Having already pioneered the world’s first quadruple-distilled tequila, Patrón has taken things in a markedly different – yet equally impressive – direction with its brand new Patrón ‘El Alto’ Reposado.
And not a moment too soon – what with Christmas, New Year’s, and a host of other push-the-boat-out celebrations on the horizon.
Meticulously crafted, and unrivalled in its smoothness, Patrón El Alto reaches for the ‘pinnacle’ in more than just name. Blended with a trio of the brand’s ultra-premium tequilas that are all made using 100% Blue Weber agave, these plants are sourced – in many cases – from microclimates located thousands of metres above sea level.
‘Alto’ by name, ‘alto’ by nature.
David Rodrigeuz, the legendary Master Distiller of Patrón, has also committed to crafting this new release in a style that will resonate with lovers of Champagne & dark spirits. Specifically, the vast majority of Patrón El Alto is made up of Extra Anejo tequila – matured for four years in oak casks and ennobled by its rosy gold hue.
The remainder of the blend is supplied by Patrón’s Añejo and Reposado tequilas: aged for over 12 and 4 months respectively.
To ensure the best balance between smoothness and flavour, Rodriguez called upon a committee of his fellow distillers at Patrón. Over four years, they tasted 300 versions of the final recipe that you’ll find in Patrón El Alto; which, as Rodriguez explains, embodies “the best blended, aged tequila profile possible”.
Unsurprisingly, Patrón’s commitment to unadulterated flavour requires it to draw upon traditional expertise. That’s certainly the case for Patrón El Alto, which is made using the 18th-century method of tequila production known as tahona.
Named for the massive volcanic stone wheel that is used to crush cooked agave, tequilas made with the tahona are sweet, crisp, and distinguished by their distinctive flinty finish.
This makes for an intriguing dynamic once distillers start putting wood casks into the mix. In the case of Patrón El Alto, Rodriguez selected 11 kinds of barrels – coopered primarily out of French and American oak – in order to imbue the tequila with classic tasting notes.
Nose any glass of Patrón El Alto, and you’ll get familiar aromas of dried fruit, vanilla, and caramel. But gradually, these give way to a subtle earthiness – think freshly ripe figs – that make this bottle a fantastic option for sipping on “long summer nights out”.
You could be nursing a glassful at your favourite restaurant, or pouring straight from the freezer at the mother of all festive bashes.
No matter how you choose to celebrate summer’s arrival, Patrón El Alto is the game changer you need – to take enjoyment to new, remarkably smooth heights.
Patrón El Alto ($315) is now available at quality drinks retailers and select premium F&B venues Australia-wide.
This article is presented in partnership with Patrón. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
