Patrón intros Sherry-matured Añejo expression

Patrón Spirits International is set to launch Patrón Cask Collection Sherry Añejo, a travel retail exclusive ultra-premium Tequila fully matured in Spanish oloroso Sherry casks.

Made from 100% Weber blue agave, which is baked in brick overs for around three days, the Tequila is the result of both the traditional “tahona” process and modern mill method. After distillation, the Tequila was aged for more than two years in oak barrels from Spain, previously used to produce oloroso Sherry. “Sherry casks exhibit an elegant flavour and aroma of pecans, which marry beautifully with the taste of agave,” says Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s master distiller. “I have been working with sherry casks for several years, to achieve the perfect balance of the unmistakable taste from the oak without losing any of the characteristic flavor of the agave, and I’m very proud to now present Patrón Cask Collection Sherry Añejo.” Bottled at 80-proof/40% abv, the Tequila is “bright, medium-gold” in colour and offers a “complex aroma of pecans, fresh-cooked agave, light butter, and dried fruits”. Given tasting notes include pecans, light-toasted oak, caramel, raisins, light vanilla and hints of butter. A “very limited” allocation of Patrón Cask Collection Sherry Añejo was initially produced for global duty free for early 2017, prior to a broader release in “select domestic markets” in the future. The suggested retail price is US$89.99 “Travel retail continues to play a vital role in the global growth and success of Patrón tequila, which is why we’re committed to offer unique duty free exclusive products and packages in this important retail channel,” said John Kilmartin, vice president, global travel retail at Patrón Spirits International. When asked by The Spirits Business if other cask-finished or matured variants will follow, a Patrón spokesperson said: "Innovation is a hallmark of our business. Our talented team in Mexico is working with several different barrel types to hopefully release similar new products in the near future." Patrón Cask Collection Sherry Añejo, along with the wider Patrón product portfolio, will be featured on the Patrón stand at the TFWA World Exhibition, which takes place from 2-7 October 2015 at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France. Ahead of the TFWA exhibition in 2015, Patrón partnered with French crystal specialist Lalique to create Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1, a limited edition, extra añejo expression housed in a crystal decanter.