Patrón Tequila: Crafted from Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco Highlands
Patrón is a tequila produced in Atotonilco El Alto, in the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico. Founded in 1989, it is part of the Bacardi Limited portfolio. All production, bottling, and packaging take place at the Hacienda Patrón, a single facility dedicated to small-batch tequila making.
Origin and Production
Patrón is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, cultivated in the Jalisco Highlands (Los Altos). The agave is harvested once it reaches maturity, typically between five and seven years.
About Blue Weber Agave
Patrón uses 100% Blue Weber Agave (Agave tequilana Weber), the only agave species legally permitted for tequila production under Mexican regulation. The plant matures over several years and develops natural sugars used in fermentation. Each agave is grown in volcanic soil, harvested by hand, and prepared for baking at the Hacienda. The Blue Weber variety is favored for its consistent growth cycle and balanced sugar content.
The production process includes:
- Slow baking the agave hearts (piñas) in small brick ovens,
- Crushing with a traditional tahona stone wheel and roller mills,
- Fermenting the juice in wooden vats, and
- Distilling in small copper stills.
Each batch is produced, bottled, and packaged at the Hacienda. Every bottle is filled, labeled, and sealed by hand, and individually inspected before leaving the site.
Patrón emphasizes that its tequila is made from only three natural ingredients:
Blue Weber Agave, water, and yeast.
No flavorings, colorants, or additives are used. This approach is certified under the “Additive-Free” standard recognized in tequila production.
Range
Patrón offers several tequila expressions, each defined by its aging period and composition:
- Patrón Silver – Unaged; clear and used as the base for other variants.
- Patrón Reposado – Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months.
- Patrón Añejo – Aged for more than twelve months in small oak barrels.
- Patrón Extra Añejo – Matured for over three years.
- Patrón El Alto – A blend of Extra Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado, made exclusively from highland agave.
- Patrón en Lalique Series – Limited editions presented in handcrafted crystal decanters produced by Lalique in France.
Ownership and Structure
Patrón has been part of Bacardi Limited since 2018, following its complete acquisition by the Bermuda-based company. Bacardi oversees global distribution and brand management, while all production remains in Mexico at Hacienda Patrón.
Facilities and Sustainability
The Hacienda Patrón includes agave fields, ovens, fermentation rooms, distillation units, and bottling lines. The facility integrates water reclamation, composting, and waste recycling programs as part of Bacardi’s sustainability strategy.
