Patrón translates to English as 'The Boss' – these are just three reasons why it's earned its name.
Tequila may be famous as the backbone of a margarita – the quintessential summer cocktail – but it's so much more. When done well, this Mexican spirit can be as much of a joy to sip straight as a Scotch or Cognac, and few people do tequila quite like Patrón.
Have you ever wondered why the quality and price of tequila varies wildly? Part of the reason is that tequila falls into one of two categories: 100% agave, or 'mixto', with the latter being produced by mixing agave with a neutral cane spirit. 'Mixto' is more affordable, but is often a much harsher spirit, with less depth of flavour and more of that burning feeling in the back of the throat.
Premium 100% agave tequila has fortunately become more available, and more popular, over the past two decades, and one brand in particular has risen above the pack. So what makes Patrón worthy of its name – which translates to English as 'the boss' – and why should you splurge on it?
Click image to shop
1. Patrón are sticklers for quality
There's no substitute for quality, so rather than growing their own agave plants and risking a bad harvest, Patrón pays top dollar for the honour of cherry-picking the cream of the agave crop from various producers. This ensures that they’re always getting the sweetest agave, which will yield the best juice.
Patrón doesn't take any shortcuts when it comes to the production process either. Even though they're a massive global brand, they still use small batch techniques, albeit on a large scale. As traditional producers have done for hundreds of years, Patrón uses a two-ton wheel made of volcanic rock called a ‘tahona’ to crush the agave. They've opted to forgo the part where a donkey pulls the wheel, but it’s still a slow process and one they deem necessary to develop deep, complex flavours and retain the true taste of the spirit.
Patron Silver Tequila makes for the perfect introduction to these flavours. It's unaged, and hasn't spent any time in oak, so the spirit retains its full agave flavour without being overwhelming. It's light, fresh and pairs exceptionally well with citrus, making it an excellent base for a margarita too. If you have a friend who claims to hate tequila, this is the one to change their mind.
2. Patrón values variety
Most tequila distilleries only age their tequila in American white oak, but Patrón uses a number of different barrels, like French and Hungarian oak, to lend their tequilas a variety of subtle flavours. They then take these different strains and blend them together, creating beautifully layered masterpieces and signature tastes that Patrón fans can instantly recognise. And unlike some competitors, Patrón promises they never use artificial colour to deepen a liquids hue, nor do they use any additives at all.
Patrón Reposado is a great example of this variety, combining the freshness of Patron Silver with a hint of the oak found in tequilas that have been aged longer. A 'reposado' tequila will have spent anywhere up to a year in barrels, so you can expect a more rounded spirit, with clove, black pepper spice and a honeyed sweetness to ensure a soft, subtle finish.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
3. Patrón employs a secret weapon in their production process
This is the really cool part: Patrón uses the taste buds of the world’s first tequila inspector, Franciso Alcaraz, who has close to 50 years of experience and has overseen every bottle of Patrón ever made. He has the strictest of standards, and his painstaking attention to detail means Patrón stays true to their catchphrase ‘Simply perfect’. Where do we sign up for this job?
There's no better way to enjoy Alcaraz's talents first hand than with a bottle of Patrón Añejo. It's a delicate blend of various tequilas that have all been aged in oak for a minimum of 12 months and the recipe is adjusted every vintage, much like winemaking. This is where Alcaraz's experience counts for so much. The result is a smooth, note-perfect tequila, with a distinct oaky flavour and notes of vanilla, raisins and honey. It's mellow and is perfect for sipping, particularly with the smoky, caramel finish.
