Limited Production Extra Añejo Tequila is Crafted Entirely from the Ancient ‘Tahona’ Process
ATOTONILCO EL ALTO, Jalisco, Mexico – Patrón Spirits, producer of the world’s highest quality ultra-premium tequila, announces the launch of the brand’s first extra añejo tequila - Gran Patrón Piedra - available now exclusively in global duty free, before it’s introduced in January 2014 to the U.S. domestic market.
Meticulously aged for more than three years in new American and French oak barrels, the new Gran Patrón Piedra offers a distinct range of flavors and aromatics to satisfy the most sophisticated and discerning palates.
“We created Gran Patrón Piedra to offer tequila aficionados a tasting experience unlike any other,” said Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s master distiller who developed the recipe and original distillation process for the entire line of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs. “Its complex flavor profile and remarkably smooth finish sets Gran Patrón Piedra apart in the ultra-aged tequila category.”
In addition to extra añejo aging, Gran Patrón Piedra is also distinguished by its very unique “Tahona” production process, a time consuming and ancient method for creating tequila. To produce this tequila, the steam-cooked agave is slowly crushed with a large Tahona stone wheel. The resulting juice is then fermented and distilled along with the agave fiber. Piedra, which means “stone” in Spanish, is created entirely from the Tahona process – one of very few tequilas that is still produced in this age-old way.
Bottled at 80 proof (40 percent alcohol by volume), Gran Patrón Piedra is characterized by its deep mahogany color and sweet, subtle aroma of fruit, fresh mushroom, light citrus, and toasted French oak. The taste is sweet, yet rich and complex, combining an earthy, herbaceous agave flavor with light vanilla and fresh mushroom.
Like all Patrón tequilas, Gran Patrón Piedra starts with the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. For Gran Patrón Piedra, and its sister tequilas Gran Patrón Platinum and Gran Patrón Burdeos, the very best of the agave harvest is set aside to create this incredibly distinctive tequila. Gran Patrón Piedra is a sophisticated luxury spirit that deserves an equally striking package. The hand-numbered bottle, which was inspired by the Tahona stone, has been placed in an elegant box that easily converts into a beautiful display case. Gran Patrón Piedra is a limited production Tequila, and priced at $399.00.
Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón was one of the first ultra-premium tequilas available on the world market. Every step in producing Patrón tequila – from harvesting the agave, to the time-honored distillation process, to the individual labeling and inspection of each bottle – is done with the careful precision and care that can only be accomplished by hand. Perfect in a margarita or on the rocks, Patrón tequilas are also versatile enough to be mixed in any number of cocktails that typically call for vodka or other white spirits.
In addition to Gran Patrón Piedra, the Patrón Spirits portfolio includes Gran Patrón Burdeos (a limited-production añejo tequila racked in Bordeaux barrels), Gran Patrón Platinum tequila (triple distilled from top agave), Patrón Silver tequila (smooth, soft and light tequila without an oak flavor), Patrón Reposado tequila (oak-aged for at least two months), Patrón Añejo tequila (oak-aged for a minimum of 12 months), Patrón Citrónge (extra-fine orange liqueur), Patrón XO Cafe and Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa (coffee liqueurs, made with Patrón Silver tequila), ultra-premium Pyrat rums, and Ultimat ultra-premium Polish vodka.
For more information about Patrón Spirits, please visit www.patronspirits.com.
