Patron's Quadruple Tequila Collection

Often referred to in music by hip-hop acts such as Lil' John, the Ying Yang Twins, and Petey Pablo, The Patron Spirits Company and its four varieties of tequila have gained an increasingly popular following since the spirit was introduced in 1989. Formed by Paul Mitchell hair products co-founder John Paul DeJoria, Patron is located in Jalisco, Mexico, a state on the Pacific coast where tequila was first produced.

The first of the four varieties produced by Patron is Patron Anejo, which costs approximately $65.00 per bottle. "Anejo" is a Spanish term meaning "vintage," and signifies that the spirit in the bottle has been aged for a minimum of one year, but not longer than three. The amber color is produced by the oak barrel in which the spirit is aged. Anejo tequilas are often smoother than other types, a characteristic of most liquors aged in oak casks, such as bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and Scotch. As a matter of fact, anejo and reposado tequilas are often aged in ex-bourbon or barrels, though a select few also use former sherry casks in which to age their spirit.

The second variety produced is Patron Reposado, "Reposado" meaning that the tequila has been aged in an oak barrel for at least two months but not more than one year. Only a slight amber color is present in the spirit, indicating slight aging but also signifying a less mature liquor than those labeled as "Anejo." Expect to pay up to $60.00 per 750 mL bottle of Patron Reposado. Though they are not aged as long as anejo tequilas, reposados include complex flavors and aromas that make them suitable for consuming "neat," or without any mixer.

Another bottling that Patron produces is Patron Silver, whose Spanish term, "blanco," refers to an entirely unaged tequila. The Patron Spirits Company actually produces two varieties of blanco tequila, including the aforementioned Silver and another variety, Gran Patron, which is triple distilled and costs up to $250 per bottle. However, the high price tag puts the tequila, which the company claims is "distilled to perfection," out of reach of most consumers. As an exception to most other blanco tequilas, Patron is quite smooth and suitable for straight consumption.

When serving tequila, shots may be served straight, or the spirit can become an ingredient in a variety of cocktails. The most popular of these is the margarita, first served in 1936 by Danny Negrete at his sister-in-law's wedding; her name was Margarita, which in Spanish, means "pearl." His classic, simply variation of this cocktail included equal parts tequila, lemon or lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple Sec, served over crushed ice in a glass with a salt-coated rim. The salt-coated rim is accomplished by rubbing the mouth of the glass with a fresh lime, then spinning the glass in a small lump of table salt.

As tequila becomes more popular, sales of the spirit are expected to rise, and thus Patron is a great company to keep an eye on. Their four flagship spirits are of great quality and widely available commercially, making Patron a product recommended for most avid tequila consumers, or others who may have an interest in this unique Mexican spirit. As always, please drink responsibly.