by: @EatDrinkCarolinas

This extra anejo tequila is long aged in new American oak and by far is one of the great drinking experiences of my work life. I got to sip it with The Tequila Ambassador herself, Maria Lehman of BreakThru Beverage. Really, her title is Tequila Ambassador of South Carolina.

We were hunkered down at Tipsy Taco off Augusta St for a story for Edible later this year. As she talked with passion about the generational families that grow and produce tequila by hand she says, Want to try something really special? ABSOLUTELY!

Even the glass this ambrosia arrived in felt special. Did you know Riedel makes a tequila tasting glass? It was my first time sipping from one and Lehman even explained how to traditionally hold the stem (it’s essentially upside down). The aromas open in this squat flute creating an experience much like enjoying small batch bourbon. Partida Elegante is similar in its aging process (a min of 40 months) and presents deep toasty notes and a ridiculous mouth feel I’ll not soon forget.

It is a singular experience and worthy of your #BucketDish for sure considering less than 1500 bottles exist in the world each year.