Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength Tequila

Score: 17/23 Fortaleza Blanco is one of my favorites. This one isn't significantly higher in proof (honestly, when I see "still strength" I think 58%, not 46%), and it typically commands a much higher price. How could it possibly be that much superior? Since I found it at a reasonable cost and required a replacement bottle, I decided to give it a try. Nose: I detect the expected olive brine and oil, alongside a subtle smokiness. There are also notes of bitter herbs and a hint of mint. It possesses a savory quality. If I weren't aware, I might mistake this for a mezcal. The aroma isn't the most intricate and is somewhat subdued, but it aligns with my anticipation of a potent drink. Eventually, faint tropical hints emerge (green pineapple and perhaps some lime, though I'm uncertain about the latter). Palate: It's spicy, oily, substantial, with notes of musty paper, mint, herbs, a touch of vegetal character, cooked agave, and a faint, light caramel sweetness. A second sip reveals more olive brine and lime, with increased mustiness, before reverting to a more standard profile. It's decidedly on the bitter and dry end. The complexity and equilibrium are commendable. They certainly improve upon the remnants of my usual Fortaleza Blanco bottle. This expression is also hotter and remains quite challenging. I favor this one, but the difference in quality wasn't as significant as I had hoped. Finish: It's rich and full-bodied. Notes of brine, herbs, a bit of vegetal character, and definitely spice. It has a somewhat numbing effect. - Final Thoughts - I believe I prefer this over the standard blanco, but is it enough to justify the higher price (even considering the increased proof)? Likely not. I also feel that Fortaleza Reposado offers a better sipping experience than this. It's simply more complex and balanced. It captures the essence of tequila while retaining its own identity, whereas this has a very distinct character. I'm assigning it a 17, matching the blanco. I'm somewhat disappointed, though not entirely surprised. Still, I don't regret the purchase.

I'm not sure I've ever had a tequila this sharp and exquisite. Fruity and vegetal notes transition to baked agave sweetness that fills your mouth completely. This spirit makes you doubt previous tequila or spirit purchases. As it dries in the glass, the strong citrus and baked agave tones recede, replaced by a pleasant wave of green olive and a woody aroma reminiscent of construction sites (but in a wonderful way). Despite all this, this tequila is outstanding on a scale of 1-10.

Outstanding. Unlike anything I've experienced before. Strong and pure. Mineral qualities reminiscent of single pot still whiskey, with semi-sweet crisp pear, pineapple, and vegetal notes. I understand that might not sound like a desirable flavor profile for tequila. However, it is. You just don't realize it yet. But you will. Eventually. One... juan...wun...won... wan......1... ok, I'm finished. Haha, DONE. Seriously though, I guarantee this tequila is as fantastic as I am silly.

To me, this was the pinnacle of blanco tequilas. It's a bit of a confusing statement, considering most Blancos aren't 92 proof, and most aren't even over 80, but wow, this was exceptional. It had abundant agave herbaceousness followed by heat, clearly indicating a higher proof, yet it maintained a refined cinnamon cleanness throughout, and a LONG, smooth finish. This is a magnificent tequila and a benchmark for high-quality blancos going forward.

I wasn't impressed with the Fortaleza Blanco, but I was told the Still Strength is where it's at. A local bar had the full lineup, so I decided to take advantage. Sweet agave aromas, slightly vegetal, but pleasant. Tropical fruit on the palate, herbs, pepper, a beautifully thick mouthfeel, and a long finish with mint and olive brine. In my opinion, it's vastly superior to the regular Blanco, though it doesn't quite reach the level of Fuentaseca (but this used to cost around $75 a bottle).

An exquisite agave spirit from Los Abuelos Distillery NOM 1493 in Jalisco, Mexico, prepared in brick ovens, milled with Tahano stones, and twice distilled in copper pot stills before being bottled at 46% ABV. It presents an aromatic introduction of ripe agave, earth, fruit, herbs, and spices; its complex and slightly creamy character evolves with notes of citrus, green olive, vanilla butter, and mint; culminating in a velvety, medium-length finish with hints of black pepper, butter, and sea spray. April 2024