Mexico’s Patrón, France’s Lalique bring unique collaboration to Cebu
PATRÓN tequila, one of the world’s highest-quality sophisticated spirits, and Lalique, the ultimate symbol of French luxury, came together last Aug. 27 at Rustan’s, Ayala Center Cebu to introduce its first-of-its-kind exclusive collaboration, Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1.
The partnership, which is being launched first around Asia Pacific, had its first event in the country at Rustan’s Makati before making its way to Cebu. Patrón Regional Director of Marketing & Commercial Strategy for Asia Pacific Milton Alatorre, Lalique Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania Daniel Ong, Patrón Vice President for Asia Pacific Vicente Santos and Rustan’s Marketing Communications Head Dina Tantoco flew in for the occasion to reveal to Cebuanos one of two bottles in the country, with only 500 available globally.
“Lalique is all about detailing. 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,” shared Daniel Ong. 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.
Representing the pinnacles of art, Milton Alatorre added that “Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is an exceptional blend of the oldest and rarest Patrón tequilas, hand-selected from Patrón’s barrel aging room at the Hacienda Patrón distillery in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.” This is made even more special with the extra añejo tequila 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.
A tequila tasting session featured the different variants of Mexico’s premier tequila distiller Patrón Reposado, Tequila Patrón Anejo, Tequila Patrón X.O., and Tequila Patrón Silver in specially concocted cocktails while classic French canapés were passed around. In attendance were Honorary Consul of Mexico in Cebu Eduardo Gonzalez, Amparito Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Teresin Mendezona, Joel del Prado, US Consular agent Glenn and Honey Loop, and Belinda Wong among other prominent personalities.
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. This special Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is limited to 500 bottles worldwide with each individually numbered and hand-polished bottle 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.
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 Patrón En Lalique Serie 1 will be on display at Rustan’s Cebu until November. For more information or to reserve a bottle, contact concierge@patronspirits.com. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and promotions at www.facebook.com/RustansPh and on Instagram and Twitter at @RustansPH. (PR)
