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🎙️ DadDimes on the Rocks — Episode: “Fortaleza Tequila: Tradition, Agave, & the Hype”

Today’s spotlight: Fortaleza Tequila — a brand that’s got buzz, craft credentials, and some serious craft-tequila storytelling. Let’s dig in.

🏛 The Story & Production

Fortaleza hails from Jalisco, Mexico, and is rooted in tradition. It uses:

• 100% Blue Weber agave. 
• Traditional methods: brick ovens for cooking, tahona stone for crushing, copper pot stills. 
• A small-scale distillery: only about 320,000 liters per year—meaning it’s intentionally limited in production. 

All this adds to the mystique and value of the bottle.

👃 Taste Profile (Blanco / Base Expression)

Nose:

• Pronounced cooked agave aroma: vegetal, earthy, fresh. 
• Notes of olive / brine and citrus peel show up in reviews. 

Palate:

• Clean, agave-forward flavor. Some pepper spice, green olive, even herbal touches. 
• For the Blanco, minimal aging means the agave shines rather than wood. 

Finish:

• Medium length, with lingering agave, sometimes black pepper or anise, and a fresh, “alive” feel rather than heavy oak. 

✅ What Works & ⚠️ What to Consider

What Works:

• Authentic production: you feel the craft in the glass.
• Excellent quality level: Many say it’s among the best blancos available. 
• Versatile enough for neat sipping and high-end cocktails.

What to Consider:

• Price & availability: Because of demand and limited production it’s hard to find and often priced higher than the original MSRP.
• It’s a bold agave flavor — if you prefer ultra-smooth, mellow spirits with heavy aging, this might feel more “raw” than you expect. Some drinkers say it’s “thin” or “briny.” 

🎯 Final Verdict

Fortaleza Tequila delivers craft, character, and an agave-first experience. If you appreciate well-made tequila with tradition behind it, this is a strong choice. It may not be for the faint of heart if you’re used to heavily aged or ultra-smooth spirits, but that’s part of the charm.

DadDimes Rating: ⭐ 4.2 / 5
High quality, unique character, but availability and price put caveats around it.

If you find a bottle at a fair price—grab it and sip slowly. If you don’t, don’t feel you’re missing something perfect — there are other great tequilas out there too.

That’s the pour for today. Until next time — keep your bar stocked, your stories longer than your pour, and your spirits high. Cheers! 🍹