WHEN PATRÓN WAS FOUNDED by Martin Crowley and John Paul DeJoria in 1989, the pair could have hardly imagined what would become of their brainchild. Sure, Crowley and DeJoria’s mission was always to produce the world’s finest tequila, but to actually do so—and in such dramatic fashion—would prove a staggering accomplishment to even the original distillers. Nevertheless, with the release of El Cielo, Patrón has done exactly that.
El Cielo is the world’s first ever quadruple-distilled prestige tequila. A feat made all the more impressive by the fact that such a process is frequently—and wrongfully—blamed for diluting the rich flavour of tequila. That’s a non-issue with El Cielo. Crafted in the smallest copper pot at the revered Hacienda Patrón, the birthplace of Patrón’s legendary spirits, El Cielo is a paragon of innovation in silver tequila, and a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
The quadruple distillation process, a result of meticulous experimentation and over 150 tasting sessions, began as an attempt to unlock and enhance the natural flavour and smoothness of agave. Patron’s painstaking approach to top quality is nothing new though; what is worth making a fuss about is the taste. The result of quadruple distillation is a tequila that boasts richness, sweetness and citrus notes, accompanied by a brightness that makes it ideal as a refreshing accompaniment to a summer night by the coast, or as an appetising mood-setter for an urban adventure.
David Rodriguez, Patrón Master Distiller, sheds some light on the innovative approach behind El Cielo. “By using this unique, four-time distillation process, we unlocked and opened up the natural sweetness and smoothness from the agave to deliver an incredibly sweet and light tasting, smooth tequila,” he explains.
The Mexican township of Atotonilco El Alto has gained international recognition for two of its attractions. The first are natural hot springs that draw thousands of tourists each year—truly a hidden gem to keep an eye on if you’re ever in Mexico’s central highlands. But secondly, and more importantly for the purposes of this story, Atotonilco El Alto is known as the home of Patrón and its premier distillery. It is in this town that El Cielo is exclusively crafted. And only in small batches with 100 percent natural ingredients, to ensure paramount quality and consistency.
The exceptional El Cielo elixir merges the finest Weber Blue agave, sourced from local Mexican agave farmers—or jimadors, for those in the know—in the highlands of Jalisco, with water and yeast in a harmonious blend that redefines the standard for silver tequila. El Cielo is not just a drink, it’s a celebration of the artistry and dedication that defines Patrón, and an invitation to savour a rich flavour born in the heart of Mexico.
The packaging of El Cielo is as meticulously crafted as the tequila within. Crested by a metallic gold cork, the sleek, stylish glass bottle features gilded designs inspired by the volcanic tahona stone crucial to the production of Patrón tequila. Other elements draw inspiration from the agave fields and ethereal light of the Jalisco Highlands, the homeland of Patrón.
The entire presentation is a visual statement. One that drives home the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have cemented Patrón’s pioneering status.
Patrón El Cielo, the first four-time distilled prestige tequila, is available in select venues across Australia now, as well as in-store at Vintage Cellars, Dan Murphys and other quality bottle shops.
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