Another entry into our Community Favorites series, and this time a deviation from wine and into spirits!
Tequila lovers are fortunate to have a producer like Fortaleza. Not only do they represent tradition and authenticity in a category that often treats those terms as marketing add-ons, the tequila has stood the test of time as one of the most delicious offerings on the market.
The company was built bottle by bottle as founder Guillermo Erickson Sauza worked the market with no support from distributors or even the benefit of the robust tequila culture we enjoy today. As his own brand ambassador, he was able to build a loyal following of bartenders and spirits aficionados until this became the most sought after tequila on the market.
The tequila is produced the old way: in a steam-engine-powered brick oven, using a stone milling wheel (tahona), open wooden fermentation vats, and small, copper pot stills before being poured into handmade glass bottles.
It’s a true artisanal product that is worthy of time and attention.
Fortaleza Blanco
This tequila is a gorgeous expression of pure cooked
agave but is rounded out by notes of black pepper, ripe citrus, and olive brine. The brine can be overwhelming at first but quickly mellows in the bottle after opening. The feeling on the palate is smooth and rich with a long finish. A fantastic, but highly allocated tequila.
Fortaleza Anejo
This is one of the best smelling tequilas there is. It’s sweet with all the expected baking notes (caramel and vanilla) but the overwhelming note is perfectly cooked agave and a light bit of citrus that is mirrored on the palate. This is delicious start to finish.
See what’s available here.
