Best Patron Tequila of 2024

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 02:26 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Drawing on Neil Coleman's expertise and customer feedback, this guide explores Patron Tequilas from youthful to mature varieties, guiding you to the best bottle in Patron's range.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Patron

For a classic tequila experience:

• Patron Silver: Ideal for margaritas and neat sipping, this blanco tequila is well-balanced with a peppery finish.

For unique and adventurous flavors:

• Gran Patron Smoky: Offers a deep smoky taste, perfect for fans of smoky mezcal or peaty scotch.
• El Cielo: A refreshing blanco with subtle agave, citrus, and pepper notes.
• Roca Patron Silver: A robust blanco with intense agave and spicy earthiness, due to its higher alcohol content.

For luxurious sipping:

• Patron Extra Añejo: Features a complex profile of agave, oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruits, achieved through extended aging.
• Gran Patron Piedra Extra Añejo: Crafted with a traditional tahona, this tequila presents a unique sweetness with flavors of chocolate, tobacco, and leather.
• Patron 10 Años: The pinnacle of Patron's offerings, this Extra Añejo boasts a smooth blend of agave, roasted nuts, and oak.

Additional Considerations:

• Price: Ranges from around $50 for a Silver to $7,000 for the Lalique edition.
• Availability: Generally widespread.
• Aging: From unaged Blanco to Extra Añejo, aging enhances smoothness and infuses oaky flavors.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Patron Reposado: Agave, Oak, and Spice

Agave & Oak: Patron Reposado's aroma blends agave with oaky notes. The alcohol heat mellows, revealing the agave.

Sweet Surprise: The first sip is bold oak, balanced by unexpected sweetness, vanilla, and clove.

Spicy Finish: A peppery spice and subtle vanilla linger on the finish, creating a complex aftertaste.

Easy Sipping: At 80 proof, Patron Reposado is great on the rocks or in cocktails.

Unique Flavor: While the oak and clove might be strong for some, it offers a complex tequila experience, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Explore More: If you prefer a more agave-forward tequila, explore "blanco" or "silver" tequilas.

El Alto: A Look at its Flavors

Sweet & Oaky Aroma: El Alto opens with a rich nose of vanilla, caramel, oak, and a hint of peach.

Subtle Palate: The initial flavors are light and muted, offering hints of vanilla, caramel, and pineapple.

Smooth Texture: El Alto has a pleasant, oily texture on the palate.

Short Finish: The finish is brief and includes some oak spice with a slightly bitter note.

Consider Your Taste: While El Alto is presented beautifully, its flavor profile leans heavily on oak and lacks the prominent agave character some tequila drinkers seek. The short finish with a touch of bitterness may not suit everyone's preference.

Price Point: El Alto comes with a price tag of around USD 200, which some might find steeper considering the taste profile.

Explore Other Options: If a strong agave presence and a lingering finish are important to you, exploring other tequilas might be a better fit.

Cielo Patrón: Delicate Agave with a Light Finish

Subtle & Refreshing: Cielo Patrón opens with a gentle nose of agave and orange with a hint of alcohol.

Smooth on the Palate: The taste is smooth and light, offering whispers of agave, orange, lime, and a touch of pepper.

Light Body: This tequila has a light, almost watery, mouthfeel.

Brief Finish: The finish fades quickly, leaving little lingering flavor.

Enjoyment Options: With its 80 proof alcohol content, Cielo Patrón is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Consider Your Preference: If you favor bold, complex tequilas with a long finish, Cielo Patrón might be a bit light. Its focus is on subtle agave and citrus flavors.

Patrón Silver: A Classic Tequila Experience

Agave & Pepper: Patrón Silver opens with a fresh aroma of agave and black pepper, with a touch of alcohol that mellows out.

Bold Flavor: The taste balances agave with peppery spice and hints of citrus.

Smooth & Full-bodied: This tequila has a creamy texture with a good weight on the palate thanks to its 80-proof alcohol content.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warming, leaving a lasting peppery sensation.

Authentic Choice: Patrón Silver boasts a classic tequila flavor profile without any added sweeteners or artificial flavors.

Tequila Traditionalists: For those seeking a high-quality, additive-free tequila at a reasonable price point, Patrón Silver is a solid choice among readily available options.

Gran Patrón Platinum: Smooth Cristalino Tequila (But Consider Price)

Sweet & Spicy Aroma: Gran Patrón Platinum opens with a nose of caramelized agave, vanilla, and warm baking spices.

Triple-Distilled Smoothness: Crafted through triple distillation and brief oak aging, this tequila boasts a noticeably smooth texture.

Agave & Spice on the Palate: The taste is a blend of sweet agave, pineapple, and cinnamon, with a touch of peppery spice for complexity.

Enjoyment Options: Enjoy Gran Patrón Platinum neat or on the rocks, thanks to its 80-proof alcohol content.

Balanced Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, combining a gentle pepper note with the sweetness of ripe agave.

Smooth, But Pricey: While Gran Patrón Platinum delivers undeniable smoothness, its price tag near USD 200 might be a hurdle.

Roca Patrón Silver: Agave Depth with a Warm Finish

Rich Agave & Minerals: Roca Patrón Silver opens with a complex nose. Ripe agave mingles with hints of minerality and refreshing grapefruit.

Bold Agave Flavor: The taste is a robust burst of agave, with earthy tones and a touch of natural sweetness. Hints of cinnamon and citrus add another layer.

Warmer Experience: This tequila is bottled at 90 proof, offering a fuller body and a slightly warmer drinking experience compared to standard tequilas. It's recommended neat or on the rocks.

Spicy Complexity: A touch of jalapeño spice and rich minerality add intriguing complexity to the agave forward profile.

Long, Lingering Finish: The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering agave sweetness with a subtle peppery undertone.

Balanced & Deep: Roca Patrón Silver delivers a well-rounded experience, showcasing the agave with depth and a touch of pepper heat.

Unique & Pricey: The traditional tahona wheel production process and higher alcohol content create a unique tequila.

Patrón Lalique: An Ultra-Luxury Añejo Tequila (For Discerning Sippers)

Sophisticated & Aged: Patrón Lalique boasts a complex nose of dried fruit, buttery notes, baking spices, and almond, hinting at its extensive eight-year aging process in various oak casks.

Rich & Smooth: Years in oak barrels create a dense body with a luxuriously smooth texture. The palate reveals a blend of vanilla, caramel, oak, almond, baking spices, and dried fruit flavors.

Savoring the Experience: This 80-proof tequila is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its intricate flavor profile and rich mouthfeel.

Agave Hint: While the aging process imparts complex flavors, the agave presence is subtle, leaning the profile closer to aged whiskey than traditional tequila.

Limited Edition Luxury: The exquisite Lalique crystal decanter and limited production of only 299 bottles elevate Patrón Lalique to an ultra-exclusive status.

Price Point to Consider: At a price tag of $7,000, Patrón Lalique competes with high-end whiskeys and bourbons. It caters to a discerning drinker seeking a once-in-a-lifetime sipping experience.

Gran Patrón Burdeos: Tequila Meets Red Wine

Oak & Agave Fusion: Gran Patrón Burdeos offers a unique nose where oak mingles with agave, vanilla, and caramel, hinting at its unusual aging process.

Double-Aged Complexity: This tequila is aged initially in American and French oak barrels, then redistilled and matured in Bordeaux wine casks. This results in a flavor profile that blends oak, tobacco, caramel, vanilla, and agave, with characteristics reminiscent of fine red wine.

Smooth & Enjoyable: Bottled at 80-proof, it's best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, showcasing a smooth taste with dominant notes of sweet oak, caramel, and vanilla.

Luxurious Presentation: Gran Patrón Burdeos boasts a beautiful presentation, including a decanter stopper and corkscrew, making it an attractive gift option.

Price vs Value: While the presentation is impressive, the price tag of around USD 500 might be a consideration.

Patrón Añejo: Sweet & Smooth Añejo Tequila (Good Value for Sipping)

Caramel & Agave Aroma: Patrón Añejo opens with a pleasant nose rich in caramel, agave, oak, and vanilla, hinting at its time spent in oak barrels.

Sweet & Smooth Palate: The taste leans towards the sweeter side, showcasing caramel and almond flavors with hints of tobacco and oak. This creates a smooth and enjoyable sipping experience.

Añejo Basics: Aged for at least one year, Patrón Añejo delivers the expected oaky notes from the barrel aging, but the agave presence is somewhat subtle compared to other Añejos.

Warming Finish: The finish is warm and lingers with a touch of caramel sweetness.

Straightforward Choice: Patrón Añejo offers a competent and crowd-pleasing experience. It's free of additives and provides a good base for sipping.

Value & Gifting: At an attractive price point, particularly compared to some pricier Añejos, Patrón Añejo makes a good value for personal enjoyment or gifting.

Gran Patrón Piedra: A Luxurious Tequila Experience

Stone-Ground Tradition: Gran Patrón Piedra honors its name ("stone" in Spanish) by using a two-ton Tahona stone to crush agaves, a method preserving their sweetness.

Unique Production: After crushing, the agaves are roasted for nearly four days and fermented in wooden tanks. Following that, this limited-edition tequila is aged for four years in French Limousin and American white oak barrels, before being bottled in a handcrafted container.

Complex Aroma: Piedra entices with a rich and inviting nose. Bold notes of cherry, oak, chocolate, and tobacco create an intriguing first impression.

Robust Flavor: The taste lives up to the aroma, showcasing a robust character defined by rich chocolate, tobacco, and leather notes.

Long Chocolate Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, marked by pronounced high notes of chocolate.

Luxury Choice: Gran Patron Piedra is considered one of Patrón's finest tequilas, offering a unique and luxurious experience.

Patrón Extra Añejo: Richly Aged Tequila (Value Pick for Extra Añejo)

Aged Complexity: Patrón Extra Añejo boasts a rich flavor profile thanks to its 36-month aging process. This allows the oak and agave notes to beautifully intertwine with the tequila's natural sweetness.

Inviting Aroma: The nose opens with a complex blend of agave and oak, followed by subtle hints of honey, tobacco, and banana, creating an inviting first impression.

Luxurious Mouthfeel: The taste delivers a luxuriously thick and creamy texture. Layers of agave, sweet oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruit culminate in a delightful caramel-infused finish.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warmly pleasant, leaving lingering traces of caramel and oak on the palate.

Enjoyment Options: This tequila is best savored neat or on the rocks, allowing you to fully appreciate its intricate flavor profile.

Value for Money: Compared to other Extra Añejo tequilas, Patrón Extra Añejo offers an attractive price point.

Agave Advantage: Made entirely from 100% agave, this tequila is said to contribute to a smoother experience, potentially minimizing hangovers compared to other spirits.

Standout Choice: Within the Patrón line, the Extra Añejo stands out for its excellent value. For those seeking a flavorful and affordable Extra Añejo tequila, this is a strong contender.

Gran Patrón Smoky: A Complex & Smoky Tequila Experience (For Smoky Tequila Enthusiasts)

Smoky & Earthy Aroma: Gran Patron Smoky takes a unique approach, using an earthen pit cooking method. This results in a distinctive aroma where smoke mingles with agave, earth, and a touch of orange.

High Proof, Rich Flavor: Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), this tequila offers a bolder and more flavorful profile compared to standard tequilas.

Smoky Journey: The taste starts with a smoky introduction, followed by notes of agave and earth, with subtle hints of orange peeking through.

Rich & Complex Palate: Gran Patron Smoky boasts a luxurious and thick mouthfeel. The flavor profile is a captivating blend of cooked agave, smoke, black pepper, pine wood, and orange.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warming, leaving a lasting smoky aftertaste with a touch of lingering peppery spice.

A Well-Balanced Smoke: In my opinion, Gran Patron Smoky excels in its balance. The smokiness is prominent but doesn't overpower the other flavor elements, creating a complex and layered experience.

Smooth & Luxurious: Despite the high proof, this tequila remains surprisingly smooth, making it a luxurious sipping option.

Patrón 10 Años: A Crown Jewel of Patron (But Expect a Premium Price)

Añejo Excellence: Considered the summit of Patrón's tequilas, 10 Años is highly regarded as one of the finest Extra Añejo tequilas available. A decade of aging imbues it with an exceptional flavor profile.

Inviting Aroma: The first impression is delightful, offering a bouquet of dried fruit, cinnamon spice, butter, and roasted nuts, creating an inviting and complex aroma.

Rich & Balanced Palate: This tequila boasts a pleasing viscosity, showcasing a harmonious blend of the richness of agave with flavors of roasted nuts, oak, and subtle natural caramel sweetness. The aging process doesn't overshadow the agave, but rather complements it.

Smooth & Enduring Finish: The experience concludes with a smooth and long-lasting finish, leaving lingering notes of caramel and vanilla on the palate.

Agave Takes Center Stage: Despite its ten years of aging, 10 Años maintains a remarkable balance between agave and oak flavors. The essence of the agave remains prominent, subtly accented by oak and roasted nuts.

Luxuriously Smooth: This tequila is incredibly smooth, free of any harshness or burning sensation, making it an exceptional sipping experience.

Standout Extra Añejo: The exceptional smoothness and flavor balance elevate 10 Años to a standout choice in the Extra Añejo category. However, expect a premium price tag to match its exceptional quality.

Pricing Guide

These prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick FAQ:

What is the focus of this guide on Patron Tequilas?

• The guide explores a range of Patron Tequilas, guiding you through each variety from youthful Blanco to mature Extra Añejo, including Cristalino and Mezcal.

How were the top Patron Tequilas selected?

• Selections were assisted by Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, focusing on the distinct characteristics and quality of each type.

What are the top Patron Tequila picks?

• Top choices include Patron’s 10 Años Extra Añejo, Gran Patron Platinum, Patron Extra Añejo, Patron Silver, and each Patron variety rated from Reposado to Extra Añejo Lalique.

Why is Patron’s 10 Años Extra Añejo highly recommended?

• Patron’s 10 Años Extra Añejo is the top choice for its nuanced and multifaceted taste, offering an exceptional sipping experience.

Can Patron Silver be used in cocktails?

• Yes, Patron Silver is a solid pick for cocktails, margaritas, and shots, offering versatility and smoothness.

Are these Patron Tequilas widely available?

• Yes, Patron Tequilas are generally widely available, making them accessible for those interested in exploring the brand's range.

How should I consume these Patron Tequilas responsibly?

• Enjoy these Patron Tequilas responsibly, appreciating their unique flavors and characteristics, and consume them in moderation.