Close Menu
News

Patrón Tequila names new master distiller

Bacardi has promoted David Rodriguez to master distiller of Patrón Tequila following the retirement of Francisco Alcaraz.

L-r: David Rodriguez and Francisco Alcaraz

Alcaraz officially retired yesterday (14 July) following more than 30 years with Patrón. His career spans 50 years within the Tequila industry.

Alcaraz has been praised for helping to shape Patrón into a global brand that sells 2.8 million nine-litre cases worldwide.

He has been credited with helping to establish the brand’s flavour profile, developing its core Tequila range and creating limited edition bottlings.

“I am privileged to have had such a fulfilling and life-changing career at Patrón Tequila,” said Alcaraz. “The time has come to pass the baton and there is no better person for the job than David Rodriguez.

“I am grateful to leave my life’s work in the hands of such an incredible and passionate professional. David is like family to me and I know he will carry on and honour the Patrón process.”

Rodriguez will step into the master distiller position with immediate effect. He has spent 18 years working alongside Alcaraz to produce each batch of Patrón Tequila that leaves the distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.

Mahesh Madhavan, chief executive officer of Bacardi Limited, said: “We wish Francisco the very best as he retires and thank him for all he has done to help grow Patrón into one of the world’s fastest-growing global spirits brands. We are glad to have his successor come from within the company.

“On behalf of Bacardi and our Patrón family, I would like to offer David our deep congratulations. We look forward to watching him on his journey and celebrating what is next for Patrón.”

Bacardi completed its acquisition of Patrón in 2018, in a deal that valued the Tequila maker at US$5.1bn.

Patrón expanded its UK Amazon Brand Store last month with the launch of a section focused on cocktails – the Patrón Pantry.

The brand has also had to postpone the 2020 edition of its Perfectionists Cocktail Competition until 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to the crisis, Patrón donated US$1 million to support charities providing relief for families, individuals and business owners in the hospitality sector who have been impacted by the pandemic.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No