Today, Patron announced that David Rodriguez, Director General of Patron Spirits Manufacturing Operations in Mexico, will be promoted to Master Distiller, starting immediately. For nearly 18 years, Rodriguez worked side by side with Patron’s previous Master Distiller, industry legend Francisco Alcaraz, to makes sure every bottle of Tequila that left the Jalisco, Mexico distillery met the high standards of the Bacardi-owned brand.
After a career that has helped push the Tequila category to new, high echelons, Alcaraz will officially retire today. He has spent 50 years of service in the Tequila business, including more than 30 years at Patron, and was the industry’s longest standing master distiller.
Alcaraz has helped shape Patron into the global, iconic brand that today sells 2.8 million cases around the world. His accomplishments include helping define the Patron’s signature taste profile, development of the core Tequilas along with the limited-edition releases, and serving as a well-loved global brand ambassador.
“I am privileged to have had such a fulfilling and life changing career at Patron 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 honor the Patron process.”
“We wish Francisco the very best as he retires and thank him for all he has done to help grow Patron into one of the world’s fastest-growing global spirits brands,” said Mahesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited. “We are glad to have his successor come from within the company. On behalf of Bacardi and our Patron family, I would like to offer David our deep congratulations. We look forward to watching him on this journey and celebrating what is next for Patron.”
“I am incredibly humbled to take on the role as Master Distiller and I offer Francisco our limitless gratitude for helping build this iconic brand and changing the tequila category forever,” said Rodriguez. “I wish Francisco all the best on his well-deserved retirement. I’m honored to carry on his legacy into the next chapter for Patron.”
