Patron 10 yr. XA - 40%
From Patron: Patrón Extra Añejo 10 Años is the oldest tequila made at the Hacienda Patrón distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. 100% Weber Blue Agave is harvested, baked, distilled and then aged for an impressive 10 years in American oak barrels and hybrid American/French Limousin oak barrels.
Tequila Matchmaker production notes: Wood fermentation tanks.
It's difficult to ensure the integrity of your product when you move the kind of volume Patron does. That said, by investing in traditional equipment (tahonas, pinewood fermentation tanks, small copper pot stills), Patron appears to be putting more money behind the integrity of their tequila than many brands of comparable size. Worth noting on the other side, they are not certified additive free and some of their newer releases have raised eyebrows w/ sweeter leaning profiles.
Notes: Nose is fruity and soft. Apricot. Pineapple. Fruit punch action. Medium weight on the palate. Soft entry. Fruit gets muddled and generic on the palate. Reads over-blended or overly influenced by the barrel. Spikes mid with grape skin and oak. Body thins out after the spike. Finish is low heat, but fairly long with raisin, dark chocolate, and coffee.
Score: 6 (Solid) Over all, it's a soft and gentle pour. Notes often lack definition. French oak influence seemed very prominent here. Would pair well with many desserts, showing an appropriate amount of structure with a profile that won't overshadow anything. Finish is enjoyable where the notes gain clarity.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour