Patron Silver Tequila Review [In Depth]
Patron Silver Tequila
by: ALEX WANG
Founder, writer
Founder, writer
Patron Silver Tequila Details
Distillery: Hakushu
Type & Region: Japanese whisky, Japan
Alcohol: 43%
Composition: 100% malted barley
Aged: At least 3 years
Color: 1.0/2.0 on the color scale (deep copper)
Price: $80-100
From the company website:
Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a “green and fresh” whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct Four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt whisky, enlivens and liberates your senses.Patron Silver Tequila overview
Does Patron really need an introduction? It’s the well known and sold everywhere premium tequila brand owned by Bacardi.
I didn’t realize this before doing this review – Patron Silver is made using the same processes as many of the more “artisanal” brands. It’s crushed using a mix of the traditional Tahona + more modern roller mill, and cooked using stone / brick ovens (not autoclaves or diffusers). That’s good to know, because that slower and more laborious process feeds more into the more “premium” price and branding.
I want to mention that I’ve always found “silver” to be a confusing term. I’m pretty sure it just means that the tequila is unaged, the same meaning as blanco. It’s odd that there are 2 terms that effectively mean the same thing (correct me if I’m wrong). Maybe it’s a way to English-ize the term, because blanco means white in Spanish. White tequila doesn’t have quite the same ring as silver tequila I guess.
If you’re reading this review, then you’re most likely trying to figure out if it’s worth getting for the $50ish for a 750ml, although pricing varies all over the world. Let’s find out if this is a well made and enjoyable tequila in this Patron Silver Tequila review.
As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for everything (they’re the best): Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass Set of 6, Set of 4, Set of 2, or just one. Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
Patron Silver Tequila smell
I initially smell gentle lime and simple syrup, followed by light vegetalness and minerality. Patron Silver smells nice and doesn’t have any harsh or off notes. It’s the toned-down version of a range of other blanco’s that offer more of what Patron has, plus even more
There are some moderately expressive, rich, and interesting scents, but not quite enough to be noteworthy.
After swirling and rest, I smell lime and simple syrup with some minerality, followed by lightly smoky vegetalness, starfruit, some dry vegetalness, and something that feels like tea.
Patron Blanco is like most other blanco’s I’ve had – lime and white sugar forward. It smells nice for sure and I enjoy it, but the layers and oomph aren’t there.
Patron Silver Tequila taste and aftertaste
I taste lime, simple syrup, lightly smoky vegetalness, minerality, starfruit, black pepper, and some mint and light dryness. Honestly, Patron Silver honestly tastes good. It feels similar to other Blanco’s that I’ve had such as Cazcanes Still Strength, G4 108 Proof, and even Fortaleza Blanco. Of course 2 out of the 3 I just mentioned are 54% ABV, but the point is that Patron tastes well made.
It has average viscosity and richness, but it still doesn’t feel thin or bland for 40%. There’s no harshness or weirdness either.
With “chewing” I taste creamy white sugar and lime, minerality, lightly smoked vegetalness, starfruit, green grape skins, and some black pepper and dryness. “Chewing” opens up more roundness, viscosity, and flavor.
The finish leaves lightly dry lime, simple syrup, toasted vegetalness, minerality, and black pepper with a light and lingering lime peel, minerality, and smokiness.
Patron Silver tastes pretty good. It doesn’t blow me away by any means and it doesn’t fill out the viscosity, but the flavors are nice, the range is there, and everything is well put together.
I’ve unfortunately lost some Glencairn’s while in transit, and that made me very sad. So, I wised up and bought this Glencairn Travel Case that comes also comes with 2 glasses so I don’t need to worry so much about them breaking. I think it’s great, and I think you’ll love it too.
Seriously, if you already have glasses, protect them.
Patron Silver Tequila Rating
I give props where it’s due – Patron Silver smells and tastes like a well made blanco tequila, and I appreciate it for what it is. I can’t smell or taste any funny business, although I think its perception as a luxury tequila is definitely overblown. Marketing is one hell of a tool though.
I’m sure that some will gasp at my previous statement, but I stand behind it – it’s solid tequila and I’m not going to deny that.
While it’s probably not considered “artisanal” by any means, I think the end product is a good representation of blanco tequila. It doesn’t go above and beyond to offer a particularly exciting and memorable experience, but I think that it’s a great benchmark for the lime, white sugar, and vegetal experience. If you enjoy this, there’s a whole world of tequila that you’ll probably enjoy too.
I’m not at a point yet in my journey where I can provide a better alternative for the same price or less, because a lot of my focus has been on higher ABV ones that are not great apples to apples comparisons, but I will get there.
I would certainly drink this if offered or it was an option at an open bar (had this in a margarita, and it was actually really nice), but I’m not motivated to buy a full bottle of this. There’s a whole world of tequila out there. In bourbon terms, this isn’t my Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, which I consider one of the best go-to’s in bourbon.
But it will always be there and does the job well.
Meet the Author: Alex
I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. I’m proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese.
There are no sponsors, no media companies, and no nonsense. Support The Whiskey Shelf by Buying Me A Shot.
Shattered glass really sucks, so if you’re on the move, this Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass should survive your travels. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
BrüMate NOS’R, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Whiskey Nosing Glass – 7oz (Matte Black)
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