Fortaleza Tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo Varieties

Fortaleza Tequila has deep roots in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco, (a small town in Jalisco, Mexico) where the Sauza family has been producing tequila for over five generations. The brand's history dates back to 1873 when Don Cenobio Sauza, a pioneering figure in the tequila industry, established his first distillery. His legacy continued with his descendants, who have upheld the family's dedication to traditional tequila-making methods. Learn more about this brand with Pascale's Liquors, located at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090.

History and Background of Fortaleza Tequila

In 2002, Guillermo Sauza, fifth-generation Sauza family member, revived the family’s original distillery and named it Fortaleza, which translates to "fortitude" or "strength" in Spanish. This name symbolizes the resilience and commitment of the Sauza family to preserve the authentic methods of tequila production. Fortaleza Tequila is crafted in the same distillery using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each bottle captures the rich heritage and artisanal craftsmanship of the Sauza family.

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila: Pure and Unadulterated

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila is the essence of pure agave. It is bottled immediately after distillation, preserving the fresh, vibrant flavors of the blue agave plant. The nose is filled with citrus and floral notes, while the palate reveals a crisp, clean taste with hints of sweet agave, lemon, and a slight peppery finish. This unaged tequila is perfect for those who appreciate the raw, unaltered character of agave.

Product Information

100% blue agave, traditional brick ovens, tahona-crushed, copper pot stills

Nose: Citrus, floral notes, fresh agave
Palate: Crisp, clean taste with hints of sweet agave, lemon, peppery finish
Finish: Smooth, lingering, with a touch of pepper
ABV: 40%

Fortaleza Tequila Añejo: Deep and Luxurious

For those who crave depth and sophistication, Fortaleza Tequila Añejo is the epitome of luxury. Aged for up to three years in oak barrels, this añejo tequila boasts a deep amber hue and a luxurious flavor profile. The nose is rich with aromas of dried fruit, toasted nuts, and dark chocolate, while the palate delivers a symphony of flavors, including rich caramel, baked agave, and a hint of cinnamon. This tequila is best enjoyed slowly, savoring each sip to fully appreciate its complexity.

Product Information

100% blue agave, traditional brick ovens, tahona-crushed, copper pot stills.
Aged up to 3 years in oak barrels.

Nose: Dried fruit, toasted nuts, dark chocolate
Palate: Rich caramel, baked agave, hint of cinnamon
Finish: Luxurious, long-lasting with deep caramel and subtle spice notes
ABV: 40%

Fortaleza Tequila Reposado: Balanced and Refined

Fortaleza Tequila Reposado is aged for up to nine months in American oak barrels, which impart a gentle oakiness that complements the natural agave flavors. The result is a balanced tequila with a rich, golden color and a complex bouquet of aromas, including butterscotch, caramel, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, you'll find a harmonious blend of sweet agave, oak, and a hint of spice, making it an ideal choice for sipping neat or in sophisticated cocktails.

Product Information

100% blue agave, traditional brick ovens, tahona-crushed, copper pot stills
Aged up to 9 months in American oak barrels

Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, gentle oakiness
Palate: Harmonious blend of sweet agave, oak, and a hint of spice
Finish: Balanced, with a warm, smooth oak and spice aftertaste
ABV: 40%

The Craftsmanship Behind Fortaleza Tequila

Tequila Fortaleza is produced in Tequila, Jalisco, at NOM 1493, under the stewardship of the Sauza family, who have been crafting tequila for five generations. The production process is steeped in tradition, preserving methods that date back to the 19th century. Each step in the production process is carefully executed to ensure the highest quality tequila.

Feature	Fortaleza Tequila	Low Quality/Mass-Produced Tequila
Agave	100% blue agave from the Tequila Valley	Often mixed with other sugars or agave from various regions
Harvesting	Hand-harvested agave plants	Mechanically harvested
Cooking	Slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens for up to 36 hours	Cooked in large industrial autoclaves for speed
Crushing	Tahona-crushed agave	Mechanically crushed
Fermentation	Natural yeast in small wooden vats	Industrial fermentation with added yeast and chemicals
Distillation	Copper pot stills	Large column stills
Annual Production	Limited quantities to maintain quality	Mass-produced for high volume and low cost
Nose (Blanco)	Citrus, floral notes, fresh agave	Often harsh, with chemical or artificial notes
Palate (Blanco)	Crisp, clean taste with hints of sweet agave, lemon, slight peppery finish	Lacks complexity, often rough with artificial sweetness
Finish (Blanco)	Smooth, lingering, with a touch of pepper	Short, often unpleasant with a rough aftertaste
Nose (Reposado)	Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, gentle oakiness	Mild oak, often with artificial caramel notes
Palate (Reposado)	Harmonious blend of sweet agave, oak, and a hint of spice	Unbalanced, with overpowering artificial flavors
Finish (Reposado)	Balanced, with a warm, smooth oak and spice aftertaste	Short, with a harsh or artificial aftertaste
Nose (Añejo)	Dried fruit, toasted nuts, dark chocolate	Mild, with artificial vanilla or caramel notes
Palate (Añejo)	Rich caramel, baked agave, hint of cinnamon	Unbalanced, often overly sweet with artificial flavors
Finish (Añejo)	Luxurious, long-lasting with deep caramel and subtle spice notes	Short, with an unrefined or artificial finish

Finding Tequila Fortaleza Near You

Locating a bottle of Fortaleza Tequila near you can be hard - especially with it now being on par with finding a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. Search for "Tequila Fortaleza near me" to discover local availability.

Understanding Tequila Fortaleza Price

While Fortaleza Tequila commands a premium price, it is a reflection of its quality and the traditional methods used in its production. Prices vary depending on the expression and location, but if you are lucky enough to find it at MSRP, you can expect to pay around $50-$60 for the Blanco, $70-$80 for the Reposado, and $100-$120 for the Añejo. However, in many cases it can now go for more than 3-4x the retail price (if you can even find it...).

Try Fortaleza Tequila Today!

Each expression, from the vibrant Blanco to the complex Reposado and the luxurious Añejo, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to tradition that define the Fortaleza brand. Whether you're a seasoned tequila enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Fortaleza Tequila promises an unparalleled tasting experience that honors the rich heritage of tequila making. Explore the flavors and savor the exceptional quality that is Fortaleza Tequila by visiting Pascale's Liquors at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090, online at https://pascalesliquor.com/ or call (315) 701-0781.