Fortaleza Tequila Reposado

Fortaleza Tequila Reposado shines when sipped neat or with a large ice cube, allowing its complex agave flavors and subtle oak notes to unfold on the palate. This versatile spirit also excels in stirred cocktails or as a refined base for margaritas, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and spicy Mexican cuisine, making it an ideal choice for warm summer evenings or cozy fall gatherings.

Nose: Agave-forward with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. Light oak notes blend with subtle citrus and green olive aromas. A faint earthiness adds depth.

Palate: Smooth and slightly oily texture. Roasted agave flavors lead, followed by caramel, white pepper, and a touch of cocoa. Citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit provide brightness. Mild oak influence adds complexity without overpowering.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering agave sweetness. Warm spices like cinnamon and black pepper emerge. A gentle mineral quality and hint of vanilla round out the experience. Leaves a pleasant, clean feeling on the palate.

Fortaleza Tequila Reposado is crafted using traditional methods, including cooking agave in stone ovens, crushing it with a tahona wheel, and fermenting in wooden tanks. What sets it apart is the use of small copper pot stills for distillation and aging in used American oak barrels for 6-9 months, resulting in a smooth, complex spirit that balances agave flavors with subtle oak influences.

• Fortaleza Tequila Reposado is made using a 150-year-old tahona stone wheel to crush agave, a method so labor-intensive that only a handful of distilleries still use it. This process contributes to its rich, complex flavor profile that many describe as "old-school" tequila.
• The copper pot stills used to distill Fortaleza Reposado were salvaged from an abandoned distillery and restored to working condition. These ancient stills, combined with traditional methods, give Fortaleza its unique character that sets it apart from mass-produced tequilas.
• Fortaleza's founder, Guillermo Sauza, is a fifth-generation tequila maker whose great-great-grandfather, Don Cenobio Sauza, is credited with being the first person to export tequila to the United States in the 1870s. Guillermo revived his family's legacy by starting Fortaleza in 2005, using methods that honor tequila's rich history.