There’s a new master distiller at Patrón Tequila.

The Bacardi-owned brand has announced the promotion of David Rodriguez, formerly Director General of Patrón Spirits Manufacturing Operations in Mexico, to master distiller, effective immediately.

Rodriguez has been with the brand for nearly 18 years, working alongside the former master distiller, Francisco Alcaraz.

Alcaraz has officially retired after a category-defining career in tequila, including three decades with Patrón. His accomplishments with the company include making it a name brand globally, defining Patrón’s taste profile, developing the core tequilas and limited-edition releases, leading innovation and experimentation and serving as a global brand ambassador, helping drive the brand’s expansion.

“I am privileged to have had such a fulfilling and life-changing career at Patrón tequila,” says 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 Patrón process.”

He now passes the baton to his longtime protégé.

“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,” says 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 Patrón.”