Patrón gets a lot of hate from tequila snobs, the same folks who lecture others about what they “should” drink and how they “should” enjoy it – but in reality, it is a well-produced tequila that is approachable to a wide array of spirits drinkers. This 100 proof version of their Silver blanco is a welcome addition to their permanent shelf-stable bottles.
Produced at Hacienda Patrón (NOM 1492) in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, using Highlands (Los Altos) Blue Weber agave, this expression is the result of experimentation with high proof blanco at different proof points by master distiller David Rodríguez, a former inspector for the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), the official regulatory body for tequila production much maligned by a segment of tequila consumers.
The 100 Silver, like all Patrón tequilas, uses mature agave that are a minimum of five years old which are hand chopped before being cooked for a minimum of 79 hours including resting time in stone/brick ovens (hornos). Unlike other releases, the 100 Silver uses agave macerated only using a volcanic tahona stone wheel and the aguamiel, as with other releases, is fermented in small pine wood tanks with agave fibers (bagasse) before it’s 2x distilled in copper pot stills at bottling proof. No water is added after distillation.
Crystal clear with shimmering shards of silver in the light, the 100 Silver has a very subdued and subtle aroma profile – even the ethanol is much less than I was expecting from the high proof. Aromas of sweet roasted agave, musky raw agave, light baking spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), mint, lemongrass, punchy citrus peel (grapefruit, lime, lemon), prominent minerality, and a hint of black pepper waft out of the glass after aeration. The creamy/buttery/oily viscosity translates to the aroma profile, which is noticeably less crisp and bright than that of the 80 proof Silver.
On the palate the flavors mirror the aromas with creamy and earthy cooked agave sweetness, punchy citrus fruits (the same from the aroma profile), musky raw agave, fresh mint and thyme, robust minerality and salinity, hints of tropical citrus fruit (unripe pineapple), and a finish of black pepper and anise. The heat from the proof becomes more apparent after the sip with noticeable but balanced heat in the chest. The finish is long, 12-15 seconds.
At the moment, after having just cracked open the bottle this evening, the aroma profile is more subdued than I was expecting and hoping for (maybe it will open up more as the bottle continues to aerate) but the flavors and viscosity are very enjoyable. Though not my favorite high proof blanco, the new Patrón 100 Silver has earned a permanent place on my shelf. It will also be a perfect introduction to higher proof blanco tequilas to share with friends and family not as nerdy about agave and other spirits as I am.
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