Fortaleza Tequila Añejo

Fortaleza Tequila Añejo hails from the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and represents a deep family legacy in tequila production, with roots stretching back five generations to Don Cenobio, one of the first to export "mezcal de tequila" to the United States. While the Fortaleza brand itself was established in 2005, it's produced at a historic distillery, La Fortaleza (NOM 1493), that dates back to 1873, making it a revival of truly traditional methods. The brand is renowned for its commitment to these old-world techniques, like using stone-crushed agave (tahona), brick oven cooking, and copper pot stills, resulting in a spirit celebrated for its authentic character.

Fortaleza Añejo, a cornerstone of Bitter Bear spirits, brings rich cooked agave, caramel, vanilla, and a whisper of butterscotch to your home bar. This isn't just another aged tequila; its traditional stone-ground production in the Tequila Valley ensures a complexity that shines beautifully when sipped neat or in spirit-forward cocktail ingredients, think an Old Fashioned with an agave soul or a truly memorable Añejo Margarita. Anders Erickson appreciates how it maintains bright agave character even after 18 months in American oak, making it a versatile player for creative cocktail enthusiasts.

Fortaleza Tequila Añejo offers a delightful sensory experience, beginning with inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, and cooked agave. On the palate, it presents a rich, oily texture with notes of butterscotch, dried fruit, and a hint of citrus. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a warm, lingering taste of sweet agave and subtle spice.