Patron Cristalino marks our final liquor review for 2024 and the last eligible liquor for Liquor of the Year.
According to the press release, “The Cristalino tequila category, cherished in Mexico for its smooth and refined taste with a modern style, is still relatively new to the U.S. with a growing fanbase. So, in a world where tequila drinkers are demanding more – more luxury, sophistication, unique experiences – PATRÓN CRISTALINO is a game-changer, setting a new standard for the category. This exceptionally smooth and sweet tequila is crafted with only three natural ingredients — 100% Weber Blue Agave, water and yeast. The result is a spirit that showcases the intricacies and depth of flavor of barrel aging with the shimmering clarity of a crystal-clear tequila.”
While normally we do not review Tequila my wife has been raving about this one and has asked me to review it. We have never considered ourselves strictly a bourbon site so as the saying goes; happy wife, happy life.
Tequila Review: Patron Cristalino
ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
Age: 12 -15 Months
Aging Process: American, French, and Hungarian Oak Barrels
Agave Type: Tequilana Weber
Extraction Type: Tahona, Roller Mill
Distillation: 2x Distilled
Distillery: Hacienda Patron (Jalisco, Mexico)
The Nose: Notes of Agave rise upward from the glass with hints of salty brine and lemon. Secondary pulls from the glass reveal notes of melted butter, caramel and a touch of grass.
The Taste: Notes of Agave dominate the palate on the first sip with a black pepper finish. Our second sips reveal nuances of butterscotch, tangerine and caramel with the Agave sliding into the background. As we conclude our we see the additional notes of dried apricots and a lingering vanilla on the finish.
Conclusion: My wife raved about how clean the Patron Cristalino was and I have to agree with her. This is by far the smoothest Patron offering to date. While Patron is much like the big brand names of the cigar industry it’s not going to attract the new school tequila person. In the last 10 years Tequila sales and consumption is up over 140% making it one of the biggest growing segments of the spirits industry. I wish it had some more depth of flavors but all in all it is an enjoyable pour.
Score: 90
Price: $79.99
