In an age dominated by mass production, Tequila Fortaleza stands out as a beacon of tradition and authenticity. Rooted in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco, this distillery employs age-old methods to craft tequila that is truly a reflection of its heritage.

Agave Cultivation: Slow, Natural, and Pure

Fortaleza's commitment to quality begins with its agave cultivation. Each hectare is carefully planted with approximately 3,300 rhizome shoots sourced from mature agave mothers, relying solely on seasonal rain for hydration—no supplemental irrigation is used. After seven to eight years, these plants reach their peak maturity, each weighing up to 110 kg at harvest. The careful selection and nurturing of these agaves yield enough juice to produce about 14 liters of tequila, entirely free of external sugars or sweeteners.

The harvest process is labor-intensive: skilled jimadores hand-cut each piña, ensuring the integrity of the plants is preserved.

Cooking the Old Way: Brick Ovens & a 1903 Boiler

Fortaleza sets itself apart by using traditional methods for cooking its agave. Armed with 15-ton brick ovens and a century-old boiler from 1903, the cooking cycle spans approximately 36 hours. The thick-walled ovens steam the agaves until soft, infusing them with an aromatic sweetness. Once cooked, the agave hearts are unloaded by hand, ready for the next phase of production.

Tahona Crushing: The Heart of Fortaleza’s Identity

The heart of Fortaleza's production lies in its use of a volcanic stone tahona, which crushes the agave for about five hours—just as it has been done since the 1800s. This slow, labor-intensive process yields a flavorful mosto, enhanced by three rinses with volcanic spring water.

Natural Fermentation in Open Wooden Tanks

Once crushed, the mosto undergoes natural fermentation in open-air wooden vats, allowing local yeast and microflora to determine the flavor profile. This method produces a fermented must with an ABV of around 5%, setting the stage for a distinctive spirit.

Handmade Copper Pot Stills

Fortaleza distills its fermented juice twice in small, handmade copper pot stills. This meticulous approach concentrates aromas and enhances the authentic agave character, resulting in four exceptional expressions: Blanco, Blanco Still Strength, Reposado, and Añejo.

Aging & the House Style

Each expression embodies its own unique character:

Fortaleza Blanco is stored in stainless steel tanks, retaining bright floral notes and rich agave sweetness.

Fortaleza Reposado, aged for about six months in charred American oak barrels, boasts citrus and pepper notes with a silky finish.

Fortaleza Añejo, matured for approximately 18 months, presents flavors of vanilla and caramel, culminating in a velvety texture.

Proudly, Fortaleza never employs additives or colorings—what you taste is pure agave, yeast, water, wood, and time.

The Fortaleza Standard

Fortaleza Tequila reflects a production standard that is increasingly rare in today’s market. Each bottle emerges from a process steeped in manual craftsmanship, stone milling, prolonged fermentation, artisan distillation, and honest aging. This dedication to tradition ensures that Fortaleza tequila remains a pure and expressive spirit that is genuinely tied to the land and its people.

Final Word

Tequila Fortaleza is more than a spirit; it is a living testament to the heritage of Tequila, Jalisco. Preserved through generations, it stands as one of the most authentic and meticulously crafted tequilas available today. For enthusiasts seeking a true expression of traditional, additive-free tequila, Fortaleza remains a benchmark, continually defining excellence in the world of agave spirits.

El viaje del agave