Fortaleza Añejo

Why is Fortaleza Añejo one of the most sought-after tequilas on the market?

Finding a bottle can feel damn near impossible. And if you do happen to find one, you might wonder whether it’s worth the price. It got me thinking. What are we judging here? The tequila in the glass, the hype around the bottle, or the whole experience? There’s more to this bottle for me.

Fortaleza, or Los Abuelos as it’s called in Mexico, has always intrigued me.

One of the cool things about the brand is that I’ve never known them to pay influencers. They’ve invited bartenders from all walks of life, working in all kinds of bars, to experience the distillery. I was lucky enough to be one of them back in 2021.

As a bartender, I know that’s the kind of experience that makes you want to go back to your bar and tell everyone about it. To me, that’s the smartest kind of marketing.

The tequila is made at Destilería La Fortaleza (NOM 1493), a small distillery on a family estate in Tequila, Jalisco. They crush all of their cooked agave with a tahona, a traditional stone wheel. It’s one of the artisanal touches that has always made Fortaleza stand out.

Guillermo Sauza wanted to make tequila the way his abuelos did. Hearing him talk about his family in his raspy voice is one of my favorite parts of visiting. It’s a place I find myself going back to often.

Then there’s the bottle.

Some are still hand-blown, and I love the little details, from the hand-painted agave topper to the artwork that ties back to the family. Look closely at the añejo label and you’ll see the family estate, the agave fields, and a miniature Golden Gate Bridge that’s actually on the property.

I can never seem to toss the empties. There are so many ways to repurpose them, and I always keep the toppers.

Fortaleza uses lote numbers and letters to identify the batch and expression.
For this review, I tasted Lote 59-A, the 59th batch of añejo.

Aromas — Fresh oak, leather, baking spices, and a hint of stone fruit.

Flavor — Warm spices, oak, soft notes of caramel, and a touch of barrel char.

Finish — Cinnamon and allspice linger, with a little tingle on the palate.

I think Fortaleza Añejo lives up to the hype. It’s a beautiful añejo that goes down smoothly, and knowing the story behind it makes it even more meaningful to me.

Would I pay some of the prices I’ve seen in the U.S.? I’d think twice. If you get a chance to go, check what’s available at the distillery. I think every tequila lover owes themselves a visit.

More from Fortaleza: All of our Fortaleza coverage, including reviews, lists, scores, and more.