Tequila Fortaleza takes center stage in terms of great mouthfeel and natural sweetness. Whenever we have conversations with bartenders and tequila experts, it’s consistently mentioned as the ultimate tequila making it a unanimous choice for excellence.
For beginners, you’ll surely wonder how great Fortaleza is to be received such praise in the tequila industry. So, we did this Fortaleza tequila review to share with your our drinking experience.
In-Depth Fortaleza Tequila Review
Tequila Fortaleza, a masterpiece of the Sauza family, stands as a testament to their 150 years of expertise.
This artisanal gem is meticulously made from 100% Blue Weber agaves from the Tequila Valley using traditional methods, including slow-cooking agaves in brick ovens, open-air fermentation in open-air wooden tanks, and double-distilling in copper pots.
“Savor the essence of heritage in every Fortaleza Tequila sip.” – Liquor Laboratory
Available in Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo varieties, each tequila has its unique character with an alcohol content of 40% ABV.
The aged variants, aged up to five years using French oak barrels and American oak barrels, ooze unparalleled complexity and rich mouthfeel, while the Blanco embodies the pure essence of agaves.
Quick Facts
| Details | Fortaleza Tequila Blanco | Fortaleza Tequila Reposado | Fortaleza Tequila Anejo |
| NOM | 1493 | ||
| Distillery & Company | Fortaleza/La Fortaleza Distillery | ||
| Classification & Region | Blanco/Jalisco | Reposado/Jalisco | Anejo/Jalisco |
| ABV | 40% ABV | 40% ABV | 40% ABV |
| Age Statement | Unaged | 7 Months | 18-24 Months |
| Color | Clear | Pale Yellow | Gold |
| Star Rating | 4-Stars | ||
| Average Price | $57.98 | $69.29 | $95.19 |
Fun Fact: Don Cenobio Sauza, the “Father of Tequila,” is the great-great-grandfather of Guillermo Erickson Sauza, the fifth-generation family member and producer of family-owned Tequila Fortaleza.
Tequila Fortaleza Overview
Blanco
Fortaleza Blanco (80-proof) is one of the best bottles with the purest form of tequila. It boasts robust cooked agave notes, a delightful hint of green olives, and balanced sweetness.
It’s a good tequila, perfectly sippable with its ideal heat level. We recommend this for anyone seeking the full flavor of blue agave [1].
Reposado
Fortaleza Reposado (80-proof) strikes an impressive balance of agave essence and sweetness, enhanced by the bourbon barrel’s oaky notes.
It’s smooth, mellow, and low on heat, so we find it perfect for tequila enthusiasts. Also, we recommend enjoying this bottle neat or on the rocks to relish its distinct herbal notes.
Tip: You might want to avoid mixers to preserve its delicate, top-tier quality.
Anejo
This 80-proof Añejo stands among the great tequila Añejos we’ve tried, impressing us with its impeccable balance and gratifying finish.
With delightful warmth and a harmonious blend of flavors, it’s a remarkable option for enthusiasts seeking delicious tequila [2] with an agave-forward taste.
While these three agave spirits already deliver excellence, you can also try other bottle varieties like:
- Winter Blend 21, aged in ex-marsala wine and American oak casks
- Winter Blend 2022, aged in Hungarian oak barrels and ex-oloroso sherry casks
- Winter Blend 2020, aged in Frech and American oak barrels
- Winter Blend 2019, aged in Frech and American oak tanks
Fortaleza hasn’t produced an Extra Añejo yet, so we should watch out for that.
What Does Fortaleza Tequila Taste Like?
| Tasting Notes | Fortaleza Tequila Blanco | Fortaleza Tequila Reposado | Fortaleza Tequila Anejo |
| Nose | Cooked agave, citrus aromas | Cooked agave, butter, citrus, caramel | Caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, roasted agave |
| Palate | Citrus, basil, vanilla, olive, lime | Cooked agave, apple, citrus, vanilla | Agave, caramel, toffee, hazelnut |
| Color | Clear | Pale Yellow | Gold |
| Finish | Long, deep, complex | Long, spicy, oily, rich | Long and warm |
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila
Nose: Hints of green olives, cooked agave, orange, cinnamon, and lime are revealed on the nose.
Palate: Exudes a creamy body for a delightful mouthfeel, dominated by olive richness, complemented by blue agave’s sweetness, ripe fruit, mint, subtle saltiness, and a delicate black pepper sprinkle.
Color: Clear
Finish: A lasting finish with a peppery kick, hints of baking spices, anise, lingering agave notes, and satisfying warmth.
Fortaleza Reposado Tequila
Nose: This Reposado boasts a robust aroma reminiscent of bourbons and cognacs, exuding toasted agave, vanilla, oak, and floral notes.
Palate: Balanced taste of agave, olive, butterscotch, and oak, complemented by a mineral note and parmesan cheese; smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Color: Pale Yellow
Finish: Medium to long finish, warmly pleasant, with rich agave, oak, cinnamon, butter, vanilla, and a hint of black pepper.
Fortaleza Anejo Tequila
Nose: Aromas of caramel, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, and roasted agave evoke bourbon-like reminiscence
Palate: Abundant agave taste, balanced with hints of vanilla, butterscotch, and oak spice
Color: Gold
Finish: A lingering, warm finish spreads to the chest, showcasing blue agave, pineapple, caramel, and oak notes.
How Do You Drink Fortaleza Tequila?
Tequila Fortaleza is best savored neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its exquisite flavors and smoothness.
We discourage mixing it with other ingredients, as this exceptional spirit deserves to be enjoyed in its pure form. Drink slowly and let the rich agave profile unfold for an unforgettable drinking experience.
Our Thoughts
First Sip
Fortaleza Blanco impresses with a powerful cooked agave punch, balanced sweetness, and olive undertones. At the same time, the Reposado exudes a harmonious blend of sweet agave, vanilla, and butterscotch, with subtle oak spice.
Añejo boasts rich agave, pineapple, caramel, and oak flavors. On our first sip, Fortaleza’s Añejo shines with its captivating complexity and depth.
Read: Different Kinds of Tequila
Second Chance
On our second try, Fortaleza Blanco remains true to its agave essence with a delightful blend of vanilla and butterscotch notes. At the same time, the Reposado showcases a refined maturity, highlighting the oak influence alongside agave and subtle spice.
Añejo continues to impress with its intricate combination of flavors, making it the ultimate winner for its irresistible complexity and satisfying finish.
Why We Like It
- Exudes a rich agave flavor with a smooth and mellow taste
- Distinctive oaky notes, balanced sweet undertones, and captivating complexity
- Satisfying finish with an exceptional quality
- Versatile for sipping or on the rocks
- Highly regarded among enthusiasts for its unforgettable drinking experience
Drawbacks
- Comes at a relatively higher price
- Limited availability in some regions
- Not recommended for mixing due to delicate flavors
- May not suit those seeking lighter, less assertive spirits
Our Rating On Fortaleza Tequila
Tequila Fortaleza deserves 4 out of 5 stars for its unparalleled quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
Its rich agave flavor, balanced sugar notes, and delightful complexity provide an unforgettable tasting experience. Besides, we like its smooth, mellow profile with subtle oak notes adding to its allure.
While it may be relatively pricier than other spirits, this is a good tequila with superb taste and premium character.
It is a top-tier choice for tequila enthusiasts seeking the best Blanco, Reposado [3], and Añejo.
To Sip or To Skip?
We will definitely sip it, without a doubt. Tequila Fortaleza’s rich agave essence, delightful sweet notes, and balanced complexity make it a must-try for tequila connoisseurs and beginners alike.
“Tequila drinking, our minds will wander to wondrous places.” – Dave Matthews Band, Rock Band
Whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, its smooth and mellow profile, complemented by subtle oak notes, delivers an exceptional drinking experience.
If you opt to skip this brand, we have a range of alternatives for you, such as:
- Siete Leguas Reposado ($50-$60)
- Tapatio Excelencia Añejo ($60-$70)
- Ocho Single Estate Reposado ($50-$60)
- Don Fulano Añejo ($60-$70)
Is Fortaleza Tequila Worth It?
Yes, Fortaleza tequila is absolutely worth it. We find this tequila’s premium quality, authentic craftsmanship, and captivating flavor profile a standout choice if you’re seeking the best drinking experience.
The rich essence of agave [4], balanced sweetness, and satisfying complexity justify its higher price range.
So, if you’re like us who appreciate top-tier spirits, this is a worthy investment for its exceptional taste and premium character.
FAQs
Is Fortaleza tequila a sipping tequila?
Yes, Fortaleza tequila is an excellent sipping tequila. With its agave-forward flavor, smooth and mellow profile, and sugary notes, it’s perfect for savoring slowly and appreciating its intricate complexities.
Avoid mixing it with other ingredients to fully enjoy the authentic taste and craftsmanship that make it an exceptional sipping experience.
Why is Fortaleza tequila so popular?
Fortaleza tequila is popular due to its unmatched quality, traditional craftsmanship, and captivating flavor profile, which appeals to tequila enthusiasts seeking an authentic and exceptional drinking experience.
The brand’s dedication to preserving tradition and producing top-tier tequila has garnered a solid following and widespread acclaim.
What makes Fortaleza tequila unique?
Fortaleza Tequila is unique due to its commitment to traditional methods passed down through five generations of the Sauza family.
From slow-cooking agave in stone/brick ovens to double-distilling in copper pots, the craftsmanship ensures a rich agave flavor, balanced sweetness, and smoothness that sets it apart as an artisanal gem among tequilas.
Why is Fortaleza tequila so hard to get?
It’s hard to get Fortaleza tequila due to its small-batch production and commitment to traditional techniques. The brand prioritizes quality over quantity, resulting in a high demand that exceeds supply.
This exclusivity, coupled with its exceptional taste and craftsmanship, makes it challenging to procure in some regions.
Is Fortaleza tequila top-shelf?
Fortaleza tequila is considered top-shelf tequila due to its exceptional quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and rich flavor profile.
Its traditional production methods, premium ingredients, and dedication to preserving the tequila-making heritage have earned it a place among the finest tequilas sought after by discerning drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
What sets Fortaleza Tequila apart from other tequila brands?
Fortaleza Tequila stands out for its commitment to traditional production methods, including stone milling, brick oven roasting, and copper pot distillation, resulting in tequila with rich, complex flavors and a smooth finish.
What types of tequila does Fortaleza offer?
Fortaleza offers a range of tequila expressions, including blanco (unaged), reposado (aged), and añejo (extra-aged), each showcasing different characteristics and flavor profiles.
How is Fortaleza Tequila produced?
Fortaleza Tequila is produced using traditional methods, starting with harvesting mature agave plants by hand, followed by cooking the agave in brick ovens, crushing the cooked agave with a tahona stone mill, fermenting the juice, and finally distilling the tequila in small copper pot stills.
What are the flavor profiles of Fortaleza Tequila?
The flavor profiles of Fortaleza Tequila vary depending on the expression. Blanco tequila offers crisp and vibrant agave flavors, reposado tequila exhibits subtle oak and spice notes from aging in oak barrels, and añejo tequila features rich caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak flavors.
What is the reputation of Fortaleza Tequila among tequila enthusiasts?
Fortaleza Tequila enjoys a strong reputation among tequila enthusiasts for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and dedication to traditional production methods, making it highly sought after by those who appreciate premium tequila.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Fortaleza proves to be a top-tier gem worthy of its reputation. The Blanco variety impresses us with its powerful agave notes, the Reposado provides a harmonious blend of flavors, and Añejo shines with complexity.
Each variety showcases craftsmanship and distinctive flavors that cater to different preferences. While relatively pricier, Fortaleza justifies the investment with an exceptional drinking experience worth exploring.
References:
- https://www.kew.org/plants/blue-agave
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/jordilippemcgraw/2020/05/05/4-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-tequila/
- https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a24413/reposado-facts-0913/
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Agave
