Patrón Añejo Tequila

This offering presents a sweet, aged, rich aroma with a slightly meaty and smoky undertone, combined with notes of vegetal and fruity elements and a hint of grass. The palate is spicy, consistent with other expressions from this brand. The sweet agave balances nicely with certain vanilla and papery characteristics found in another brand's offerings. The vanilla is quite pleasant, harmonizing with a spice blend including cinnamon, clove, and ginger. The flavor is on the lighter side but enjoyable. Some mild fruitiness emerges, akin to sour orange juice. While not exceptionally complex, it possesses decent complexity and is thoroughly enjoyable for sipping. It offers more distinct flavors than its reposado counterpart, though it lacks the same viscosity. I appreciate the scotch-like qualities, but when compared to actual scotches, it's somewhat disappointing. It is definitely sippable, though not a major success. It doesn't match the rich caramel and fruit of another añejo, nor is it as boldly flavored, but it avoids some of that other añejo's shortcomings. Choosing between the two is difficult, but I lean towards this one. Neither compares to a specific extra añejo, however. Considering they are similarly priced, opting against this brand should be obvious. This spirit has more richness than a particular blanco and offers nice hints of flavor from another brand, yet it remains somewhat bland with mineral notes. That blanco is clearly superior. There's a degree of swirling complexity here, but it's hard to discern specifics. I also slightly prefer another añejo, despite its rougher edges.

Aroma: Notes of sweet pipe tobacco, peppery smoke, butterscotch, smooth vanilla, baked agave, mace, carnation, bell pepper, orchard fruit, cinnamon, Concord grape, and subtle earthy grass with a noticeable alcohol sting. Palate: Flavors of butterscotch, rich vanilla, baked agave, tobacco, dark chocolate, mace, cinnamon, carnation, pear, apple, freshly mown lawn, ginger, jalapeño, immature wood, confectioners' sugar, and blossoms. The spirit has a mild to moderate alcoholic presence, concluding with a medium-duration finish featuring sweet baked agave, dulce de leche, ginger, and warm baking spices. To my palate, this expression surpasses the Silver and Reposado versions. It retains the vibrant zest of the Silver while largely avoiding the grassy undertones typical of the Reposado. It stands out as the sweetest of the trio, with prominent notes of caramel, baking spice, and apple. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of Don Julio Anejo for me, and is definitely a step below Fortaleza and Pasote, it's a respectable drink for sipping.

This is great, yet falls short, all at once. The aroma is the biggest letdown, though it still offers pleasant hints of hay, wood shavings, custard, and perhaps… maybe… a tropical fruit? Something zesty and fresh, at any rate. But it's all quite faint and muted. Upon tasting, the experience gets better and stronger, yet it remains mild. The entire thing brings to mind an aged sugarcane spirit (I compared this to Clement V. S. O. P. and they shared many similarities with few differences). However, this one is more delicate, herbaceous, and the maturation is less evident. Regardless, it's a pleasant drink! Its quality and accessibility make it a simple choice for regular enjoyment, but the value might not be worth it, as much superior choices are much less expensive (though perhaps harder to find).

It's exceptionally good, yet somewhat underwhelming, simultaneously. The aroma is the weakest aspect, though it still carries pleasant notes of grass, cedar, vanilla, and perhaps... star fruit? Something bright and juicy, in any case. However, it's all rather subtle and muted. Upon tasting, the experience improves and becomes more intense, but it remains mellow. The overall impression is reminiscent of a Vieux Agricole Rum (specifically, a side-by-side comparison with Clement V. S. O. P. revealed many similarities and few differences). Of course, this is lighter, greener, and the aging is less pronounced. Regardless, it's a pleasant sipper! Its quality and accessibility make it an easy recommendation as a go-to, but the value might not be high enough to justify it, as noticeably better options are considerably less expensive (though perhaps harder to pinpoint and obtain).

On the aroma, I detect light oak, gentle sweet vanilla, and plump yellow raisins. On the palate, it's very smooth with notes of vanilla bean and honey, alongside subtle woody spice. The agave comes through as those yellow raisins and a hint of lemon citrus in the background. In the finish, the sweetness intensifies to a caramel aftertaste, with lingering oak wood and a faint smoky ash essence.

This is much more direct, like good tequila with some quality aging and wood influence. The wood is more evident, both on the nose and the palate. There's a bit more alcohol burn compared to Tapatio. It has fewer green notes and more subtle hints of vanilla and caramel. This reminds me somewhat of tequila and bourbon, which isn't a bad thing.