Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength Tequila

Rating: 17/23 I'm a fan of Fortaleza Blanco. This isn't much higher proof (seriously - I read "still strength" and I think 58%, not 46%), but it normally costs quite a bit more. Why? How much better could it be? I found it at a decent price and I needed a new bottle, so I'm trying it. N: I get that usual olive brine and oil, but there's also something a tad smoky here. There are also some bitter herbs and a get a little mint. Something is a bit savory. I might guess that this was a mezcal if I didn't know better. The nose isn't the most complex and it is a little muted, but it does seem fitting for what I expect to be a bold dram. Eventually some faint tropical notes (green pineapple and I'm not sure what else (probably some lime)) come out. P: Spicy, oily, full, musty paper, mint, herbal, somewhat vegetal, stewed agave, faint light caramel sweetness. Some olive brine and lime comes out along with increased mustiness on the second sip, before it returns to more of the normal profile. Definitely on the bitter and dry side. The complexity and balance are good here. They definitely improve upon the dregs of my bottle of regular Fortaleza Blanco. This is also hotter and is still quite challenging though. I prefer this, but the difference in quality isn't as large as I'd hoped. F: Rich and full. Brine, herbal, a little vegetal, definitely spicy. Kind of numbing. - Conclusion - I think I like this better than the regular blanco, but enough to justify the higher cost (even accounting for the fact that this is higher proof)? Probably not. I also think that Fortaleza Reposado is a better sipper than this is. It's just more complex and balanced. It kind of hits all of the tequila notes while still being its own thing, whereas this has a very specific profile. I'm going with a 17 for this to match the blanco. I'm a bit disappointed, but not terribly surprised. And I don't regret my purchase.

I don’t think I have experienced a tequila as sharp and beautiful as the one in my glass currently. The fruity/vegetal notes give way to the baked agave sweetness that consumes every inch of your mouth. This is a tequila that makes you question the purchase of any other tequila or spirit that you have purchases previously. When the tequila dries down on the glass, the more aggressive tones of citrus and baked agave give way to a welcome assault of green olive and a woody note that I can only associate with construction sites (but in a really good way). With all of this being said, on a scale of 1-10, this tequila slaps ass.

Excellent . Unlike any I’ve had before. Strong and clean. Mineral elements reminiscent of single pot still whiskey with semi sweet crisp pear pineapple and vegetable notes. I realize that doesnt seem like a flavor profile one wants in a tequila. But one does. One just doesnt know it yet. But one will. One day. One... juan. ..wun. ..won... wan... ...1... ok im done. Haha dONE. Really though I promise this tequila is as great as I am stupid.

To me, this was the epitome of blanco tequilas… I will say that’s a little confusing of a statement, because obviously most Blancos are not 92 proof…. Most aren’t more than 80, but damn this was just sooo good. It had so much agave herbaceousness followed by heat, showcasing it was definitely a higher proof, but fine tuned cinnamon cleanness all throughout, and a LONG smooth finish. This is such a beautiful tequila, and definitely one that sets a standard for high quality blancos in the future.

Wasn't sold on Fortaleza Blanco, but was told the Still Strength is where it's at. Local bar got stocked with the full range so decided to take advantage. Aromas of sweet agave, a little vegetal, but pleasant. Tropical fruit on the palate, herbs, pepper, beautifully thick mouthfeel, with a long finish with mint and olive brine. Beats the hell out of the regular Blanco in my opinion, but doesn't quite reach the heights Fuentaseca does (but this used to be like $75/bottle).

An elegant, Agave Spirit by Los Abuelos Distillery NOM 1493 in Jalisco, Mexico crafted using brick ovens, Tahano stone mills & a pair of copper pot stills before being bottled at 46% ABV. It has an aromatic birth of ripe agave, earth, fruit, herbs & spices; while a complex & slightly creamy life adds notes of citrus, green olive, vanilla butter & mint; that led to a velvety death of medium length adding notes of black pepper, butter, sea spray. April 2024