Fortaleza distillery

Introduction to Fortaleza

A Distillery with a Passion for Craftsmanship

Fortaleza is a renowned Mexican tequila distillery that epitomizes traditional craftsmanship and authenticity in every bottle. Located in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, this distillery stands as a testament to the preservation of time-honored methods in an industry increasingly dominated by industrial production.

The distillery’s commitment to traditional techniques results in a tequila that captures the true essence of blue agave. Each step of the process is meticulously executed by hand, from harvesting to bottling, creating spirits with exceptional character and depth.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Fortaleza

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that maintain authenticity while delivering exceptional quality. Fortaleza stands out by adhering to traditional tequila-making methods that many producers have abandoned, including the use of a tahona stone wheel to crush agave and small copper pot stills for distillation.

The result is a tequila that speaks honestly of its terroir and craftsmanship—offering a pure expression of agave that has captivated tequila enthusiasts around the world. When you taste Fortaleza, you’re experiencing tequila as it was meant to be.

The History of Fortaleza

Origins and Development

Fortaleza has roots that stretch back to the very origins of commercial tequila production. The distillery was founded by Guillermo Erickson Sauza, fifth-generation descendent of Don Cenobio Sauza—who established the first tequila export business in the 1870s.

After his family sold the famous Sauza brand in 1976, Guillermo dreamed of returning to his great-great-grandfather’s traditional methods. In the late 1990s, he restored his grandfather’s old distillery and launched Fortaleza (originally called Los Abuelos in the US) in 2005, reviving techniques that had been all but forgotten in modern tequila production.

The People Behind It

Today, the distillery remains family-owned and operated with Guillermo Erickson Sauza at the helm, dedicated to preserving his family’s legacy. The small team of skilled craftspeople at Fortaleza shares a profound commitment to quality and tradition, many having worked with agave for generations.

Each member of the Fortaleza family contributes to maintaining the distillery’s unwavering standard of excellence. Their collective expertise ensures that every bottle represents the pinnacle of artisanal tequila production.

Craftsmanship and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Production at Fortaleza begins with mature blue agave plants, typically 7-8 years old, harvested from the highlands of Jalisco. The jimadores carefully remove the spiny leaves to extract the piña (the heart of the agave plant), which is then slow-roasted in traditional stone ovens for approximately 36 hours.

What truly sets Fortaleza apart is the use of a tahona—a large volcanic stone wheel that slowly crushes the cooked agave to extract its juice and flavors. This labor-intensive process, powered by a small tractor today (but traditionally by donkeys), creates a richer, more complex tequila than modern industrial methods.

The extracted juice ferments naturally with wild yeasts in open wooden vats, a process that can take up to five days, allowing for the development of complex flavor compounds. Distillation takes place in small copper pot stills, capturing the true essence of the agave.

Maturation and Aging

Fortaleza produces several expressions with varying maturation periods. Their Blanco is rested for 14 days before bottling, allowing the flavors to harmonize. The Reposado ages for 6-9 months in American oak barrels, while the Añejo matures for 2-3 years, developing rich complexity while maintaining the essential agave character.

The limited Still Strength expression is bottled directly from the still at a higher proof, showcasing the raw intensity of their production methods. Each batch varies slightly, reflecting the artisanal nature of the process and the seasonal variations in the agave.

Selected Products from Fortaleza

Fortaleza Blanco – The Purest Expression

This unaged tequila perfectly represents Fortaleza’s traditional methodology. Bright, vibrant agave notes shine through with hints of olive, citrus, and a distinctive minerality. The mouthfeel is remarkably rich and creamy for a blanco, with a long, pepper-tinged finish that speaks to its artisanal production.

This expression serves as an excellent introduction to what makes traditionally-produced tequila so special, showcasing the pure character of blue agave unmarked by barrel influence.

Fortaleza Añejo – A Study in Patience

After aging for 2-3 years in American oak, this expression achieves remarkable complexity while maintaining its agave soul. Notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and citrus peel are balanced by cinnamon, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. The extended aging creates a velvety texture with a warming finish.

This is a tequila for contemplative sipping—an expression that rewards patience and attention with layers of flavor that continue to evolve in the glass.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Fortaleza offers intimate tours of their historic distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. Visitors can witness every step of the traditional process, from the roasting of agave in stone ovens to the crushing of the tahona wheel and the copper pot distillation.

Tours typically conclude with tastings of their core expressions, offering a unique opportunity to experience these artisanal tequilas in their birthplace. The distillery’s charming setting, with its blue agave fields and historic buildings, provides a glimpse into tequila’s rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fortaleza?

Fortaleza is a small, traditional tequila distillery focused on producing 100% blue agave tequila using methods that have largely disappeared from modern production. Their approach emphasizes handcrafted quality, traditional tools like the tahona stone wheel, and small-batch distillation that creates remarkably authentic and flavorful spirits.

Where is Fortaleza Located?

The distillery is located in the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico—the birthplace of tequila production and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region’s volcanic soil, climate, and elevation create ideal conditions for growing blue agave, imparting distinctive terroir characteristics to Fortaleza’s products.

What Distinguishes Fortaleza?

Fortaleza is especially known for its unwavering commitment to traditional production methods. Unlike most modern tequila producers, they use a tahona stone to crush their agave, copper pot stills for distillation, and allow for natural, open-air fermentation. Their bottles are also distinctive—hand-blown in Mexico with a unique raised design and sealed with wax.

Where Can I Buy Tequila from Fortaleza?

You can find selected bottles from Fortaleza at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the finest expressions from this esteemed distillery, including their core range and occasional special releases. Our curated collection gives you access to these exceptional artisanal tequilas that represent the pinnacle of traditional production.