Connecticut Distributors Inc. (CDI), one of the largest distributors of wine and spirits in Connecticut, was founded in 1933 on the basic philosophy of satisfying consumer needs and desires. Currently employing over 200 people with 74 in sales, CDI is devoted to the growth and success of Partida Tequila in the state of Connecticut.

"Partida Tequila is truly an ultra-premium product, from the quality of the tequila right down to the distinctive packaging," said Tim Clarke,Vice President of Sales at CDI. Clarke and his sales team are committed to the continued distribution and sales of Partida Tequila in both on and off premise accounts. "Accounts are excited about the introduction of the Partida Agave Nectar and are very eager to mix it up to create the Partida Margarita," said Clarke enthusiastically. "Our sales representatives and managers continue to build distribution and develop sales in the market every day."

Featured Restaurant:
Bistro Don Giovanni: Great Italian Food and Partida Cocktails

Donna and Giovanni Scala opened Bistro Don Giovanni in March of 1993 in the heart of Napa Valley. Surrounded by olive trees and beautiful gardens, Bistro Don Giovanni's glowing fireplace and romantic outdoor terraces provide seating year round. The cuisine from Executive Chefs Donna Scala and Scott Warner invite guests to take in all of the splendors of Napa Valley, accented by Italian and country French flavors in a setting with an ambiance to remember.

Bistro Don Giovanni offers an extensive regional Italian wine list as well as ultra premium spirits like Partida Tequila. The Mintarita and the Salty Chihuahua are two Partida Tequila cocktails currently on the drink menu at Bistro Don Giovanni. "The Mintarita has been a staple for us for quite a while and the Salty Chihuahua, a fairly new cocktail, has been very well received by our guests," said Michael Galyen, General Manager.

Bistro Don Giovanni Partida Cocktail Recipes:

Mintarita:
2 oz. Partida Blanco
1 oz. Cointreau
3-4 Mint Leaves (muddled)
Juice of 1/2 lime
Shake well
Serve chilled and up in martini glass

Salty Chihuahua:
1.5 oz. Partida Reposado
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
.5 oz Lemon Juice
.5 oz Partida Agave Nectar
Shake well
Serve chilled and up in martini glass with a salted rim

Partida Tequila Seen as the Authentic Tequila of Mexico

In the August issue of the Spanish language magazine, Estilo Mexico, Marcela Aguilar y Maya sat down with Gary Shansby, founder and chairman of Partida Tequila, to discuss Partida and his appreciation for Mexican culture.

To read the full article, click here (file size is 6.7mb):
To read the English Version, click here:

Partida Sizzling Summer Cocktail in Chile Pepper Magazine

One Hot Minute, a cocktail made with Partida Blanco and jalapeño peppers popularized by Partida Bartender Ambassador, Jacques Bezuidenhout, graces the August issue of Chile Pepper.

To read the full article, click here:

Partida Perfect for Summertime Cocktails

The August issue of Style (Baltimore) lists Partida Tequila as the perfect tequila to transform any summertime gathering into a fiesta. To read the full article, click here:

To read the full article, click here:

Partida Tequila Yields an Interesting Cocktail

Gary Regan recounts the Partida London Bar Show held in June and introduces an interesting cocktail made with Partida Tequila in the San Francisco Chronicle.

To read the full article, click here:

Partida Elegante Extra AÑejo Receives Top Marks

In the September issue of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, the Partida Elegante Extra Añejo received a 5-star review; the highest recommendation awarded.

To view, click here:

Partida Tequila Celebrates with
Law & Order's Christopher Meloni

Partida Tequila was the exclusive spirit at the Niche Media launch party for the August issue of Hamptons Magazine held on Thursday, August 9th at Frederick's in NYC. The featured cocktail, the Partida Margarita with 100% organic agave nectar, was served to a crowd of 250 people celebrating with cover star Christopher Meloni of the NBC TV drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Partida Tequila had two separate tables to display and sample the Partida Blanco, Añejo and Reposado in addition to the Partida Margarita.

"Partida Tequila was prominently displayed throughout Fredrick's for maximum brand exposure," said William Doyle, Strategic Business Brand Manager, Charmer Sunbelt Group. Brand representative Whitney Brown of Empire Merchants was on hand to educate consumers on Partida Tequila and its history. "The event was a success because it exposed Partida Tequila to high-profile tastemakers, trendsetters and bold-faced names in the Hamptons and New York markets," said Doyle.

Partida Tequila at Mario's Chiquita in Plano, TX

On Wednesday, August 8th, Francisco Ibarra, owner of Mario's Chiquita in Plano, Texas welcomed 30 patrons to a tequila dinner co-hosted by Partida Tequila. Dinner consisted of authentic Mexican cuisine paired with all three Partida tequilas sampled in flights and the Partida Margarita. Stephanie Downing, Partida Tequila Texas Regional Manager, led the crowd through a formal Partida tasting and supervised while the bar staff made the Partida Margarita.

"When made properly, the Partida Margarita really has an impact on consumers," said Downing. "The guests at the dinner really loved it and eagerly looked forward to making their own Partida Margaritas. Overall, the dinner, and Partida, was an amazing success."

Partida Tequila Sponsors V-Foundation Fundraiser in Napa Valley

Partida Tequila sponsored the V-Foundation "After Hours Party" held on August 3rd at the Villagio in Napa Valley. Partida Tequila cocktails were served from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at this 9th annual fundraiser to benefit cancer research, named for Jimmy Valvano, former coach of the North Carolina State basketball team who succumbed to cancer in 1993.

The highly receptive crowd had the choice of three Partida cocktails; the Partida Margarita made with Partida 100% organic agave nectar and Partida Blanco, a Partida Añejo Old-Fashioned and the Partida Mojito, made with Partida Reposado.

Jacques Bezuidenhout, Partida Bartender Ambassador was on hand for drink and information requests for the 80 to 100 guests in attendance. "It was a well attended event with many people who were familiar with Partida Tequila and Gary Shansby." Bezuidenhout added, "The crowd really loved the product, especially the Partida Margarita."

Partida Tequila and the Mujeres del Agave Club

Valerie Villalta, Partida Tequila Northern California Regional Manager, and Sofia Partida hosted a 3-hour tequila event for the Mujeres del Agave Club at Tommy's Mexican in San Francisco. The event, held strictly for women, was attended by 20 members including Elmy Bermejo, club founder and sister of renowned tequila expert Julio Bermejo of Tommy's. Partida Tequila was served exclusively and paired with authentic Yucatan-style Mexican cuisine from Tommy's while Sofia Partida conducted a formal tasting and spoke of tequila heritage and the role women have played in the tequila culture since the inception.

Partida Tequila Poured at East Texas Seminars

On Tuesday, August 14th, Sofia Partida hosted two separate seminars for major Texas retailer Sigel's -- one at the Addison location and the other in Elite, TX -- where she led customers through a guided tasting. The after-work seminars held at the two Sigel's locations were open to both consumers and the trade. "The seminars were a great success; we sold 12 and 18 signed bottles respectively," said Stephanie Downing, Partida Tequila Regional Manager, Texas.

This month's featured cocktail -- created by Naren Young of hot spots Public and La Esquina in NYC -- was made especially for the Partida Tequila bartender dinner held at Public on Monday, August 6th.

Mexican Sgroppino
Partida Blanco blended with limoncello, sparkling wine and apple and sage sorbet, finished with fennel pollen.

1 oz. Partida Blanco

¾ oz. Punt e mes (Classic Dry Vermouth)

2 tbsp. Vanilla berry compote

Moscato d'asti sparkling wine

Partida Gains Publicity Online

Evidence of the ever increasing awareness of Partida Tequila can be seen all over the Internet. Bloggers show their excitement of the brand by posting reviews and have even listed their own Partida Tequila cocktail creations.

A Grandiose Blog.com

American Madness.com

Gilded Fork.com

Classic Cocktails Get a New Twist with Tequila

"Every bartender knows that tequila is one of the world's most versatile spirits. Tequila can be used as a substitute for gin, bourbon and rum in many cocktails. Personally, I find it easy to work with tequila because of its extreme flexibility, the various taste profiles within different types and the three main categories of tequila: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.

The key to the successful substitution of tequila in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Martini, Old-Fashioned and the Mojito is simply being familiar with the various tastes, notes and nuances of the different tequilas. I am a big fan of some classics but tequila proves to be the perfect anecdote for refreshing them. You will be surprised how good a Martini can taste with a fruity Blanco, Lillet and a grapefruit twist. Try adding a blanco to a Mojito or even a Reposado to add extra depth to this Cuban classic. You will have an easy time making a delicious Manhattan or Old-Fashioned when you work with an añejo with deep oak tones.

So, don't settle for the old standards, spice up your classic cocktails with a bit of tequila."



Salud, Jacques