- A Dash of Bitters
- Alcademics
- Cheryl Charming
- Cocktail Chronicles
- Cocktail Nerd
- Dr. Bamboo
- Drink Boston
- Grog Blog
- Hail the Ale
- Imbibe Magazine
- Intoxicated Zodiac
- Jeffrey Morgenthaler
- Lamb Martini
- Jimmy's Cocktail
- Kaiser Penguin
- Liquor & Libations
- The Liquid Muse
- Speed of Life
- Off the Presses
- Oh Gosh!
- Opinionated Alchemist
- Scottes' Rum Pages
- Small Screen Network
- Spirits & Cocktails
- Trader Tiki
- Underhill Lounge
- Absinthe Museum
- The Bachelor Guy
Patron Anejo Tequila
March 22, 2006 7:00 PM
Tequila is a schizophrenic spirit. On one hand, it is some people’s worst nightmare, on the other hand it can be regarded as a super premium spirit, to be savoured and enjoyed like the finest of scotches. Patron 100% agave tequila falls into the later category. This tequila is not the one from your college nightmares and doesn’t have any relationship to paint remover what so ever. If you are looking for a smooth tequila, to broaden your horizons, or you want to make amends for your college days, Patron Anejo might be for you.
Where I’m from the tequila section in the liquor store is about the size of a 21" TV. In this section you can find the two main brands of tequila, Jose and Sauza. There were others like Hoja Vieja, a blended and foreign bottled tequila, and Olmeca Gold. Other than that there was generally very little selection and there wasn’t any great tequila, so I often walked past without much care. I had done tequila shots in college and with all the salt licking and lime sucking, I didn’t really remember what tequila truly tasted like. I did remember that tequila had a “sharp pepper biteâ€, but that was probably because it was the cheap variety. It was time for me to take a new look at quality 100% agave tequila, but where was I going to find a source?
It just happens that there are relatives in Texas, and being so close to Mexico, they had to have tequila. So I sent my wife on a mission. Actually, she went to visit, but I insisted that the family visit was secondary to getting a good bottle of tequila. I did my research, drew up a list acceptable brands and unacceptable brands. I dropped her off at the airport, in Detroit, and waited patiently. In a week I would have a good if not great bottle of tequila in my hands.
As it happens, the relatives live in a dry country! But, my wife understand my needs and ended up finding a unique city, within a city, that had one liquor store. As she went in and headed towards the tequila section, she realized that the list was a good thing, but also realized that I wasn’t looking for cheap tequila. Because I was back at home, in the cold and snow, she approved the purchase and spent the money for a bottle of Patron 100% Añejo Tequila. She boarded the plane home, and completed her task.
Patron tequila is packaged in hand crafted bottles, with a big nobby cork. Each bottle is individually numbered, mine being bottle #591834, and signed. The only problem is that the cork tends to disintegrate around the edges and leaves little bits of cork in the tequila. I suppose this is better than a worm. And on that worm thing, that’s all rumour, or for the most part, but some companies are adding worms to gain market share. Anyway, this tequila is a light yellow in colour, not like the fake stuff that has caramel colouring added. This is the real deal and the tequila has been barrel aged for a minimum of 12 months.
What you need to do before you taste this spirit is throw away your salt shaker and lime wedge, you won’t be needing those items for this tequila. What you will need is a tulip shaped glass, like a scotch tasting glass, and maybe some spring or mineral water. The aroma is agava, pepper and subtle hints of smokiness. It is strong, but not pungent and almost has a wine characteristic to it. Taking a sip you will get a spicy, pepper like flavour that is smooth. Then you will get the smokiness and a slight sweetness in the finish with a long spicy tingle on your tongue. Adding a little water helps brings out some of the barrel characteristics.
Overall Patron Anejo is a great sipping tequila. It is very smooth, but still has that characteristic tequila flavour and spice. If you have hard feelings towards tequila and want to give it a second chance, this is a good place to start. If you are looking to expand your horizons and try something new, Patron Anejo won’t let you down.
19 Comments on Patron Anejo Tequila
Leave a comment on Patron Anejo Tequila
Patron has the name and is a good, top shelf tequila. But if you ever get the chance try an El Tesoro, a Don Julio, or a Cazadores. They are all way more interesting and all have reposados, anejos, and silver or platinum offerings. These tequila houses have smaller advertising budgets but than Patron but are starting to get out into the main stream.
I agree w/Clif re: Don Julio and El Tesoro, both of which I have returned with on trips to Mexico. Just curious (if you don't mind)...how much was the bottle of Patron?
Thanks Clif and Mistergee, I'll have to put those on my list. Unfortunately they are not available where I am. But that hasn't stopped me before.
The Patron was $65US. In Canada it is about $129.
Now here is a topic with which I may relate. All of the brands you have listed are very smooth and drinkable, but I'll have to add to that "Tres Generaciones", which is my father-in-law's (and mine) favorite sipping tequila. And since he actually IS from Mexico, I'll lend some heavy credence to his choice. One last thing though, I think you are confusing Mescal with Tequila. No reputable tequila will include a worm, heightened market share or no. The "agave worm" is only supposed to be contained in bottles of mescal, tequila's undistilled cousin.
patron is a tequila made for the want to be high roller american tequila drinker !! patron IS NOT even sold in mexico ! got to drive over the border to get it. like go to ralphs (kroger) in san diego or vons (safeway) in santa barbara! trader joes has the best price.
the worm in the bottle is in mescal, not tequila, mescal is rot gut mexican agave whisky. made so fast and cheep that they put the worm in so you know if the alcohol has gone bad, if the worm has gone bad so will you! if you want a great america tequila try cabo wabo anejo, also sold at the majors or get real tequila, El Tesoro, a Don Julio, or Cazadores
Top 5 mass produced tequilas in my Mexican opinion:
1. Patron Reposado
2. Tres Generaciones
3. Don Julio
4. Cabo Wabo
5. Don Eduardo
The best tequila out there that beats patron in every aspect, is pancho villa it has the smothest taste very good for zipping. Pancho villa is the drink if ur a baller with allot of cash
by far patron is the best tequila yet. those who have had know what im talking about.
I was looking on line to make sure I did not get a bad bottle. Thank you for the cork float comment makes sense and I will now continue to consume the rest of the bottle. Don Julio is the only other tequila that I drink, and I have trouble picking between it and patron every week I go back for another 750ml, but I will say they both love me long time.... with no hangover... cheers>>>>>>
if you can find it, the best tequila (or tequila related beverage) that i've ever had was called aguavero. it's tripe distilled. it's more of an aperatif or liqueur, but it's really good. i've only seen it in mexico, though. but if you can find it, try it. definitely worth the effort!
As for Grendel's comment in March of 06, Patron's is made and sold in Mexico. I am in Mexico City at least once a year, and bring back Patron's from there everytime.
(I think Grendel is a border dweller and has never been past Tijuana) Patron's and Don Julio are the two smoothest there are, I have had all the ones mentioned in the comments section. Each to their own taste, but, Patron's is sold in cities in Mexico where the public can typically afford it. Probably not sold in Tijuana or Rosarito. And as for those who want to be high rollers, that is why they make Patrons Platinum. 200-225 U.S. per 750 ml. It's like drinking water with a nice strong buzz. Cost 50 U.S. for that in Mexico City.
Patron Tequila may be sold in Mexico, but it is not a true traditional Mexican tequila.
Know that Patron was started by Paul Mitchell Systems co-founder, John Paul DeJoria and entrepreneur Martin Crowley in 1989, and was thus backed by US investment capital.
Given that, ascribe whatever feelings you have towards it. It's a damn well tasting tequila.
But I just came back from Jalisco and Michoacán this last week. Curious, I asked an uncle who lived a business in Guadlajara practically his whole life and owns a bussiness there about Patron. NOTE THAT this large city is 35min from the city of Tequila vs. 8+ hours from Mexico City.
And guess what, he's never heard of Patron! And in aisles upon aisles I failed to find a single bottle during my stay.
What I will say I've learned, for the exceptional AND tradicional...
Herradura, Gran Centenario, Don Julio, Trago (but many more)
Sip from a cognac glass not a shooter, and also try it plata(silver) to enjoy the agave's purity.
Above all, value authenticity.
Well i can say that i have a benefit being born in the U.S i actually live in Mexico with my Husband and he is an employee at Patron! I was kind of dumb at first asking myself what is Patron and then i remembered that it was a famous Tequila back here in the U.S some dude up there is right they do not sell Patron anywhere in mexico they only distribute it to Las Vegas, from which it gets distributed through out the U.S, I have got to say hands down Gran Patron Platnum is the best Tequila i've had other than Cazadores, bad thing is that it will run you down $200+ good thing i get it for free!
Love Patron! For the ladies, specifically the Patron and Citronage margarita (see patron website) smooth and actually allows you taste the other flavors in the margarita by not overwhelming them, but complimenting them. Agree with Matteo...all the flavor, none of the hangover! Cheers!
I'll agree that Patron is a smooth good tasting tequila, however it is now commercialized to the point that you are paying for the brand name and the bottle. El Tesoro or Don Julio are the only other tequilas that are still hand crafted and well priced.
^^^
"El Tesoro or Don Julio are the only other tequilas that are still hand crafted and well priced."
Have you tried Herradura? It only won double gold medal this year, and it costs $40.
Now, what were you talking about?
Patron tequila its all right, But i think casadores is better or herradura.
I don't mind Patron. It's a very decent tequila, but as pointed out, it's a "brand name" now. When wanna-be gangsta rappers are talking about doing shots of Patron, it's time for me to find a new drink. Personally, I really like Porfidio's single barrel arenal as well, but Don Julio, Chinaco, Hacienda del Cristero, El Tesoro, Herradura's Seleccion Suprema, and Las Trancas are all exceptional tequilas.
I went to the heartland of Tequila & they don't even recognize it there.
My preferences are below:
- Herradura 'Reposado'
- Corralejo 'Reposado'
- Jose Cuervo 'Tradicional'
- Don Julio 'Reposado'
- Cazadores 'Anejo'