The story of Partida Tequila began in the fields of the late Enrique Partida a well-respected blue agave farmer and his passion heritage and pride continue to inspire the team handcrafting Partida Tequila. The company was founded in 2001 by Gary Shansby who also successfully launched several brands of food including Famous Amos Cookies. Partida is only made from blue agave grown in the Tequila Valley near a dormant volcano and the areas rich red volcanic soil is perfect for the plant. After seven to ten years in the fields the agave reaches close to one hundred pounds and is hand harvested by the jimadors; the larger the pi_a the more mature the sugars: fuller riper more flavorful and Partida Tequila only uses fully mature blue agave. Within twenty four hours of harvest the agave is cooked fresh slowly in a stainless steel autoclave to retain its crisp rich natural flavors. After a slow fermentation of the agave juice during thirty six to forty hours it is distilled twice in small traditional pot stills producing a clear spirit that retains the fresh natural characters of the agave. Partida Reposado A_ejo and Elegante are aged in American whiskey barrels to develop aromas of vanilla almond and dried fruits and a long-lasting finish. Partida Tequilas Maestro Tequilero Jose Valdez oversees every step of the production process from agave harvesting in the field till the final blending prior to bottling.