Tequila, North America’s oldest distilled spirit, had a reputation through the late 20th century that completely changed when Patrón entered the fray in 1989, introducing the world to the first ultra-premium tequila.
Founded in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley in Jalisco, Mexico, Patrón was the world’s first ultra-premium tequila, a development that has transformed the industry in terms of expectation, quality and consumer base. It has also played a significant, perhaps unsung role, in the re-emergence of the cocktail scene and the ascendancy of superstar mixologists.
Although a modern brand, Patrón remains steeped in tradition and the success is heavily indebted to its hands-on approach. From the careful selection of agave to the traditional stone tahona agave crushing wheel and the hand labelling and quality control, no less than 60 hands touch each bottle of Tequila Patrón by the time it leaves the distillery.
On the back of its early success, the portfolio has expanded to include liqueurs like Patrón Citrónge and XO Cafe, a fine balance of Patrón Silver Tequila with the pure and natural essence of fine coffee, along with others such as Patrón Orange, Lime and Mango.
Other refinements have led to the introduction of the distinct flavours and smoothness of the bartenders’ dream, and two mixologists’ favourites, Gran Patrón Burdeos and Gran Patrón Platinum.
Gran Patrón Burdeos
Gran Patrón Burdeos is crafted from the finest Weber Blue Agave. Gran Patrón Burdeos (Spanish for Bordeaux) is twice distilled and then aged for at least one year in used American oak barrels before being distilled for a third time and further aged in new French oak, before being finished in vintage Bordeaux wine barrels.
In the mouth it is super smooth and sweet. With a full body, the light agave flavour is enhanced by the oak with nuances of vanilla and raisins. For those who prefer neat tequila, this smooth, amber coloured drink is a must either on the rocks or neat.
Gran Patrón Platinum
Like all Patrón tequilas, Gran Patrón Platinum is produced from the highest-quality Weber Blue Agave plants. The agave for this distinct tequila is hand selected for its high sugar content. The tequila is then triple distilled before being rested in oak tanks for a short time.
The result is an extraordinarily clear, smooth and full-bodied tequila that is perfect with ice or as a premium ingredient in a smooth cocktail. In the mouth it is sweet with light citrus notes and a long-lasting pepper-based finish. The exquisite aroma bursts with fresh agave, citrus, fruit and just a faint hint of oak.
Paniaga (paniaga.com)
Patron (patrontequila.com)
Exquisite Taste September – November 2019
