(Photo: Patrón Tequila)
Hot off a series of releases catered to a fast-changing spirits market, Patrón Tequila is once again foraying into the trends with the debut of its inaugural cristalino bottling.
Believed to have been invented around 2010, the cristalino technique begins with an aged tequila which is charcoal-filtered for clarity. The process rerenders the spirit's color to that of an unaged spirit while smoothing out the mouthfeel and oak flavor. The process has grown so popular that it could now easily be considered the "fifth official" tequila expression beyond blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo.
Hoping to differentiate itself, Patrón has put a handful of twists on the concept. After the agave piñas are crushed using both roller mills and tahonas, the liquid is reportedly matured in four different cask types for 12 to 15 months. Following its filtration through wood charcoal, the spirit is said to boast sweetened notes of butterscotch, vanilla and lightly cooked agave.
"At Patrón, we remain committed to our time-honored methods, blending the best of traditional and modern techniques for the development of Patrón Cristalino," master distiller David Rodriguez said in a news release. "What truly sets us and this Cristalino apart is our dedication to the integrity of our process and delivering a depth of flavor."
For Patrón, cristalinos are only the tip of the 21st-century iceberg. Since its inception in 1989, Patrón has persisted through a morphing agave spirits landscape — namely, the shift from college dorm party shots to $100 plus "ultra-premium" bottles.
Keeping up with the times, Patrón has begun innovating beyond its iconic short-and-stout silhouette with a series of unexpected releases. The distiller recently rolled out Patrón El Cielo and El Alto, tall-and-slender decanters featuring plenty of gold embellishes; these are, by design, the kinds of bottles destined for the ritzy lounge and the dance floor. Patrón also unveiled a pair of Ahumado expressions which take a note from mezcal by smoking rather than steaming their agaves.
Those hoping to pick up its latest release can find Patrón Cristalino in retailers across the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $79.
"As a brand with a rich heritage of redefining standards, we're especially proud that Patrón Tequila will once again elevate the expectations for Cristalino tequila, combining centuries-old Mexican craftsmanship with a modern, forward-thinking approach," Patrón Global Vice President Samantha Newby said. "We're committed to showcasing the very best of this exciting category and what's possible when tradition meets innovation."
