The Patrón Hacienda is not just a distillery; it is the heart and soul of Patrón Tequila, embodying a commitment to tradition, quality, and sustainability. Nestled near Atotonilco El Alto in Jalisco Mexico, this compound was carefully designed with intricate precision and attention to detail. With some 2000+ staff on site, the machine that produces Patrón’s recognizable spirit is a piece of art. Let’s jump into understanding more about the Hacienda and how Patrón sets itself apart in the tequila industry.
See also: A sip through time: Rémy Martin’s 300-Year odyssey of cognac-making
A brief history of tequila
The history of tequila is rich and intertwined with the culture of Mexico. From its ancient origins with the agave plant playing a central role in life and mythology, to the more modern developments that have shaped the industry, tequila has undergone significant transformations.
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- Ancient Times: Agave has been an integral part of life and mythology for centuries.
- 1500s: The Spanish introduced European-style distillation to Mexico.
- 1890s: Tequila became distinct from mezcal, another agave-based spirit.
- 1949: The first quality standards for tequila were established.
- 1974: The Appellation of Origin for tequila was established, defining the regions where it can be produced.
- 1989: Patrón was born, marking a significant milestone in premium tequila production.
- 1994: The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) was formed to regulate and certify the authenticity of tequila
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Preserving tradition: The Patrón house style
Patrón’s aim is to produce the world’s finest ultra-premium tequila while preserving traditional methods. The Hacienda Patrón, located in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, is renowned for its quality tequilas and its commitment to maintaining traditional production methods
Agave farming
Patrón has long-term partnerships with agave farming families to secure the best quality agave. These unique long-term contracts, some ranging for 10 years, ensure a consistent supply of high-quality agave, vital for producing premium tequila .
Agave selection and harvest
The agave plants are selected at their peak sugar content, typically between 5-7 years old. Expert jimadores trim the piñas to exact standards, ensuring that only the best quality agave is used.
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Baking the agave
Patrón uses small brick ovens to bake the agave for 79 hours, converting inulin into fermentable sugars and yielding complex flavors. This method contrasts with industrial cooking methods like autoclaves or diffusers, which are more common but less traditional.
Milling the agave
The agave is milled using both traditional tahona and modern roller mills. The tahona method, which uses a two-ton volcanic rock, yields both juice and fiber, contributing to Patrón’s distinctive flavour profile.
Fermentation and distillation
Fermentation occurs in small pine wood fermenters with proprietary yeast, transforming sugar into alcohol and developing Patrón’s signature flavours. The double distillation process in small copper pot stills further refines the tequila, imparting smoothness and enhancing aromas and flavours .
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Patrón has committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The Hacienda employs a state-of-the-art water treatment process, uses natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions, and creates compost from leftover agave fibers for local farmers. Additionally, Patrón engages in reforestation projects and also supports numerous local charities in Atotonilco .
Patrón’s product lineup
Their core tequilas
- Patrón Silver: Unaged, with fresh agave and citrus notes.
- Patrón Reposado: Aged 3-5 months, with notes of oak, citrus, and caramel.
- Patrón Añejo: Aged 12-15 months, with flavors of oak, vanilla, and dried fruits.
- Patrón Extra Añejo: Aged about 3 years, with a complex profile of oak, vanilla, and dried fruits .
Easily available at your local liquor stores across Canada, from the LCBO to SAQ, BC liquor store, and more.
The Hacienda, an exclusive invite-only compound where precision meets quality…
The Patrón Hacienda exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation, maintaining the highest standards of tequila production while committing to sustainability and social responsibility. Through its meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality, Patrón continues to set the benchmark for ultra-premium tequila. By understanding the intricate processes and values that underpin Patrón Tequila, one can truly appreciate the exceptional quality and heritage that each bottle represents.
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Editor's note: The team was invited down and hosted at the Patrón Hacienda, for a first hand experience of all of the above. A special thank you to the Patrón familia for their incredible hospitality.
