazo) to enhance complexity
These techniques increase production costs but deliver a superior drinking experience.
Why Some Tequilas Cost $15 While Others Are $100+
Celebrity Tequilas: High prices often reflect branding and marketing costs—not craftsmanship. Some celebrity brands use the same industrial processes as low-end tequilas.
Artisanal Brands: Premium bottles justify their price through labor-intensive production methods that honor agave’s essence and local traditions.
Knowing the difference will empower you to choose authentic, additive-free tequilas with confidence.
Tequila Doc Certification: Set Yourself Apart
This course is designed for hospitality professionals, sales experts, and collectors, offering deep insights into agave spirits. As certifications in wine and beer become standard, tequila certification helps you stand out in a crowded market.
Who Should Join?
Hospitality Professionals: Enhance your ability to recommend and serve tequila with expertise.
Sales Professionals: Gain crucial knowledge to excel in retail and wholesale markets.
Consumers & Collectors: Build an authentic collection and impress friends with your understanding of tequila’s nuances.
What You’ll Learn
Mastering Production Techniques: Explore the impact of traditional and modern methods—from slow-cooked agave to rapid column distillation.
Agave Fiber Fermentation: Understand how bagazo enhances flavor, just like artisan cheese outshines mass-produced varieties.
Water Sources & Flavor: Discover how deep well vs. spring water influences the structure and character of tequila, much like water impacts premium whiskies.
Bonus Content
Lifetime access to all course materials
A Tequila & Food Pairing Guide
Insider updates on upcoming tequila tours in Oaxaca and Guadalajara
Common Questions Addressed
This course offers insider knowledge that goes beyond tastings or online research—equipping you with trade secrets used by master distillers.
The course is open to all enthusiasts, from collectors to anyone passionate about the magic behind agave spirits.
We’ve designed the course with bite-sized modules that fit your schedule. The insights you gain will also save you time and money by helping you select the best tequilas.
Get Certified. Get Educated. Get the Best.
With Chef Marcus Guiliano at the helm, Doc Agave offers more than just knowledge—it delivers an immersive, educational experience that empowers every tequila and agave enthusiast. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur, Doc Agave connects you with the best bottles, expert insights, and curated travel experiences.
Tequila, mezcal, bacanora, sotol—each bottle tells a story. Doc Agave ensures it’s the right one.
Enroll Now and Master the Spirit of Tequila—From Plant to Glass
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or enhance your personal passion, this course will give you the expertise to confidently navigate the tequila landscape. Don’t just drink tequila—understand it.