Francisco Alcaraz, the former master distiller of Patrón Tequila, passed away on Sunday 4 April in Guadalajara, Mexico, following longstanding health issues. He was 75.
Thought to have been the longest-serving master distiller in the Tequila sector, Alcaraz had a career in the Tequila industry that spanned more than 50 years. Thirty years of that was spent at Patrón, a role he only retired from on 14 July 2020.
Credited with helping to establish the brand’s flavour profile, Alcaraz has been praised for helping to shape Patrón into a global brand. Played a key role in the category’s boom in the US, Alcaraz has been described as a pioneer in the ultra-premium Tequila sector.
“His remarkable career set the Tequila standard for excellence and his dedication to crafting the world’s finest Tequila will continue to be the essence of the Patrón,” the brand said.
“He personified the passion and unshakable confidence that guides Patrón in both spirit and practice. As a mentor and ambassador, Francisco personally trained the team who have since carried on his legacy.
“Thanks to his vision, Patrón is able to make the best Tequila in the hardest way possible. His unrelenting commitment to using the finest ingredients and preserving the traditional means of Tequila-making has allowed Patrón to be additive-free from the beginning.
“He will be missed by the many lives he touched, and his legacy will live on in every sip of Patrón,” it added.
Alcaraz is survived by his wife Teresa, four children, and six grandchildren.