Partida Cristalino Anejo 750ML

Partida Cristalino Anejo 750ML is a 100% Blue Weber agave cristalino tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) after a minimum of 18 months of barrel aging. This expression earned a Gold Medal at The Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters 2024 and carries certification as additive-free through the Tequila Matchmaker additive-free program — a distinction held by relatively few brands in the category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Jalisco, Mexico  |  Aged 18+ Months  |  NOM: 1502  |  100% Blue Weber Agave  |  Certified Additive-Free

Production & Heritage

Partida has built its reputation as one of the world's highest-rated tequila brands, operating under NOM 1502 in Jalisco, Mexico. For this Cristalino expression, Blue Weber agave is cooked for 24 hours, fermented, and distilled before resting for a minimum of 18 months in medium-toast white American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Once the añejo aging cycle is complete, the liquid undergoes activated carbon filtration, which strips away most of the amber color imparted by the wood while preserving the aromatic complexity and flavor depth developed during maturation. In a market where even 100% agave tequilas can legally contain up to one percent of additives like glycerin, caramel coloring, oak extracts, and sugar-based syrups, Partida's additive-free certification provides meaningful transparency for discerning drinkers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with prominent cooked agave — more present than many cristalinos typically deliver — layered with vanilla, caramel, and delicate honeysuckle. Behind those top notes sit quieter suggestions of fig, cacao, and a whisper of cinnamon.

Taste: Butterscotch and lemon drops lead the entry with an immediate, bright sweetness that gives way to a mid-palate of marshmallow, coconut, and subtle quince. As it develops, black pepper and earthy agave assert themselves, keeping the sweetness grounded with a savory, lightly herbal backbone.

Finish: The finish is brisk and warming, with lingering white pepper, grapefruit peel, and a gentle grassy note. It fades at moderate length, leaving a clean impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Partida Cristalino

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the interplay between the aged character and crystal-clear presentation. A few drops of water can coax out additional fruit and floral nuances. For cocktails, this Cristalino holds its own in three classic builds:

• Cristalino Martini — served chilled and stirred, the vanilla and butterscotch qualities create a silky, tequila-forward riff on the classic.
• Paloma — the grapefruit peel and pepper notes in the tequila dovetail naturally with fresh grapefruit soda.
• Old Fashioned — the aged oak character, cinnamon, and caramel provide enough depth and structure to stand in for whiskey in this template.

Best For

• Introducing aged tequila to whiskey drinkers curious about the category
• Gifting a tequila enthusiast who values additive-free production
• Hosting an elevated tequila tasting flight alongside blanco and reposado expressions
• Serving a premium cristalino at a dinner party where presentation matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Partida Cristalino taste like? Partida Cristalino delivers butterscotch and vanilla sweetness upfront, transitioning to black pepper, coconut, and earthy cooked agave on the mid-palate. The finish is warm and moderately long with grapefruit peel and a grassy, herbal quality.

How does Partida Cristalino compare to Don Julio 70? Don Julio 70 is widely credited as the first añejo cristalino and is aged a minimum of 15 months before charcoal filtration, while Partida Cristalino ages at least 18 months and holds certified additive-free status. Partida tends to show more pronounced agave character on the nose, whereas Don Julio 70 leans toward a smoother, sweeter vanilla profile.

Is Partida Cristalino good for sipping neat? Yes — the 18-month aging period gives it enough complexity to stand on its own, and the carbon filtration produces a remarkably clean, approachable texture that rewards slow sipping neat or over ice.

Where is Partida Cristalino made? Partida Cristalino is produced under NOM 1502 in Jalisco, Mexico, the heartland of tequila production and home to the agave-growing highlands and lowlands that define the spirit's regional character.

What foods pair well with Partida Cristalino? Grilled shrimp with citrus butter highlights the tequila's grapefruit and pepper notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement its cacao and vanilla undertones. Aged Manchego cheese mirrors the oak-driven butterscotch. Ceviche plays off the bright acidity and herbal finish. Pork carnitas with a charred salsa verde echo the savory agave backbone.

What sizes does Partida Cristalino come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Partida Cristalino worth the price? Partida Cristalino positions in the premium tier of the cristalino category, and its 18-month minimum aging, additive-free certification, and Gold Medal recognition at the 2024 Tequila & Mezcal Masters represent strong value markers relative to competitors at similar price points.

Why Partida Cristalino?

The additive-free certification is the single most important differentiator here. In a cristalino segment where filtration and additives can obscure what's actually in the bottle, Partida's transparency through the Tequila Matchmaker program gives drinkers a verified baseline of quality. The 18-month minimum age statement exceeds the standard añejo requirement and surpasses several competitors, including Don Julio 70. A Gold Medal at the 2024 Tequila & Mezcal Masters confirms that the production approach translates into recognized quality, not just marketing claims. For anyone who wants the smoothness and visual appeal of a cristalino without sacrificing authentic aged agave character, this bottle earns its place on the shelf.