Patrón Reposado

Truly independent, single-distillery tequila brands are rare, and Patrón is one of the few that own and operate their own distillery, Hacienda Patrón, located in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. Being a single-distillery operation allows Patrón full control over production—from agave harvesting all the way to bottling—which is something worth acknowledging and respecting.

Patrón Reposado is made from 100% Blue Weber agave cooked in traditional stone and brick ovens. The agave is crushed using both tahona and roller mill methods, fermented in wooden tanks, and distilled in copper pot stills. The tequila is then rested for a minimum of two months in a combination of used American, French, and Hungarian oak barrels before being proofed down to 40% ABV.

In the glass, the color is a light golden hue. On the nose, there’s a noticeable alcoholic note upfront, followed by sweet cooked agave, vanilla, butterscotch, orange peel, and light oak. On the palate, it opens with a burst of sweet vanilla on the tip of the tongue, then shifts to orange rind, cinnamon, light oak, and butterscotch. As I continued sipping, the sweetness faded, and the bitterness became more pronounced.

The texture is thin, sharp, and acidic. The finish is medium in length, with a fair amount of alcohol heat and bitterness, accompanied by lingering warmth.

Patrón has long been a gateway tequila for many people at the beginning of their tequila journey, and it still maintains a massive and loyal fan base. For my personal palate, however, it’s just not a match. At this price point, I find there are better options that deliver more balance and depth. That said, the best tequila will always be the one you enjoy the most.