It’s been awhile since my last post, but I thought I’d kick this off in grand style with Partida Anejo Tequila.  When I first heard of Partida, and it’s founder and creator, Gary Shansby, I was intrigued.  The packaging was just gorgeous, but the allure of another premium 100% Blue Agave tequila was really what got me.

Unlike other tequilas, Partida is an estate-grown product.  Just like wineries have their own vineyards, Partida has it’s own agave fields.  With more than half a century of experience in cultivating blue agave, the Partida estate is an excellent source of the blue agave that Partida Tequila utilizes to create their product.

The color of Partida Anejo is golden with copper tones.  Upon opening the bottle, the nose of the tequila was faint and subtle, as if the 18 months in the American Oak barrels had tamed it’s fiery heat.  In the glass, the nose opens up to warm aromas reminiscent of ripe fruit. The taste reminds one of pineapple and honey.  Warm on the palate, with more heat present from the alcohol than I thought than hinted in the aroma.  However, it finishes clean and very smooth, with a silky fullness.

In cocktails, Partida Anejo also shines.  Using the accompanying recipe for the Partida Margarita, I used 1 1/2 oz of Partida Anjeo Tequila, 3/4 oz of Agave Nectar, 3/4 oz chilled water, and 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice.  As specified I used no garnish, no salt.    I found that the caveat, “Taste for Balance” that came with the recipe is necessary especially with the Anejo.  The Anejo is very flavorful, and the nectar made this margarita too sweet for me.  I think it would have worked better with more lime juice to balance things out a bit.  As with any aged spirit, true enjoyment can be found by drinking Partida Anejo Tequila with as little “messing around with” as possible.

More information about Partida Tequila, it’s product line, including the Blanco, Reposado, and Extra Anejo Elegante Tequilas, can be found by visiting www.partidatequila.com.