To be honest, I wasn't sure what the different types/classifications of Tequila meant. I referred to the article Types of Tequila - Classifications? from the Tequila.net website. They were pretty clear in describing the differences between the five most common types of Tequila: Blanco, Gold, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo. I recommend that you read the article.
In researching the Partida brand, I found the following facts:
- The agave fields are located near a 6,000 foot dormant volcano in the Tequila Valley known as El Cerro
- The rich, red soil creates the perfect terroir for maturing the agave plant
- The agave plant takes from 7-10 years to go from shoot to harvest
- Going against old customs of baking the agave in stone ovens,Partida uses state-of-the-art stainless steel ovens
- Slow cooking in these ovens creates a Tequila that is smoother, cleaner with a pure agave taste
- The agave is fermented slowly for about 36-40 hours and twice distilled creating a high quality raw spirit
- The Blanco is filled a bottle a time by hand after distillation
- The Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo are allowed to rest and age in American Oak Casks that originally held Jack Daniels Whiskey
Getting the specs out of the way, on to the tasting of the Partida Reposado.
At first sniff this golden colored tequila does not smell like any tequila I have ever smelled. To be perfectly honest, it doesn't smell like a tequila. To the tongue it tastes more like an whisky rather than a tequila. That might be attributed to the fact that Partida tequila is aged for six months in American oak Jack Daniels barrels.
I felt a little tingle near the back of my throat. Actually a warm comforting feeling that I tend to get when I've drank whiskey. The tequila went down nice and smooth with no harshness.
I have to say that compared to other tequilas I've had. This particular brand has to rank among the highest. I might even go as far as to say that it surpasses my favorite tequila: Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo. One other thing folks, this is not a shooting tequila. This is one you enjoy on the rocks one sip at a time. Savoring each flavor that pops up in the various parts of your mouth. Leave the salt and lime for the amateur tequilas. This one here is a professional.
Here's a recipe for the a Tequila drink with a Partida Reposado (from the Partida website):
YERBA BUENA
2 oz Partida Reposado Tequila
8 to 10 mint sprigs
1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz Partida Agave Nectar
Ginger Beer
Muddle mint, lime juice and Partida Agave
Nectar in a highball glass.
Add ice to fill. Add Partida Tequila and top
with Ginger Beer. Stir with bar spoon.
Garnish with mint sprig and lime wheel.
RECIPE ADAPTED FROM Donna Scala. BISTRO DON GIOVANNI – NAPA, CALIFORNIA
We also have recent additions to the tequila selection in the form of Herradura Blanco and Espolón Blanco. Both of which I intend to have a taste of in the near future.
Until then Happy Drinking
Sisco Vanilla
For Further Reading
- Click Here to access the article Tequila Reposado from the Spirits Review by Chris Carlsson website
- Click Here to access the article Partida Tequila from the Tequila Source website
No comments:
Post a Comment