Fortaleza Reposado

Tequila Fortaleza was launched in 2005 by fifth-generation distiller Guillermo Erickson Sauza. Guillermo restored his family’s historic small distillery into the producer of a craft, traditional, globally sought-after brand.

The tequila is sold in Mexico as Los Abuelos (meaning “Grandfathers”) and branded as Fortaleza for international markets because of a trademark conflict.

Fun fact: Each Fortaleza bottle produced honors the Los Abuelos name, which is etched on the bottle beneath its paper label.

Produced in Tequila, Jalisco, Los Abuelos/Fortaleza is made using traditional production methods: brick ovens, volcanic-stone tahona, open-air fermentation, and copper pot stills.

Fortaleza has become one of the most authentic representations of classic tequila-making today. It is incredibly popular and sought-after, with retailers often marking up prices substantially.

I had the opportunity to chat with Guillermo, and I asked him to share something he’d like people to know about his family or distillery. His response:

“I am very honored to be walking in the footsteps of my grandfathers. Very few people get the opportunity to do what their great-great grandfather was doing, and we get to do it the same way that he did. Our whole team here at Tequila Los Abuelos thanks all our supporters for their loyalty. It is now 20 years since we produced our first bottle, and we hope to continue for generations to come.”

Each batch of Fortaleza Reposado is slightly different, as is true of any brand that uses only agave, water, and yeast, without mellowing agents. Lote 5R is one of Guillermo’s favorites. Lote 27R is Fortaleza’s highest-rated reposado on Agave Matchmaker, with a score of 96 points.

Fortaleza also produces single-barrel and special reposados. One of my favorite Fortaleza reposados is Amor y Perros—a special project honoring perros (dogs), which is near and dear to Guillermo’s heart, as well as mine.

They have also produced their Winter Blend reposados since 2019, which have become highly sought-after.

For this reposado from the core lineup, I used a Chisholm Trail Jarrito. I poured the tequila into the glass and let it sit for 20 minutes to open up.

Aroma: It evolves as it sits—light barrel spice, cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, pepper, citrus, minerality, vegetal notes, and fruit.

Palate: Cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, baking spice, a little whiskey, citrus, and cinnamon; anise and berries came through as it opened.

Finish: A little heat, with barrel spice, fruit, and brown sugar on the finish.

Overall, this is a well-balanced, easy-sipping tequila that evolves as it opens. Let it sit and breathe for the most enjoyment.

Fortaleza never disappoints. Happy sipping!

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