Prestige Reviews: Patron Silver Tequila

In the category of tequila, Patron is the original. It one of the first tequilas mass-produced for international consumers. And it still remains one of the most familiar brands for any level of tequila drinker.

Why? Because from 1989 onward, Patron launched a tireless campaign to elevate tequila from its status as cheap swill to fine spirit. Patron saved tequila from its perpetual imprisonment on the bottom shelf, lifting the spirit into the category of Cognac and Scotch. Suddenly, people were drinking tequila, not only in mixed drinks, but for the tequila itself.

This trend gave way to a tequila craze. And over the next decades, independent distillers followed in Patron’s footsteps to craft high-quality, small batch tequila. Because of that, Patron is not the best tequila on the market anymore. But it does remain a steadfast entry into the world of tequila for beginners.

Tasting Notes

The original of the original, Patron’s Silver Tequila came to market in 1989 with the distiller’s Anejo release. This tequila, created by Master Distiller Francisco Alcaraz, is produced by using half tahona-crushed agave sourced from Los Altos in Jalisco, Mexico, which are slow-roasted in an oven and fermented in wooden casks. This colorless spirit is un-aged, bottled in Patron’s curvaceous bottle straight after distillation. It’s meant to be drunk neat, over ice, or mixed into your favorite cocktail, like a margarita or paloma. (Check out our “How to Drink Tequila Like an Adult” tutorial for more information.)

Nose

For a mass-produced tequila, Patron Silver has a complex nose. A little sweet, a little bitter, the Silver covers the spectrum in terms of smell. It definitely gives off a vegetal aroma, smelling of cooked agave, that reminds the drinker of grass and vegetables like green peppers or mild jalapenos. There are earthy elements to the nose as well, evoking eucalyptus and fresh cactus. But it all begins with a powdered sugar sweetness on the front of the nose, which eventually gives way to the vegetal and earthy elements. 

Palate

Patron Silver’s palate is sharp and clean. It has a sweetness that is quickly overwhelmed by a heavy bite of alcohol, which burns out most of the flavors. As you continue to sip and your tongue adapts to the alcohol, you will taste roasted agave twisted with white pepper and a bittersweet combination of vanilla and anise. However, what does not fade is the tequila’s mineral crispness, which continues from the first drink to the last. All in all, Patron Silver has a mild flavor that borders on bland, especially for its price point.

Finish

Yes, Patron Silver burns, especially if you are not used to tequila. But once you get used to the high alcohol content, you will notice a slightly spicy finish with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Like its palate, the finish has vegetal elements as well as faint charcoal.

Verdict

Patron Silver is and always will be the original tequila. But at its price point – over $50 per bottle – it does not deliver the drinking experience expected. If you are looking for a smooth and mild tequila, this is the tequila for you. But if you are used to drinking higher-quality tequila with nuanced flavors, skip this bottle.

Is Patron Silver your go-to tequila? What else should we try? Leave a comment below.