Fortaleza Añejo Tequila 700ml

Product Description

Fortaleza Añejo Tequila: The Flagship of Traditional Barrel Aging

Fortaleza Añejo Tequila is the deepest expression from fifth-generation tequila maker Guillermo Erickson Sauza, produced at Destilería La Fortaleza (NOM 1493) in Tequila, Jalisco. Sold internationally as Fortaleza and known as Los Abuelos in its home market, this Añejo represents the patient, artisanal side of a family tradition that traces back over five generations to Don Cenobio Sauza, one of the founding figures of the tequila industry.

How Fortaleza Añejo Tequila Is Made

Production begins with fully mature, 100% estate-grown Blue Weber agave from the Tequila Valley, slow-roasted in traditional stone and brick ovens for roughly 36 hours before being crushed under a volcanic stone tahona wheel rather than modern machinery. The crushed agave ferments naturally in open-air wooden tanks before double distillation in copper pot stills. What separates the Añejo from the rest of the line is time: this tequila rests approximately 18 months in American oak barrels, far longer than the Reposado's few months, allowing genuine barrel depth to develop without ever burying the agave underneath. It's bottled additive-free at 40% ABV (80 proof).

Why This 700ml Bottle Stands Out

This 700ml bottling is the same 18-month barrel-aged Añejo Fortaleza is known for internationally, hand-blown in Mexico and sealed with a natural cork stopper. It's the international format rather than the 750ml size more common domestically, making it a nice addition for collectors tracking down different Fortaleza releases.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich caramel and butterscotch lead, backed by baked agave, vanilla, and light cinnamon, with hints of orange peel, oak spice, and roasted nuts underneath.

Palate: Roasted agave leads the way, layered with baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, warm vanilla, and sweet honey.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with toasty oak giving way to a smooth close of cooked agave, black pepper, and creamy butter.

Food Pairings

Fortaleza Añejo's caramel, toffee, and baking spice notes pair beautifully with flan, pecan pie, or a dark chocolate mole. Its roasted nut and vanilla character also complements aged Manchego or a plate of candied pecans.

Serving Suggestions

Fortaleza Añejo is best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its layered oak and agave character to fully unfold. Its depth also makes it a standout base for a Tequila Old Fashioned or Tequila Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Fortaleza Añejo aged? Approximately 18 months in American oak barrels.

How is Añejo different from Fortaleza Reposado? Reposado rests for roughly 7 to 9 months, while Añejo ages more than a year, developing deeper caramel, toffee, and baking spice notes from extended oak contact.

Is Fortaleza Añejo additive-free? Yes, it's made with 100% Blue Weber agave and no additives.

Why is this bottle 700ml instead of the usual 750ml? This size reflects the specific import batch or market packaging for this listing; the tequila inside is the same traditionally made Fortaleza Añejo.

Explore More

Looking for more from this legendary distillery? Shop the full Fortaleza collection for the Reposado and Añejo expressions, or browse our complete Tequila collection for more high-proof and traditional releases.

The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee

At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your tequila is in good hands.