If you’re already familiar with Fortaleza Tequila, then you know this tequila doesn’t need to be introduced. This one-of-a-kind tequila carries an extraordinary legacy that has lasted over five generations and began nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. To be familiar with this tequila makes you one of the best.
Fortaleza is one of the best types of sipping tequilas on the market, and it’s not just some of the best critics saying so. If you’ve held a conversation with any bartender across the country, they’ll tell you that Fortaleza is known as the tequila par excellence.
It’s incredible that one brand can receive even the highest praise from parties of all kinds. Today, we’re going to cover three types of Fortaleza Tequila to help you determine which one is best to buy.
The Best Fortaleza Tequila to Buy
Below are the three best types of Fortaleza Tequila you can choose from.
1. Fortaleza Reposado Tequila 750ml
This type of tequila is light in color, similar to a white peach tea. As for its nose, you’ll immediately notice the familiar smell of cookie dough, caramel, and agave syrup right off the bat. After you’ve completed a few swirls, you’ll notice the presence of a white peach note in combination with the agave before it comes together with cinnamon and a hint of butter.
This tequila is exceptionally well-integrated as you nose longer compared to the blanco, which we’ll cover later on. Fortaleza Tequila is much more mellow but still highly enticing.
On the palate, you’ll notice cinnamon and butter at first taste, making your mouth water, in combination with its agave, cinnamon, and, shockingly, Parmesan cheese the Parmesan cheese flavor you’ll receive on the back end. The influence of oak is integrated, labeling this a well-rounded pour with a gentle finish.
While you may notice various flavors with Fortaleza Tequila Blanco, the Reposado simply has more flavors that blend well together, making this tequila more approachable. Despite the Reposado being priced higher when compared to the others, the flavor is enjoyable.
2. Fortaleza Tequila Blanco
Next up, we have Fortaleza Tequila Blanco, coming from NOM 1943, using one hundred percent blue weber agave that is sourced directly from Tequila Valley. This tequila is cooked in a stone and brick oven, using steam and grounded with a tahona stone wheel that is larger than copper pots. This tequila is 80-proof and crystal clear in color.
The nose of Blanco has the aroma of black pepper, green olives, star anise, and honeydew melon. As these scents make their way out of your glass, they make more room for lighter notes of herbal tea, orange oil, and cooked agave. Every aroma is built on the orange, melon, olive, and agave.
As for the mouth, you’ll immediately notice black pepper, star anise, and green olive as the most noticeable on your palate. While it has a faint citrus flavor, on the middle of the tongue, you’ll notice an earthiness of potting soil, although it quickly diminishes, allowing for the flavor or mint to approach.
The concluding sip then has parts of vanilla that linger throughout its finish. Fortaleza Tequila Blanco delivers in every way that it possibly can, from its first aroma to the last drop. With price in mind, this type of tequila isn’t cheap, but it’s well worth the cost.
3. Fortaleza Tequila Winter Blend 2022
Last up, we have Fortaleza Tequila’s limited edition of Winter Blend. Their expression is similar to the tequilas above, but it’s aged separately using American oak barrels, old Oloroso barrels, and Tokaji barrels. It’s worth mentioning that the expression is also aged using French oak barrels. The limited-edition winter blend is then bottled at 87 proof and sold for around $359.
4. Fortaleza Anejo Tequila 750ml
Fortaleza Anejo Tequila is a handcrafted spirit, meticulously produced using time-honored techniques passed down for more than 140 years. It undergoes an 18-month aging process in American Whiskey barrels, developing a rich and complex flavor profile. Expect notes of cooked agave, sweet butter, butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, citrus, dried fruit, tropical fruit, and spices such as cinnamon, white pepper, cloves, and nuts. The extended aging period also adds a comforting earthy warmth to the tequila.
At first glance, the color of the winter blend is slightly darker than the Reposado. On its nose, you’ll notice caramel and popcorn immediately as they pave the way for the cooked agave, melted butter, and candied walnuts. In addition, it has a peach aroma to finish it off.
It’s much more expressive when compared to the other tequilas and is more complex, making its nose more pleasing than the others.
As for its mouth, you’ll surprisingly notice fruity flavors with caramel and butter white peach. Afterward comes the vanilla ice cream and melted butter, in addition to hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It has flavors of sweetness that remain on the back burner, along with an oaky presence with a more significant bite on its finish.
The limited-edition winter blend manages to live up to the standard of Reposado but passes it several spots, making more of an impression with both its aroma and flavors. There’s nothing to dislike about the winter blend, as it has a fantastic balance of flavor that clearly passes its predecessor. While its price is on the steeper side, for some tequila fanatics, it may seem well worth it.
You’d be lucky to find it priced at around $150, which would be on the low end. While the winter blend is a fan favorite, the value is something to appreciate.
Best Fortaleza Tequila: FAQ
1. Why is it so hard to find Fortaleza Tequila?
It’s challenging to find Fortaleza Tequila because it’s one of the most sought-after spirits and is a traditionally made brand. It also has a high cost due to its high demand since more people have discovered it more than a year ago.
2. What is so special about Fortaleza Tequila?
This tequila is exceptional because it uses old-world machinery and processes to create a tequila that’s one of a kind. Fortaleza will show you what the tequila was like before it was processed and sped up due to efficiency.
3. Is Fortaleza Mexican-owned?
Founded in 2005, Fortaleza is an authentic Mexican brand of tequila that has a history dating back to 1873. Don Cenobio, who was the great grandfather of Guillermo Sauza, who allowed for the exportation from Mexico to the United States.
