Fortaleza Tequila stands as one of the most respected and traditional tequila brands in the world. With a history dating back to 1873, it remains true to the old ways of making tequila, unlike many modern brands that use shortcuts and artificial additives. Fortaleza has gained a massive following, not just among tequila experts but also among those who appreciate pure, high-quality spirits.
Many people struggle to find a bottle of Fortaleza because demand has skyrocketed. Retailers often run out of stock, and even in Mexico, it has become difficult to buy. Why has Fortaleza Tequila become so popular?
What makes it different from other brands? How is it made? This article breaks down everything you need to know about Fortaleza Tequila, its history, production process, and why people love it so much.
The Origins of Fortaleza Tequila
Fortaleza Tequila has deep roots in the tequila industry. The family behind it, the Cenobio family, has played a major role in shaping tequila history. They were involved in some of the most important developments in tequila production, including:
- Shortening the original name mezcal de tequila to just tequila
- Helping establish tequila as Mexicoโs national drink
- Contributing to the official recognition of tequila as a protected product in 1996
The distillery that makes Fortaleza Tequila sits on an 80-acre piece of land in Tequila, Jalisco, overlooking its competitors. It originally operated until 1968 before being shut down and turned into a museum.
However, in 1999, the family decided to bring the distillery back to life, keeping the same traditional methods. By 2005, the first new bottles of Fortaleza Tequila hit the market.
Why Did the Name Change?
Fortaleza Tequila was originally sold under the name Los Abuelos in Mexico. However, when the company wanted to expand into the United States, they ran into legal trouble. A rum company called Ron Abuelo sued them, forcing them to change their name. Thatโs how Fortaleza was born, but in Mexico, many still refer to it as Los Abuelos Tequila.
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What Makes Fortaleza Tequila Special?
Many tequila brands take shortcuts. They use chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and other additives to change the flavor and appearance of their tequila. Some even use diffusers, a type of machine that speeds up the tequila-making process but removes a lot of the natural flavors.
Fortaleza does not cut corners. The company follows the same slow, traditional process used for centuries. This commitment to tradition is one of the biggest reasons why tequila lovers consider Fortaleza one of the best.
How Fortaleza Tequila Is Made?
Fortaleza sticks to old-school tequila-making techniques. Every part of the process is done with care, which is why the tequila tastes so smooth and natural. Hereโs how Fortaleza is made:
Cooking the Agave
The process starts with carefully selected blue weber agave plants, which take about seven years to mature. Instead of cooking them in fast, industrial ovens, Fortaleza slowly bakes the agave in traditional brick ovens. This method brings out the natural sweetness of the plant.
Crushing the Agave
After cooking, the agave is crushed using a huge stone mill called a tahona. In the past, a donkey would pull the mill around to crush the agave, but now a small tractor does the job. This slow process extracts the juices while preserving the agaveโs natural flavors.
Fermentation
Instead of using steel tanks, Fortaleza ferments its agave juice in open-air wooden casks. This allows natural yeast from the environment to interact with the liquid, giving the tequila unique flavors.
Distillation
The fermented liquid is distilled twice in small copper pot stills. This old method keeps more of the tequilaโs natural taste and creates a richer, smoother spirit.
Aging
For reposado and aรฑejo tequilas, Fortaleza uses French oak and American white oak barrels. The aging process gives the tequila deep flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Water Source
Fortaleza uses both deep well water and natural spring water to create the perfect balance of minerals and purity.
Types of Fortaleza Tequila
Fortaleza makes different types of tequila to suit different tastes. Each one has a unique character:
- Fortaleza Blanco โ Pure and unaged, showcasing the true flavors of agave.
- Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength โ A stronger version of the Blanco with a higher alcohol content.
- Fortaleza Reposado โ Aged in oak barrels for up to 11 months, adding hints of vanilla and spice.
- Fortaleza Aรฑejo โ Aged for up to 3 years, creating a smooth, rich flavor.
- Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend โ A special limited edition aged in unique barrels.
Why Is Fortaleza Tequila Hard to Find?
Fortaleza has become extremely popular in recent years, and demand is much higher than supply. Many retailers struggle to keep it in stock because fans buy multiple bottles as soon as they hit the shelves. Some key reasons why itโs hard to find include:
- Traditional production methods take time. Unlike mass-produced brands, Fortaleza does not rush the process.
- No artificial shortcuts. Every bottle is made with real craftsmanship, which limits how much they can produce.
- A growing fanbase. Online communities, tequila review websites, and social media groups have helped spread the word.
Even in Mexico, getting a bottle of Los Abuelos (the local name) can be a challenge. Some collectors even hunt for rare bottles, making it even tougher for casual buyers to find one.
Visiting the Fortaleza Distillery
For those who truly love tequila, visiting the Fortaleza distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, is a must. It is ranked as the #1 tequila distillery tour out of over 100 distilleries in the area. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and costs around $35 USD (700 MXN pesos). Visitors get to see the entire process, taste different tequilas, and enjoy snacks.
The distillery has a cave (cava) that was once a presentation room but is now used for tastings and events. To visit, reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Booking directly through the Fortaleza website is the best option to avoid overpaying through third-party sellers.
The Iconic Fortaleza Bottle
One of the most recognizable features of Fortaleza Tequila is its bottle. Each bottle is hand-blown, keeping the tradition of handmade craftsmanship alive. The bottle top is shaped like an agave piรฑa, with leaves cut in the style of a traditional agave harvesterโs tool, known as a corta de jima.
Some recent bottles may not have the small scar from the glass-blowing process, leading some fans to wonder if all bottles are still handmade. However, Fortaleza has confirmed that they still follow their traditional approach.
Final Thoughts
Fortaleza Tequila stands as one of the few brands that refuse to compromise on quality. In an industry full of mass production and shortcuts, Fortaleza sticks to traditional methods that produce a truly authentic tequila.
Its growing popularity has made it difficult to find, but those lucky enough to get a bottle know that the wait is worth it. With its rich history, handcrafted approach, and pure flavor, Fortaleza Tequila remains one of the finest tequilas available today.