Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), hosted an immersive educational session for its Diamond Division sales team on May 30. Led by Roberto Núñez Moreno, National Brand Ambassador, Patrón Tequila, the training offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Patrón Tequila is traditionally crafted, highlighting the ways additives are often used legally, and often hidden, throughout the industry. Núñez, a Guadalajara native with more than 20 years in the food and beverage industry, guided the team through Patrón’s production process from raw agave selection to fermentation, distillation and aging. Patrón is crafted with only agave, water, yeast and time, without sweeteners, extracts or hidden additives. A hands-on component of the training allowed participants to experience how additives can alter the flavor, aroma and color of tequila. While legally allowed up to 1% in the final product, additives are often used to mask impurities, mimic barrel aging or compensate for shortcuts in production—yet are rarely disclosed on labels. The session concluded with a reminder to “know your NOM”—the four-digit code on every tequila bottle that identifies its production source. Patrón produces its additive-free, handcrafted tequila at Hacienda Patrón using the hands of 60 skilled workers from start to finish.

Photos courtesy of Connecticut Distributors, Inc.