Introducing Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1

Patrón, Mexico’s premier tequila distiller, and Lalique, masters of French crystal, have come together to introduce an exclusive collaboration, Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1.

 “At Patrón, crafting the world’s finest tequila is an art,” says Ed Brown, president and CEO of Patrón Spirits International. “This unwavering dedication to our passion inspired us to find other artists committed to their specific crafts, which led us to Lalique.”

Silvio Denz, chairman and CEO of Lalique, says: “It is the first time Lalique has worked with a tequila brand and we are proud to partner with Patrón. Our two brands share strong and mutual values of creativity, craftsmanship and artistry, both striving for uncompromising quality and excellence.”

Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is a limited-edition crystal decanter handmade by Lalique’s master artisans. The design of this exquisite bottle was inspired by Mexico’s indigenous Weber Blue Agave plant, from which tequila is produced. The meticulous detail of the amber crystal bottle stopper is perfectly shaped to represent the heart of the agave, the piña. The decanter showcases Lalique’s signature technique of contrasting clear and frosted crystal finishes to showcase its perfect detail and enhance the unique amber color of the tequila.

Inside each bottle of is a blend of the oldest and rarest Patrón tequilas, selected from Patrón’s barrel aging room at the Hacienda Patrón distillery in the hills of Jalisco, Mexico. The extra añejo tequila is aged for at least four years in a combination of new American oak and new and used French oak barrels to achieve the right balance of agave and oak notes. This special series is limited to 500 bottles worldwide.

 “The exclusive small batch of tequila we perfected for Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is a remarkable extra añejo tequila with a well-balanced taste and complex notes of sweet caramel, honey, vanilla, dried fruits and nuts,” adds Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s master distiller who created the original recipe and process for Patrón tequila more than two decades ago. “This is a stunningly beautiful spirit, both inside and out.”

The partnership, the latest extension of Patrón’s ‘Art of Patrón’ platform (a unique collection of experiences that reflects artists’ uncompromising commitment to their craft), marks the first time that Lalique has collaborated with a tequila brand, and the first time that Patrón has joined with a crystal maker to reimagine the iconic Patrón tequila bottle.

“Creating such a unique decanter is very challenging and represents countless hours of work due to the finesse of the design. Our master craftsmen put all of their savoir-faire and passion into producing each bottle,” adds Denz.

For almost 100 years, Lalique creations have been produced at the Lalique factory in Wingen-sur-Moder, in Alsace, France. In this region of tremendous glassmaking tradition, Lalique’s dedicated craftsmen combine an exceptional mastery of modern techniques and traditional skills throughout the complex crystal making process. Each piece is blown, pressed, fashioned, cut, engraved, polished and signed.

The skills of the Lalique master craftsmen embrace the two essential stages of crystal making: the hot and cold processes. Founded in 1888, Lalique has continuously developed its crystal-making know-how over the years to become the undisputed master of crystal worldwide, and a timeless symbol of French luxury.

Each of the 500 individually numbered and hand-polished bottles of Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 are placed inside a handmade leather display case elegantly adorned with gemstone detail. A leather-bound book and video that documents the historic collaboration are also included.

“Patrón and Lalique both share a passion for authenticity, detail and superior quality, and that’s unmistakably demonstrated in the bottle and the liquid in this extraordinary Serie 1 limited edition,” adds Brown. “This is truly a rare opportunity for Lalique collectors and spirits aficionados alike.”

Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 (75cl) will retail for US $7,500 at fine spirits retailers and in select duty free stores across the world. For more information or to reserve your bottle, contact concierge@patronspirits.com

About Patrón Tequila

From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labelling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patrón tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patrón has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about Patrón tequilas and liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com.

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, over a century ago, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, then became Master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and an immediately recognizable style. Today, Lalique has reinvented the creative, eclectic world of its founder with its contemporary work in five areas: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, perfumes, and art. Lalique enters into exclusive collaborations with luxury brands, artists and designers to create stunning objects and collections based on both partners’ know-how and expertise. The crystal pieces are produced in Alsace France at the unique Lalique factory, opened in 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com 

20 October 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor