Review: Tequila Partida High-Proof Single Barrel Reposado – Barrels 7, 12, and 17

Partida launched a single barrel program in 2020, rolling out a collection of barrels of its reposado. 30 barrels in total were offered in three different styles (we just tasted one) — but notably all were bottled at 80 proof.

This year, Partida expands on that concept with the release of 20 more barrels of reposado, only this time the outfit is dropping them at higher proof. The twist: The purchaser of the bottles gets to pick the proof, so retailers and bars can tailor the alcohol to their clientele’s preference, between 90 and 110 proof. Purchasers can select barrels on site in Jalisco or by sampling a tasting kit of three offerings (which is what we were able to do in preparing this review).

As is standard for Partida, these barrels are aged a minimum of six months in custom-toasted, single-use ex-bourbon barrels. Our samples were bottled at 54% abv. Obviously pricing will vary based on the seller and the proof point they choose for their barrel, but SRPs begin at $49.

Here’s a look at how the three barrels we were able to sample compare and contrast. Each 108 proof.

Tequila Partida High-Proof Single Barrel Reposado Barrel 7 Review

Peppery and full of spice, this is one of the racier reposados I’ve tasted of late, bursting with green pepper and jalapeno notes on both nose and palate. There’s a moderating sweetness here that keeps the spice — and the heat — in check, though the finish is rather lemony and and bright, almost acidic, with a moderate amount of salt to back it up. A powerhouse that drinks more like a blanco. A-

Tequila Partida High-Proof Single Barrel Reposado Barrel 12 Review

With considerably less spice on display here, this tequila amps up its citrus notes, lemon dominant alongside a gentler layer of lime leaf and rind. While it’s not overwhelming with those jalapeno notes, it does leave a bit of a scorching wake thanks to the heat from the higher abv, the finish evoking white pepper and cinnamon. A gentle milk chocolate quality builds with time in glass, making this quite a versatile crowd-pleaser with more of a traditionally authentic reposado quality. A-

Tequila Partida High-Proof Single Barrel Reposado Barrel 17 Review

A cousin to Barrel 7, this expression returns to spicier climes, though it’s amply tempered by lemon peel and even a touch of grapefruit, making this solid Paloma fodder. The finish is more soothing than Barrel 7, however, with vanilla and chocolate slowly creeping into the picture, considerably tempering the upfront heat. The abv is also less overtly evident here than in the other two tequilas, a creamy texture offering silky overtones of coconut layered across the moderately lengthy (and perfectly balanced) finish. A

each $49 and up

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