Amazingly enough, Partida has only been in business for nine years. I first heard of them through F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal around the same time, when he awarded all three of their tequilas a rare 5-star rating. Partida was started by an unlikely pair from California, investor J. Gary Shansby, and Mexican-American Sofia Partida June 2005.
The tequilas are crafted from 10-year-old Blue Weber agave pinas which are baked in stainless steel ovens, then distilled twice. The blanco is bottled almost immediately, while the Reposado and Anejo is aged in ex-Jack Daniel’s French-Canadian oak barrels for six and eighteen months respectively.
Blanco (80 proof)
Visual: Clear.
Nose: Fresh and fruity agave with a hint of spearmint, cinnamon and crushed peppercorn. Bright, crisp and mouth-watering.
Taste: Light and almost ethereal, with a true sense of spirit here. There isn’t an aggressive character here, but rather a sweet, young and slightly immature friendliness. Very easy to drink and marvelous in a Margarita.
Finish: Medium long, with more saline notes coming out to peek around the corner. A lasting impression of wistful youth is here.
Overall: Well played. Easily one of the most drinkable young tequilas I’ve ever savored.
GSN Rating: A
Reposado (80 proof)
Visual: Pale gold.
Nose: Spicy, with clove, anise, sandalwood and more subtle notes of vanilla and burnt caramel.
Taste: Viscous and caramel laden with a hefty dose of tannins. Fools the palate into thinking this is an anejo. Interestingly, there is a curious orange citrus note that comes through after a minute or two. The bottom tones are impressively deep and spicy, but the high notes are the ones that carry the overall profile.
Finish: Medium long with a lot more vanilla and spice than expected.
Overall: A fine sipping tequila that will work well in a tequila old-fashioned, or with ginger beer and a slice of orange.
GSN Rating: A-
Anejo (80 proof)
Visual: Light gold.
Nose: Sweet, honeyed spice with toasted walnut, dried orange peel, macadamia and prune.
Taste: unbelievably smooth and effortless on the palate. Like sipping agave water. But, with the addition of an entire cornucopia of baking spices. It’s as if this is a Mexican kitchen in the glass.
Finish: Medium long with lingering sweet barley sugar notes and rich dessert body.
Overall: Absolutely beautiful. An amazing tequila that will enhance a traditional Mexican meal. If I had to choose a tequila to celebrate the spirit of Mexican distillation, this would be it.
GSN Rating: A+
For more information go to: Partida Tequila
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