Tequila Fortaleza Reposado (80 proof)

Tequila Fortaleza Reposado (80 proof)

Item Number: 4733

UPC: 7-502221967108

Country: Mexico
Region: Jalisco
Sub Region: Jalisco
Appellation/AVA: El Valle (Lowlands)
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Grape(s): 100% Agave Tequilana Blue Weber
Type: Spirits - Tequila
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 40

Agave Source: Tequila Valley
Agave Sugar: 100% Blue Weber
Cooking Method: Stone/brick oven; 34 hours
Crushing Method: 100% stone crushed
Fermentation: Open-air wood tanks
Distillation: Double distilled
Still Style: Copper pot
Water Source: Natural spring (Tequila Valley)
Bottles: Hand-blown in Mexico
Aging: 8 months in used bourbon American oak

Tasting Notes: Spun, liquid gold in a glass, Fortaleza invites you to drink with aromas that imply raisins, figs, roasted nuts, caramelized agave honey, fragile earth, lemon butter and graceful cinnamon. The flavors do not disappoint, swimming in an oily mouthfeel, with no bitterness that initially show dried fruit and enlarge to graciously include agave, toasted wood, luxurious baking spice and handsome minerals. The finish is vibrant and lively, with lingering residual spice. The art of balancing the wood influence with the fresh nuances of the blanco is a grand achievement in a reposado, and Fortaleza is a fantastic example of this harmonious balance.

Featured in Decanter Jan 2021 article Eight of the best Reposado Tequilas to try
"The tiny distillery of Fortaleza in Tequila town is a living history of how Tequila used to be made, with everything imaginable done by hand. The reposado is aged in American oak, with the length of ageing stated on the bottle of each batch. The oak’s influence is clear with vanilla fudge ringing out, along with sweet agave characters. Ripe peach and nectarines are underlaid with an earthy terracotta note and dusty tannins."

Portland Examiner by Hoke Harden
"It never ceases to amaze what a few months of resting in oak containers will do to a blanco. This is softened, mellowed, with a just-right addition of caramel oak, and perhaps a slight hint of butterscotch; this is profound reposado, and it hits just the right balance between the purity of the agave and the feather-light touch of soft oak. This is tequila to sip slowly, and linger over, and think pleasant thoughts. Easily one of the finest reposados I have ever had---and I’ve had quite a few."

Grover Sanschagrin, Tequila Matchmaker
"Without question, one of the best tequilas ever made. When we run out of this at home we immediately replace it."

Men's Journal 2013
"Fortaleza is, to us, perfection."

Reviews

  • The Tasting Panel
    Rating: 96 (1/15/2022)
    A rush of caramel, pear nectar, and honeysuckle inspires. The agave here is unmasked, yet without heat or astringency. Sandalwood and jasmine are soft and graceful on the finish.
  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: (7/31/2024)

    Fortaleza is on the Mount Rushmore of tequila producers. They have 150 years of classic tequila distillation, with recipes and techniques they still use to this day. The reposado carries a delicate hand, allowing the agave to shine through while adding a touch of the barrel aging to complement.