Patrón Tequila

IN 1989, JEAN PAUL DEJORIA AND MARTIN CRAWLEY SET OUT TO PRODUCE THE WORLD’S FIRST AND FINEST, ULTRA-PREMIUM TEQUILA – AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID.

FRANCISCO ALCARAZ CREATED THE recipe for Patrón Tequila. Having completed a degree in chemical engineering, Francisco went on to work as an inspector for the Industry and Commerce Department in Mexico. He later became a tequila consultant and subsequently Master Distiller at Patrón.

Patrón Tequila is made from 100 per cent blue weber agave from the Los Altos region in Mexico. Once the agave is harvested it is roasted in a small brick oven. This process takes up to 79 hours to complete and differs from many, as most other producers use high-speed steamers instead.

The production of Patrón Tequila is also unique in that two crushing methods are used, one ancient and one modern. In the first method, the roasted Piñas (the heart of the agave plant) are crushed in roller mills and washed in purified well water, which separates the syrup from the fiber. In the second method, the traditional Tahona mill is used to crush the agave into fibrous pulp. The combination of these two methods adds to the spirit’s unparalleled flavour, aroma and finish.

As for the fermentation process, Patrón is one of four distilleries among hundreds to use only wood fermenters. The end product of the crushed agave is called mosto and for each method there is a different fermentation process. The mosto from the Tahona mill is fermented with bagasse, while the mosto from the roller mill is not.

After this, the mostos are distilled separately in hand-made copper pots. The fruiter Tahoma distillate is then blended with the roller distillate to create Patrón Silver Tequila. This combination of distillates gives Patrón a smooth, fresh flavour. Finally, distilled water is used to reduce Patrón silver from 55% to 40% ABV.

While Patrón Silver is bottled without any age, the Reposado tequila matures for at least two months, the Añejo for one year and the Extra Patrón for three. Now it is time to bottle the tequila, which is then inspected by 60 hands before it is ready to be shipped to the factory.

For those interested in witnessing the production of Patrón, check out the Art of Patrón Virtual Reality Experience. Leveraging Oculus technology, this 360-degree virtual reality experience captures the actual, every day process of production, aging and bottling and features actual members of the Patrón team. Enabled with sight and sound, it allows participants to witness firsthand, the care and attention that go into every bottle.

Not only is Patrón the world’s finest tequila, but it’s also an environmentally friendly brand, which has been recognised by the Mexican Government. Taking a leadership role in the industry, Patrón is engaged in a revolutionary new process that turns the leftovers from creating tequila into usable compost, thereby eliminating waste. The compost is then converted into fertiliser and used to grow organic vegetables in an on-site garden.

Translating to ‘the good boss’ in Spanish, Patrón is the number one, ultra premium tequila in the world. ❧

Tasting notes

PATRON SILVER

Appearance: Crystal clear

Aroma: Fresh agave with fruit and citrus

Flavour: Smooth and sweet. Fresh agave with hints of citrus PATRON REPOSADO

Appearance: Clear and bright with a light amber tint

Aroma: Oak wood, light, fresh agave and a hint of citrus

Flavour: Smooth and sweet. Excellent balance of fresh agave and oak wood, with notes of fruit, citrus and honey PATRON AÑEJO

Appearance: Clear, warm amber

Aroma: Medium oak wood, vanilla and raisins with a faint hint of citrus

Flavour: Smooth and sweet. Distinct oak wood, complemented by vanilla, raisins and honey with a hint of melon PATRON XO CAFÉ

Appearance: Dark, rich brown

Aroma: Fresh coffee balanced with chocolate and vanilla

Flavour: The rich taste of fresh-roasted coffee, notes of chocolate, vanilla and light tequila