Patrón XO

Launched in 1992, XO was built on Patrón Silver tequila and natural Arabica coffee essence sourced from trusted coffee regions, creating a coffee liqueur that was balanced, dry rather than syrupy, and distinctly agave-forward. Its profile made it a favourite not just as a nightcap but as a staple shot in nightlife circles and a go-to ingredient in espresso martinis.

For many years XO commanded a loyal following, with bartenders and drinkers praising its interplay of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla edges and light cooked agave backbone. Its status was such that when Patrón’s parent company discontinued the expression in 2021 to focus resources on the core tequila range (Silver, Reposado, Añejo and other ultra-premium variants), fans were vocal in their disappointment.

In 2024 Patrón responded to that sustained demand with a re-release of XO for a limited run, bringing it back on shelves in key markets. While the brand has characterised this as a limited reintroduction, its ongoing appearance at retailers and bars suggests enthusiast support remains strong and it continues to be a sought-after choice.

On the nose XO offers rich roasted coffee, chocolate and gentle vanilla with just enough spirit presence to remind you of its tequila base without pushing sweetness. The palate is dry and layered, marrying coffee bitterness with subtle cocoa and agave warmth.