Fortaleza Añejo – 100% De Agave, 40%

Introduction

Fortaleza Tequila is rooted in more than five generations of family tradition and is produced at the historic La Fortaleza hacienda in Tequila, Jalisco – one of the oldest and most respected distilleries in Mexico. It is a tequila that honours the past without compromising on today’s demands for quality and complexity.

Production Method

• Ingredients: 100% blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana), grown in the Jalisco region of Mexico and hand-harvested by experienced jimadores at optimal maturity – typically after 7–10 years.
• Distillation Process: The agave piñas are steam-cooked in traditional brick ovens (hornos), followed by milling with an authentic tahona stone pulled by a mule. Fermentation takes place in open wooden vats, and the spirit is distilled twice in copper pot stills.
• Maturation: Fortaleza Añejo is aged in used American oak barrels (ex-bourbon), typically for a period of over 12 months, which lends it its characteristic depth and complexity.
• Special Techniques: The traditional tahona milling preserves the agave’s natural fibres and juices, and the slow, natural fermentation process ensures an authentic and nuanced flavour profile that stands apart from industrially produced tequila.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and inviting, with prominent notes of honey, vanilla and dark caramel, supported by freshly cooked agave, subtle spice nuances of cinnamon and a hint of oak.
• Palate: Full-bodied and well-textured with a remarkable balance – sweet honey and cinnamon weave elegantly together with the fresh, slightly herbal agave flavour, accompanied by notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate and a hint of smoke.
• Finish: Long and warm, with lingering notes of cinnamon, vanilla and cooked agave – a rare harmony that leaves the palate satisfied and eager for another sip.

Serving Suggestions

• Serving Temperature: Room temperature or slightly chilled to 16–18°C to best highlight the complex aromas and flavours.
• Glassware: A tulip-shaped snifter or a Glencairn glass is recommended to concentrate the aromas and provide the finest tasting experience.
• Serving Ideas: Fortaleza Añejo is best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the nuanced layers of flavour without unnecessarily diluting the complexity.
• Food Pairings: Perfect alongside dark chocolate, aged cheese, churros with caramel dip, or as an accompaniment to a classic Mexican mole dish. It also works beautifully as a digestif after a fine meal.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
• Bottle Size: 70 cl
• Country/Region of Origin: Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
• Certifications/Awards: Fortaleza is recognised by leading tequila experts and spirits competitions around the world, and has received high scores in international evaluations for its traditional production methods and exceptional quality.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Fortaleza Añejo is not merely an aged tequila – it is the result of masterful craftsmanship, where the agave’s natural freshness and the barrel’s rich contribution merge in a symbiosis that very few tequila producers manage to achieve.

Produced in limited quantities with an unwavering respect for traditional artisan methods, Fortaleza Añejo is a tequila that is not always easy to come by – and one that should be savoured whenever the opportunity arises.

With five generations of expertise and an uncompromising focus on quality over quantity, Fortaleza has established itself as one of the foremost authorities in handcrafted premium tequila worldwide.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Fortaleza Añejo has been celebrated by tequila enthusiasts, bartenders and spirits experts from Tokyo to New York as an indisputable example of what Mexican distilling artistry can achieve at its very highest level.

Once you have experienced the rare balance between the agave’s freshness and the depth of barrel ageing in Fortaleza Añejo, it is difficult to imagine an añejo tequila that could replace it – it is an experience you return to time and time again.

This consistent recognition from the most discerning connoisseurs is no coincidence – it is a direct result of the distillery’s uncompromising approach to every single step of the production process.

From Fortaleza to You

Behind every bottle of Fortaleza Añejo lies a family dynasty’s steadfast dedication to sharing the finest of Mexican artisan tradition with the world – a gift distilled across generations and refined with a deep love of the craft.

Fortaleza is a distillery with a soul and a story that is impossible not to admire – one that transforms every single glass into more than just a drink, but a moment of genuine connection with a living cultural tradition.

Let Fortaleza Añejo take you on a journey to the heart of Jalisco – pour a glass, savour the moment and discover for yourself why this tequila has won the hearts of spirits lovers the world over.