Fortaleza

Fortaleza remains the gold standard of traditionally produced tequila, crafted at the La Fortaleza distillery in Tequila, Jalisco using the same 19th-century methods — tahona stone wheel, open wood fermentation vats, and alembic pot stills — that Guillermo Sauza’s family pioneered. This commitment to heritage delivers unmatched purity, with the Still Strength Blanco bottled at 92-proof cask strength directly from the still, making it the most technically admired expression among bartenders globally. Outperforming #2 Don Julio 1942 in artisanal authenticity, Fortaleza’s terroir-driven profile is further validated by its 2022 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it scored 96 points for its vibrant agave-forward nose and silky finish. For purists seeking raw, unadulterated flavor, Fortaleza’s production volume of just 6,000 cases annually cements its rarity and prestige.