Patrón Tequila FAQS
Tequila
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Silver tequila, also referred to as Blanco, is a tequila can be bottled right after distillation, or can be aged in steel tanks for up to four weeks. Blanco translates to “white” in Spanish and generally means the tequila is devoid of color.
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Extra añejo is a style of aged tequila. Extra añejo means the spirit must be aged for more than three years, typically in oak barrels. Most distillers use a variety of wood barrels to age extra añejo tequila, but the most popular are American and French oak.
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Añejo refers to tequila that has been aged in oak barrels anywhere from one to three years. PATRÓN AÑEJO is carefully distilled and then aged for over 12 months in a combination of French oak, Hungarian oak and used American whiskey barrels to create our ultra-premium tequila.
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To qualify as tequila, the spirit must be made in Jalisco, Mexico and in very limited surrounding areas. To determine if the tequila is made in Mexico, look for the label “Hecho en Mexico” which translates to "Made in Mexico".
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Patrón Tequila is handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrón.
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It’s unlikely your tequila will freeze in your freezer. Most home freezers cannot reach the temperature tequila needs in order to freeze (-10 °F or -23 °C).
We don’t recommend putting Patrón Tequila in the freezer. It won’t ruin it, but drinking tequila at lower temperatures will affect the taste and aroma—at lower temperatures, the “sweet” flavor is usually lost. Instead, if you prefer to drink it cool, try tequila straight up by shaking or stirring it with ice and then straining it into a glass without ice.
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An unopened bottle of tequila has an indefinite shelf life, which means it won’t ever really expire. But once that bottle is opened, it will remain at peak quality for 1 year. After that, it’s likely to decline in smell, flavor and appearance.
If the tequila is stored improperly, it could affect the flavor; if it smells sour or off, it’s probably best to toss it. Read our article to learn more about how to properly store tequila.
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Yes, Patrón ultra-premium tequila is meant to be sipped and savored. Take your time to taste the aroma, flavor and complexity of the tequila. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks.
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Tequila originated in Mexico. In fact, it became the intellectual property of the country in 1974. But before tequila came to be, there was pulque, a drink also made from agave. The origins of pulque may date back as far as 200 CE, where it was used in Aztec rituals and ceremonies. Tequila itself was first produced in Jalisco, Mexico in the 16th century.
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Not all tequilas taste the same, but most will feature hints of the core ingredient, cooked agave. Blanco tequila like PATRÓN Silver will often offer a sweet and smooth flavour with a crisp, clean taste. Reposado tequila can be smoother with a subtle oak flavour. Because añejo is aged for longer, it can develop a richer, more complex woody flavour. Extra añejo will be deeply nuanced with an exceptionally smooth finish.
To learn which one you like best, you may have to experiment—but don’t worry, we have the perfect guide to learn more.
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Reposado is a style of aged tequila. To qualify as a reposado, the tequila must be aged in barrels or storage tanks from anywhere between 2 and 11 months. Most tequila brands use a variety of wood barrels to age reposado, but the most popular are American and French oak. Try our PATRÓN Reposado in the PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita cocktail for a well-balanced drink with a spicy extra kick.
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Patrón is dedicated to handcrafting the finest tequila in the world, and our special edition products are no different. Our PATRÓN Tequila Limited Edition products in your region include:
- 2022 Mexican Heritage Tin
- Añejo Lot 221
- Extra Añejo 7 Años
- Extra Añejo 5 Años
- 2021 Mexican Heritage Tin
- 2020 Mexican Heritage Tin
- 2020 Chinese New Year Tin
- 2019 Chinese New Year Tin
- 2019 Mexican Heritage Tin
- PATRÓN x Guillermo Del Toro
- PATRÓN En Lalique Serie 2
- PATRÓN En Lalique Serie 1
- Sherry Cask Aged Añejo
- 2018 Chinese New Year Tin
- 2018 Mexican Heritage Tin
- 2017 Mexican Heritage Tin
- Brazil Tin
- Israel Tin
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Although there are many types of agave in Mexico, agave tequilana, commonly called Weber Blue Agave, is the only agave allowed for use in tequila. PATRÓN Tequila is carefully distilled from 100% Weber Blue Agave.
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Ultimately, it’s up to the drinker’s preference. But it’s important to note that the colder a spirit is, the harder it becomes to notice its complexities. Serving PATRÓN Tequila at room temperature allows you to experience all of the flavors and aromas present in our unique tequilas.
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Añejo tequila is considered to be one of the smoothest types of tequilas due to its aging process. While reposado tequila tends to have woody or oaky notes, añejo develops a smooth, earthy, woody flavor.
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PATRÓN Silver and PATRÓN Reposado are both made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and undergo the same careful distillation process, but they have one key difference. PATRÓN Silver is unaged, while PATRÓN Reposado is aged for at least four months in American whiskey barrels. The aging process creates the perfect intersection of the vegetal and citric notes of agave, and the oaky and natural sweetness from the barrel.
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Reposado tequila is aged anywhere between two months and one year, while añejo tequila is aged between one and three years.
PATRÓN Reposado, made from 100% Weber Blue Agave, is carefully distilled and then aged for at least four months in American whiskey barrels to create our ultra-premium reposado tequila. PATRÓN AÑEJO is aged even longer, and rests for over 12 months in a combination of French oak, Hungarian oak, and used American whiskey barrels. Whereas PATRÓN Reposado features just a kiss of oak, PATRÓN AÑEJO showcases the full range of oak-aged complexity.
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Reposado means “rested” in Spanish, and it refers to the amount of time the tequila has been aged in oak barrels. PATRÓN Reposado, made from 100% Weber Blue Agave, is carefully distilled and then aged for at least 4 months in American Bourbon barrels to create our ultra-premium reposado tequila.
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Blanco tequila, also referred to as silver tequila, is a spirit that can be bottled right after distillation, or can be aged in steel tanks for up to four weeks.
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PATRÓN uses the highest-quality ingredients and production process to achieve our distinct taste and color. The process starts at the agave field where we select only the best agave with a specifically high sugar content to deliver the exceptionally smooth flavor PATRÓN is known for. To create our aged expressions like PATRÓN Añejo, we age our blanco tequila in carefully selected barrels where it gains natural flavors like caramel and vanilla as well as its natural color.
PATRÓN has an entire portfolio of aged expressions ranging from four months at minimum for PATRÓN Reposado and all the way up to ten years for PATRÓN Extra Añejo 10 Años, our oldest tequila. Our tequila, made with agave, water, yeast and the expertise of our master distillers, contains no added sugar, color or flavors, ensuring a spirit that delivers an exceptional, authentic taste.
Learn more about PATRÓN Tequila.
Margarita
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Mariano Martinez, a Mexican-American entrepreneur, invented the first frozen margarita machine in 1971, forever changing the history of the margarita. The machine was adapted from a soft serve ice cream machine to keep up with the large volume of orders at his restaurant for their blended margarita.
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Although the exact ingredients of the original margarita recipe are unknown, the first time the tequila cocktail made its way into print was in the December 1953 issue of Esquire Magazine.
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The margarita cocktail is widely associated with Mexico and many believe it was invented there. However, its true origins are uncertain. One theory suggests the margarita was invented by a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera in Tijuana, Mexico. Another theory attributes its invention to a socialité named Margarita Simes who created the cocktail for her guests in Acapulco, Mexico.
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The winning Margarita of the Year bartender was Jay Khan from Hong Kong and his creation, the The Dynasty Margarita. Khan, who was the winner of Patrón’s Margarita of the Year contest, took home the title with a recipe featuring lychee and ginger, inspired by Chinese cuisine.
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The paloma and the margarita share a number of ingredients: tequila, lime, salt. But while the margarita is sweet and sour, the paloma is citrusy with a subtler sweetness and a more savory complexity.
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National Margarita Day is celebrated on February 22 each year. It honors the margarita - one of the most popular tequila cocktails.
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To make a margarita, shake 1.5 oz. Patrón Silver Tequila, 1 oz. Patrón Citrónge Orange, .75 oz. lime juice and .25 oz. simple syrup. Serve in an ice-filled glass with salted rim.
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A classic margarita typically contains tequila, citrus juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup.
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International Margarita Day is celebrated every year on February 22. It honors the margarita - one of the most popular cocktails featuring tequila.
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A spicy margarita is a spin on the classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec and hot peppers, typically jalapeños. It’s usually served in a salt-rimmed glass, either on the rocks or blended with ice.
Try the PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita, which uses reposado rather than silver tequila, and enjoy our deliciously spicy version.
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Add your margarita ingredients to a blender, fill it with ice just above the liquid line and blend. You can add more ice until the desired consistency is achieved. For a sip of summer, try our Spicy Strawberry Margarita.
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Yes. PATRÓN Reposado is aged for at least four months, adding depth to margaritas without overshadowing their signature citrus freshness. The ultra-premium PATRÓN Reposado Margarita has notes of oak resulting in a satisfying juxtaposition of oak and orange.
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There are typically 45 ml of tequila in a margarita. When combined with orange liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup, it’s the perfect amount of tequila to complement the subtle sweetness of lime juice and orange liqueur, like in the PATRÓN Perfect Margarita.
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There is much speculation about the origins of the margarita. One popular theory attributes the invention to a socialité named Margarita Sames, who reportedly created the drink in 1948 for her guests at her vacation home in Acapulco, Mexico.
Another theory points to the margarita being invented by a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera in Tijuana, Mexico around the 1930s-early 40s. Herrera named the cocktail after a customer, Margarita, who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila. Herrera combined tequila, lime, and triple sec and the margarita was born.
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Most classic margaritas are made with a silver or blanco tequila such as PATRÓN Silver because silver tequila is very clean and agave-forward. But if you’re looking for a tequila with more complexity, try PATRÓN Reposado, which has notes of oak, fruit and honey. It really shines in deliciously well-balanced cocktails like the PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita.
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A traditional margarita is a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec—an orange-flavored liqueur. It is typically served in a salt-rimmed glass, either on the rocks or frozen (blended with ice).
The proportions of the ingredients can vary depending on personal taste, but the most common ratio is 2:1:1 (tequila, lime juice, triple sec). This citrusy classic is a very popular drink widely enjoyed around the world. Try crafting the PATRÓN Perfect Margarita, a timeless classic. Or make the PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita and enjoy the deliciously spicy spin on the iconic drink.
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A margarita on the rocks is a type of margarita that is served over ice. Ingredients are mixed together in a cocktail shaker with ice and poured over fresh ice in a glass. For a spicy spin on this classic, try our PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita featuring PATRÓN Reposado.
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Margarita of the Year is an international competition hosted by Patrón Tequila. Each year, world-class bartenders are invited to create their own version of the perfect margarita using their own local flavors. The Margarita of the Year is crowned by fans who vote through social media and at events for their favorite recipe.
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Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in margaritas. If you don’t have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.
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The true origin of the margarita’s name remains uncertain. One popular theory is that its name comes from Margarita Sames, a socialite who reportedly crafted the cocktail in 1948 for her guests. Another theory suggests that the margarita was originally called Tequila Daisy, a popular cocktail in the 1930s—margarita means daisy in Spanish. A third theory suggests a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera named the cocktail after a customer, Margarita, who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila.
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We believe fresh is always best. Nothing will bring forward the bright, citrusy, natural flavors and acidity like fresh squeezed limes. However, bottled lime juice is certainly a convenient option. If you decide to go this route, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is 100% lime juice with no added sweeteners or flavors.
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The history of the margarita can be traced back to 1953 with its first mention in Esquire Magazine. Since then, the cocktail has continued making margarita history in Patrón’s Margarita of the Year competition – an annual challenge for bartenders across the globe to create their version of the margarita using flavors from their local region.
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The best margarita recipe in 2018 was the Verde Margarita created by José Luis León from Mexico City. León’s recipe featuring celery and Elderflower was crowned the best margarita in 2018 by votes cast in the Patrón Margarita of the Year contest.
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The best margarita recipe in 2019 was the Dynasty Margarita created by Jay Khan from Hong Kong. Khan's recipe featuring lychee and ginger was crowned the best margarita in 2019 by votes cast in the Patrón Margarita of the Year contest.
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The traditional margarita recipe is made with a ratio of 2:1:1, which means:
- 2 parts tequila or 60 ml
- 1 part triple sec or 30 ml
- 1 part lime juice or 30 ml
The above works for a single serving. You can always adjust the ratios depending on your taste—some people like it on the sweeter side or more tangy, for example. Always make sure to choose high-quality ingredients like perfectly handcrafted Patrón Tequila.
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Tequila Cocktails
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Tequila and lime go way back before the days of premium tequila when limes were used to mask the flavor while doing shots.
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Ranch Water is a popular cocktail that originated in West Texas. Bursting with refreshing flavors and simple to make, it has only three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water. It is the perfect cocktail for hot, summer days and outside gatherings.
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The best tequila for Ranch Water is silver tequila. Make yourself a Patrón Ranch Water featuring Patrón Silver for a deliciously simple cocktail.
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While most paloma recipes call for a blanco tequila—like the PATRÓN SILVER—our PATRÓN PALOMA uses PATRÓN REPOSADO. The fine balance of fresh agave & oak with notes of fruit, citrus and honey in the tequila blends perfectly with the bittersweet flavor of grapefruit juice to create a paloma like no other.
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Triple sec is a syrupy and sweet liqueur made by triple-distilling orange peels and alcohol. For a triple sec that is less sweet and more balanced, try Cointreau. It’s especially delicious in decadent digestifs, like The Overseas Milky Punch, a creamy horchata cocktail with warm spices.
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No. Triple sec is a liqueur made by triple-distilling orange peels and alcohol, whereas simple syrup is a sweetener made by boiling water and sugar until it thickens slightly. Something they have in common, however, is their importance in every at-home bar—learn how to make simple syrup at home with our guide.
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Most bartenders will know how to make a paloma, but just in case, the standard ingredients are silver tequila, grapefruit soda and lime juice. Next time you’re ordering a drink, ask for the uniquely delicious PATRÓN Paloma, with fresh grapefruit juice, sparkling water, agave syrup and, for a twist on the classic drink, PATRÓN Reposado.
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A signature cocktail of Austin, Texas, the Mexican Martini Cocktail is a wonderful juxtaposition of salty and sour. It’s made with the same ingredients as a margarita, but instead of being served on the rocks, it’s shaken with ice, poured into a martini cocktail glass and garnished with olives. Some bartenders even add olive brine to the shaker.
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Palomas contain tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Grapefruit soda can be subbed for fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water, like in the PATRÓN Paloma, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. It also contains agave syrup, the sweetness of which perfectly balances the oak flavour of PATRÓN Reposado.
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Triple sec is a category—liqueur made by triple-distilling orange peels and alcohol. Cointreau is a brand in the triple sec category, and a premium one at that. Triple sec tends to be more syrupy and sweet, while cointreau is a bit more balanced.
An alternative to orange liqueur is St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which is made using fresh elderflowers. While it won’t imitate the delicious orange flavour, its sweetly delicate, floral notes can add an elegant twist to your cocktails. Pair it with PATRÓN Reposado, cranberry juice and fresh lemon juice to make a PATRÓN Santa Maria.
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The bloody mary, a traditional brunch cocktail, calls for vodka. The bloody maria, on the other hand, is mixed with tequila. The light pepper finish of PATRÓN Silver perfectly complements the spice of Tabasco and Worcestershire to make a delectable, savoury treat.
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Definitely. The next time you’re at brunch or happy hour, consider ordering a tequila espresso martini with PATRÓN Reposado instead of vodka. The aged tequila with flavours of oak and vanilla complement the rich and bold taste of espresso, creating a uniquely delicious agave flavour in your coffee cocktail. You can even craft one at home by following our PATRÓN Reposado Espresso Martini recipe.
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The classic tequila sunrise cocktail is made from only three ingredients—tequila, grenadine, and orange juice—and is usually served unmixed to preserve the color gradient created when poured. Craft one yourself with PATRÓN Silver for a sweet and citrusy drink.
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La Paloma is Spanish for ‘the dove,’ and perhaps that’s what people took to calling the popular cocktail because of its whitish color, but how the iconic drink got its name remains a mystery. Although there are several theories, no one knows for certain where or when the Paloma originated, but the fact is that it became extremely popular in Mexico—and remains so to this day—and we can see why: because the best part of the Paloma is how easy it is to make. Make the PATRÓN Paloma with PATRÓN Reposado and see for yourself.
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Tequila Nutrition
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Each of our bottles of Patrón Tequila contains 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof. Using only the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave, our tequila is handcrafted in small batches to be smooth, sweet and easily mixable.
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There are zero carbs in Patrón Tequila.
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There are zero grams of caffeine in Patrón Tequila.
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Yes, Patrón Tequila is gluten-free. Our tequilas are made from 100% Weber Blue Agave, which naturally does not contain any gluten.
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There are 56 Calories per 25 ml (1 serving) in every bottle of Patrón Tequila.
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All Patrón tequilas are certified Kosher, except Burdeos.
Only Patrón silver tequilas (Core and Smoky) are certified Kosher for Passover.
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PATRÓN Tequila is keto-friendly because all of our tequilas have 0 carbs. Because the keto diet focuses on low carb intake, our carb-free tequilas can be enjoyed responsibly.
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Patrón Tequila has zero grams of sugar.
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Patrón Story
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NOM, or Norma Oficial Mexicana, is a four-digit number that appears on every tequila bottle and lets you know which producer a brand comes from. If two brands share a NOM number, they were made in the same place and might even share the same process. Visit our story to explore the different distilleries and the brands they produce.
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The centuries old tahona process is used to squeeze the juice from the agave fibers to make tequila. A tahona wheel is made of volcanic stone and can weigh up to two tons. The tahona wheel is a key part in creating Patrón Tequila.
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Hacienda Patrón is where all of Patrón tequila is distilled. The Hacienda features a reverse osmosis system and state-of-the-art compost machine right on the premises of Hacienda Patrón that adds to the sustainability of everything we do. Learn more about the Hacienda on our virtual tour.
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A Tiki is a carving of a human form. It can be made out of wood or stone, and that explains the ceramic mugs cocktails are generally served in. Explore our Tiki Cocktail Collection.
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Patrón tequila has been referenced in over 250 popular songs.
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Patrón tequila was founded by Martin Crowley and John Paul DeJoria.
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To produce one bottle of Patrón Tequila, no less than 60 hands will be involved from start to finish.
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The corks that top Patrón Tequila’s signature bottle are made in Portugal, where the bark from cork trees can only be cut during a very specific window to remain sustainable.
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Jimadors are what the skilled workers are called that are responsible for how agave is cut. They chop the agave with a sharp tool called a Coa. The trade is typically passed down from one generation to the next. Perfectly chopping the agave is a key part in creating Patrón Tequila.
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Oloroso is a Spanish sherry that is distinctively dark, rich, full-bodied, and nutty, often containing complex and wide-ranging notes, which is why casks used to age it are prized by producers of whisky, rum, and now Patrón tequila.
Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo is fully matured in casks formerly used to age Oloroso Sherry—the only wood the liquid has ever known. As a result, the interaction helps the tequila evolve into an even more nuanced, buttery expression with rich notes of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, clove, pecans, and walnuts. Underneath all of that, though, it has still retained the unmistakably peppery, herbal-citrus, sweet agave and mildly vegetal character that’s at the heart of all tequilas from Hacienda Patrón.
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Agave is the plant from which tequila is made. Growing agave for tequila takes at least 5 years for the plant to reach maturity for harvest. Learn more about the role agave plays in crafting Patron Tequila.
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Holidays and Special Events
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Día de Muertos is a Mexican 3-day celebration of life, where the dead are remembered and honored. Halloween is an ancient tradition from the Celtic region of Europe, where it was believed that on this day, the worlds between the living and the dead blurred and spirits caused disturbances on Earth.
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Purchasing Patrón Tequila
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Patrón has discontinued the following products:
- Patrón Citrónge Lime
- Patrón Citrónge Pineapple
- Patrón Citrónge Mango
- Gran Patrón Smoky
- Roca Patrón Silver
- Roca Patrón Reposado
- Roca Patrón Añejo
- Patrón XO Cafe
However, check out Citrónge Orange Liqueur and other handcrafted tequilas.
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There are a lot of places where you can buy Patrón Tequila. Did you know you can buy Patrón Tequila online, at a store near by or using a same-day delivery service?
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