Tequila enthusiast or not, it’s impossible for anyone who’s ever visited a bar or a liquor store to not know Patrón. Having been around since 1989, the renowned tequila brand is a shelf staple. Whether you want it light and airy or strong and aged, sipping  neat or mixed in a fancy cocktail, Patrón has a tequila for you.

Despite the immense popularity of the brand, there are a few facts we bet you didn’t know. Frankly, we didn’t either. Until very recently, our Patrón knowledge was limited to the three tequilas they offer- Patrón Silver, Patrón Reposado, and Patrón Añejo. We were pleasantly surprised to learn this new info about them. Of course, we are going to share it with you.

Here’s our list of the  6 unique facts about Patrón that’ll make you see the tequila giant in a whole new light…

patron facts
Photo via Patrón

 Patrón is completely handcrafted

You’d think that for a brand with as much popularity as Patrón,  they might resort to some shortcuts to increase production, right? Well, wrong! Patrón tequila is made in small batches using traditional methods. The Agave heart, or the piñas, are baked in brick ovens, then crushed using two separate methods: the ancient Tahona process,  as well as using roller mills, and finally, distilled in handmade barrels before they are bottled. Interestingly, the bottles are also a piece of art, as are the Portuguese corks that seal them.

Patrón was the first to bring ultra-premium tequila to the international market

patron facts
Photo via Patrón

Before Patrón came into existence, this pure, 100% Agave tequila was reserved for Mexico alone and a diluted version was exported to the rest of the world. Patrón was the first to export premium quality tequila to the international markets. And as we know, it changed the world’s view about tequila.

Patrón is socially and environmentally responsible

You know that whole traditional, handcrafted process we mentioned above? Well, Patrón follows it for more than just authenticity bragging rights. It’s to ensure all Patrón employees earn a steady income. They care just as much about the environment as they do about their employees. From recycling water, to using natural gas as the main energy source, to fostering sustainability for the Weber Blue Agave, Patrón is doing everything to ensure a minimal carbon footprint.

Patrón is one of the few premium tequila brands that does not use additives

patron facts
Photo via Patrón

While other brands use additives like glycerin, caramel colouring and vanilla extract to make their tequilas look darker and taste sweeter, Patrón has never used additives. Instead relying on the highest quality agave and production methods to deliver amazing and all-natural flavour.

Patrón makes for the perfect gift

This fact is kind of given, isn’t it? Handcrafted tequila for every palette, the ultra-premium quality, the bottles artfully moulded and the corks sustainably harvested from Portugal; Patrón has everything you need for the ultimate luxurious gift. If you’re really looking to impress your guests this Thanksgiving, their more premium blends like Patrón Smoky or their  Roca Patrón lineup are the perfect gift for a tequila enthusiast in your life – and we’d say it’s the gift that keeps on giving (if they’re willing to share).  Pro tip: even if you’re not hosting, showing up to those holiday season feasts with a bottle is sure to be a show stopper. You can find out where to grab a bottle here.

Patrón can fix you up with cocktails that match your taste (and your personality)

We already know that Patrón has perfected tequila and is doing the same with Margaritas. What we didn’t know was that they’ve also taken it upon themselves to help us find our own unique cocktail. There’s a short, 4-question quiz on their website with an extensive list of cocktail recipes that will allow you to discover the one that pairs perfectly with your taste, mood or occasion.

Pleasantly surprised, aren’t you? You’ll be viewing this tequila mogul in a whole different light! If you want to know more about them, you can do it here.