Partida Tequila is exclusively made from blue agave that is grown in the Tequila Valley, a region known for its ideal conditions for agave cultivation. Located near a dormant volcano, the Tequila Valley benefits from the rich, red volcanic soil that is perfect for the growth of agave plants. This unique terroir imparts distinct flavors and characteristics to the tequila produced in this region.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Tequila Valley and witnessing firsthand the meticulous process of Partida Tequila production. It is truly a labor of love and a testament to the dedication of the jimadors, the skilled workers responsible for hand-harvesting the agave plants.
The journey of Partida Tequila begins with the agave plants, which take an average of 7 to 10 years to reach maturity. During this time, the plants absorb the minerals and nutrients from the volcanic soil, resulting in a rich and flavorful agave. Once the agave reaches close to 100 lbs., it is carefully selected by the jimadors for harvest.
The hand-harvesting process is a remarkable sight to behold. With a sharp tool called a coa, the jimadors expertly remove the leaves of the agave plant, leaving only the heart, or piña. This piña is then transported to the distillery, where the magic truly happens.
At the distillery, the piñas are slowly cooked in traditional brick ovens to convert their starches into fermentable sugars. This slow-cooking process, along with the volcanic soil influence, contributes to the unique flavor profile of Partida Tequila. After cooking, the piñas are crushed, and the juice is extracted for fermentation.
Fermentation is a crucial step in tequila production, as it transforms the sugars from the agave into alcohol. Partida Tequila uses a proprietary yeast strain for fermentation, which further adds to the complexity and character of the final product. The fermented juice is then distilled to remove impurities and create a pure and smooth spirit.
Partida Tequila takes great pride in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. They utilize traditional copper pot stills for distillation, allowing for precise control over the distillation process and ensuring the highest quality tequila. The tequila is then aged in American oak barrels, adding depth and richness to the final product.
Partida Tequila is made exclusively from blue agave grown in the Tequila Valley, a region known for its rich volcanic soil and ideal agave cultivation conditions. The hand-harvested agave plants undergo a meticulous process of cooking, fermentation, and distillation to create a tequila that is truly exceptional in flavor and quality.