Roca Patrón: A Tequila Heavyweight

Patrón led the tequila revolution by revealing an ultra - premium silver that both mixed well and was great neat. Since then, Patrón has explored the world of tequila and the craft of the tahona, leading to Roca Patrón. There’s a good reason why Roca Patrón is named after the Spanish word for rock — it’s handcrafted with one. In fact, it’s made with a two-ton volcanic stone wheel known as a tahona – and only made with the tahona. And it’s this very technique that gives Roca Patrón its unique and sophisticated flavor.

Once baked, only the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave is crushed by the impressive tahona wheel. The resulting agave pulp and juices are then fermented and distilled into Roca Patrón. While other Patrón tequilas are crafted using a tahona, they also use a modern roller mill. Roca Patrón tequilas, on the other hand, only use the time-honored tahona process.

Beginning with the nose, Roca Patrón Silver is distinctly different from Patrón Silver. Instead of baked agave, citrus and pepper notes, Roca Patrón Silver presents a more delicate and lighter nose. It’s a higher proof tequila than Patrón Silver, but less “in your face” about the ABV (45% ABV / 90 Proof). Roca Patrón Silver is subtle and understated in its tasting notes with the focus being on the presentation of the agave. It can be sipped neat or enjoyed over ice. Roca Patrón was created in part to pair well with fine foods such as ceviche, sushi, citrusy salads, essentially anything fresh with bright flavors and a hint of salinity.

Roca Patrón Reposado is aged for four to five months in ex-bourbon barrels and is a higher proof than the classic Patrón Reposado. The barrels add notes of caramel, vanilla and oak – but much like Roca Patrón Silver, it is very understated compared to the classic Patrón Reposado. As the flavors develop on the palate, there is a bit of fire and spice with the increase in pepper. However, overall Roca Patrón Reposado is dry, delicate and quite subdued. While Reposado is delightful when enjoyed on its own, it also shines when enjoyed with a great meal such as duck, roasted vegetables, chicken, lamb or a hearty fish or quinoa dish.

Roca Patrón Añejo is aged for 14 months in ex-bourbon barrels, leading to a clearly spicy oak in the nose. The fresh and roasted agave shines here as well. In addition to the agave, the Roca Patrón core flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel complement the spicy pepper that livens up the palate. Añejo offers some complexity but overall is beautifully balanced and accessible. Añejo is the ultimate after-dinner drink and can be enjoyed by itself, with a fine dark chocolate or perhaps a cigar.

And, of course, Roca Patrón is always delightful in cocktails from old fashioneds to margaritas to Moscow mules.