When people refer to Patron Tequila, they often mean Patron Silver, but Patron actually has a wide variety of products, including an Anejo Tequila, a super-premium Gran Platinum, and Citronge (which is a triple sec and by far their worst product). Very few people know that Patron also sells a fantastic coffee liqueur called Patron XO Cafe.

Patron XO Cafe is a blend of Patron Silver, strong-brewed coffee, and agave. Even though it’s a liqueur, it’s still 35% alcohol, which is close to Patron Silver at 40% alcohol. The shocking thing about Patron XO Cafe is the price. Patron Silver and Patron Anejo generally sell for $40 to $50 a bottle and Gran Platinum sells for close to $200, but Patron XO Cafe can be found for just $20 to $25 a bottle. That’s a real steal when you consider that you are getting a bottle made with Patron Silver and coffee at just under the alcohol strength of Patron Silver for half the price.

The nose on the Patron XO Cafe is distinctly coffee, like a strong cup of dark roast coffee beans. Underneath is the slightest hint of the Patron Tequila with black pepper that pairs well with the roasted coffee notes. The entry is thick and sweet, with the coffee notes present right from the start. In the mid-palate the tequila notes shine through with a nice pepper kick and a slight vegetal note. The finish, though, is mostly coffee and agave, and it lingers on the plate for quite a while.

Patron XO Cafe is good over ice or as a variation on an Irish Coffee, using XO Cafe, coffee, and whipped cream. It also is good in a Coke with some lime, or shaken in equal parts with Patron Silver and espresso for an espresso martini.

While it’s not stated on the bottle, there is a fair amount of caffeine in XO Cafe. Over ice, it’s a nice way to get a second wind on a particularly late night, and it works extremely well as a dessert drink.

At almost half the price of Patron Silver for close to the same alcohol level, great coffee taste, and a premium brand product, it’s a surprise why more people aren’t seeking out XO Cafe. It’s a great product at the right price.