See the Differences Between Partida Tequilas
Did your tequila sipping ever suddenly transition from savoring into downing the shot with a wince? I’m willing to bet this was because the tequila was harsh and better served as a shooter to get buzzed rather than appreciating its unique nuances. After tasting Tequila Partida, I can guarantee that this particular scenario won’t happen to you. Made using 100% blue agave, Tequila Partida is meant to be savored like a fine Cognac or single malt whiskey revealing its character and refinement from the moment it is poured, clinging to the glass like a fine wine.
Partida is authentic estate-bottled premium tequila made in the heart of Mexico’s historic Jalisco region. Its nuanced flavors result from how it’s made. The piña which lies beneath the spiky fronds of the agave is the heart of what makes a fine tequila. The larger the piña grows, the more its sugars mature. Partida allows the agave plants to mature 7 to 10 years from seedling to harvest. Other premium tequila brands are content with half that time. This patience yields a noticeably fuller, riper, richer flavor.
Next, the piñas are baked slowly and gently for 20-24 hours, softening fibers and transforming carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. The age-old art of slow cooking is not always followed by other producers, who steam-blast their piñas in a quarter of the time. The Partida process utilizes timeless steel ovens to add precision for a clean, smooth taste.
During distillation, ancient methods meet the new world of modern technology. Tequila Partida is distilled twice…once to purify the fermented liquid and again to bring it to perfection. Precision distillation and temperature control produce a quality standard that never varies. From here, Partida Blanco goes directly to the bottle, each one filled by hand.
Partida Reposado and Añejo are aged to maturity for 6 and 18 months respectively. These long maturation periods in American oak barrels are rare, even among premium Tequila brands.
Here’s my tasting notes for 3 of Partida’s tequilas:
Partida Blanco – Clean and crisp; very floral, with notes of citrus. Well balanced with a fresh, pure agave flavor and a pleasant finish that lingers gently on the palate.
Partida Reposado – Smooth and rich with a touch of sweetness. No overbearing smoky flavor common to so many Reposados. Faint chocolate and vanilla aromas with a deep, rich finish.
Partida Añejo – Intense golden color with ochre and copper tones; clean and full bodied. A fruity aroma with notes of cherry, almond and spices. Soft honey fruit tones, with flavors of spices and dried fruits reminiscent of sweet pear and almond.
Photo courtesy of Steve Mirsky
