Partida Blanco Tequila

Rating: 15/23 For individuals who find Fortaleza Blanco excessively bitter, tart, savory, and oily, this might be a suitable tequila. It presents an authentic tequila aroma with cooked agave, lime, and some savory, oily herbal characteristics. The nose isn't particularly striking, but it's not underwhelming either. Based on its genuine and moderately complex aroma, this is a reliable tequila that I would be content to drink. The palate offers a pleasing equilibrium between bitter oils and sweetness, with the cooked agave clearly present, alongside notes of lime leaf and a clean, mineral essence reminiscent of creek water, which I'd expect more from vodka. There's also a savory and oily component, along with hints of cinnamon, white pepper, and ginger. It truly resembles a milder Fortaleza Blanco, which is not a negative attribute. It represents tequila well without being overly intense, making it a potential stepping stone for someone transitioning from Espolon, moving beyond the realm of mixto spirits. The finish, however, has too much oil and not enough of the other flavors for my liking. Overall, it's a quite balanced tequila with solid complexity and taste. It's not my top choice, but I would be fine drinking it, and the only reason I might hesitate to recommend it is its rather high price. I'd place it between 14 and 17, so a 15 for now, given the pleasant nose and palate, but a general lack of impact and a lackluster finish.

Rating: 14/23 Nose: It has a papery, musty, and mildewed scent, with hints of brine and lime peel. A faint trace of tobacco and a slightly sulfuric note are present, but otherwise, the aroma is quite pleasant. Palate: The palate is more appealing than the nose. The papery, musty, and mildew notes persist, along with a pleasant brine. There are subtle notes of lime and faint orange fruitiness, as well as light vanilla, sweetness, and minerals. However, an odd sulfuric, muddled character, similar to the nose but less like tobacco, emerges. It somewhat balances and enriches the spirit but feels slightly off. Finish: The more bitter and savory flavors, including the off-flavor and mustiness, linger. Conclusion: I've re-evaluated this spirit multiple times and never truly enjoyed it. It consistently lacks intensity, and I've recently detected some flaws. It remains a respectable tequila, but considering its price, I wouldn't repurchase it. I'm lowering the rating from 15 to 14 due to the somewhat rough edges and mild sulfuric flavor.

Rating: 12/23 This is a rather dull Blanco, which is disappointing and frankly unacceptable given its price. It's completely adequate as a sipper and offers a little something, but it's not particularly engaging. There's a touch of prickly spice, but it avoids alcohol flavor and harshness. The aroma is subtle, but more noticeable than El Padrino Blanco. The scent is distinctly vegetal with squash and a hint of herbal notes, along with a good amount of mineral. It smells mild, but not alcoholic. There's certainly a taste of stewed agave, but it's not intensely toasted or roasted. The palate is light and full of mineral. It has a slight numbing sensation and prickly spiciness. There's a vegetal note with an unusual wet bread flavor, similar to San Matias Legado Blanco and Gran Centenario Reposado. There's a fair amount happening here, but I can't say I'm fond of it. It has considerable spiciness and some minerality. It's quite light. I prefer it to El Padrino Blanco, but it's not outstanding. It's acceptable, I suppose. I'm leaning towards 12ish.

Easy to drink, minimal burn, fruity and approachable.

The flavor is intriguing, but the price is too high.

Smooth, light, bordering on floral