{"title":"Fortaleza","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"fortaleza-reposado-tequila","title":"Fortaleza Reposado Tequila","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the cobbled lanes of Tequila township, Jalisco, Fortaleza Reposado is patience bottled—valley agaves slow-roasted in brick ovens, 100% tahona-crushed, open-air fermented and twice distilled in copper before a gentle rest in American oak. The result is a silken, agave-first reposado with artisanal soul and timeless elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes \u0026amp; Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose of citrus, caramel, butter and cooked agave with a hint of sage. The palate unfolds with sweet agave, vanilla, apple and a dusting of cinnamon over earthy depth. Long, rich finish—subtly spicy with a plush, oily texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fortaleza – Tequila Los Abuelos (NOM 1493)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reposado Tequila\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jalisco, Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgave Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Weber\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature Serve:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neat or Over Ice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCocktail Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sun-kissed \u003cem\u003eTommy’s Margarita\u003c\/em\u003e—lime and agave nectar letting those oak-kissed agave notes glow. A \u003cem\u003eReposado Old Fashioned\u003c\/em\u003e, orange twist and bitters for candle-lit polish. A ruby-rimmed \u003cem\u003ePaloma\u003c\/em\u003e with pink grapefruit soda and tajín. Or a silky \u003cem\u003eTequila Sour\u003c\/em\u003e, clouded with foam, citrus and a whisper of cinnamon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFortaleza keeps it old-school: stone\/brick oven cooks, 100% tahona crush, open-air wood-tank fermentation with Tequila Valley spring water, and double distillation in small copper pots. Each lot is individually aged in American oak (age statement on bottle), then bottled in hand-blown Mexican glass—nothing rushed, nothing added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValley-grown agave character; traditional tahona and wooden-vat fermentation; hand-blown bottle craft; individually aged lots for nuance and texture—an aficionado’s benchmark for the reposado style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecognition \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tequila has garnered global acclaim, recognised by critics and competitions alike:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTequila.net “Best of the Best” – category winners highlighted in 2012 awards coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eForbes (2024) highlights Fortaleza Reposado among highly awarded tequilas: Double Gold (SFWSC), Gold (IWSC), 96 pts (Ultimate Spirits Challenge), Master (The Spirits Business), Gold (NYISC).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards: “Best New Spirit” (Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2019).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, it is frequently featured in expert shortlists and enthusiast rankings for authenticity and craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Gifting or Sipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA luxurious choice for neat sipping and elevated classics, presented in an artisan hand-blown bottle—ideal for milestones, discerning corporate gifts and refined celebrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fortaleza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32146969722970,"sku":"1000316","price":189.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/files\/FortalezaReposadoTequila750ml.png?v=1717045475"},{"product_id":"fortaleza-blanco-tequila","title":"Fortaleza Blanco Tequila","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted in the historic town of Tequila, Jalisco, Fortaleza Blanco honours five generations of Sauza family know-how. Cooked slowly in brick ovens, tahona-crushed and fermented in open-air wooden tanks with natural spring water, this unaged tequila captures pure agave character in a hand-blown bottle—a benchmark for artisanal elegance and effortless sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes \u0026amp; Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright citrus and rich cooked agave on the nose, layered with butter, olive and a whisper of black pepper. The palate is silky and vivid: lime, basil and sweet agave with a gentle earthiness. Long, deep finish—clean, mineral and effortlessly drinkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fortaleza – Tequila Los Abuelos (NOM 1493)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blanco Tequila\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jalisco, Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgave Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Weber\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature Serve:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neat or Over Ice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCocktail Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA crystalline \u003cem\u003eClassic Margarita\u003c\/em\u003e—sea-salt rim, lime wheel, the agave singing through. A pared-back \u003cem\u003eTommy’s\u003c\/em\u003e, lime and agave nectar letting the tahona depth shine. A sun-lit \u003cem\u003ePaloma\u003c\/em\u003e, pink grapefruit soda and a tajín rim. \u003cem\u003eRanch Water\u003c\/em\u003e over crushed ice—lime and bubbles for high-summer refreshment. Or go chic with a \u003cem\u003eValley Gimlet\u003c\/em\u003e: fresh lime, a basil leaf and a chill frosted glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade the old way inside the Fortaleza estate: mature valley agaves slow-roasted in stone\/brick ovens, 100% tahona crushed, then open-air fermentation in wood tanks before double distillation in small copper pot stills. Filled at 40% ABV and presented in hand-blown Mexican glass—nothing rushed, nothing added, just time-honoured technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic valley terroir; traditional tahona\/process with natural spring water; hand-blown bottle craft; widely regarded by bartenders and aficionados as a reference-point blanco for classic cocktails and neat pours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecognition \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tequila has garnered global acclaim, recognised by critics and guides alike:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVinePair “50 Best Spirits of 2020” – Fortaleza Blanco (No. 23).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine “Best Sipping Tequilas You Can Actually Afford” – recommended Blanco.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFrequently featured in “best tequila” lists from major spirits publications and blogs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards: “Best New Spirit” (Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2019).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTequila Matchmaker community consistently ranks Fortaleza Blanco among the top blancos for authenticity and craft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Gifting or Sipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA refined choice for the agave purist—beautiful neat, luminous in Margaritas and Palomas, and striking on the table in its hand-blown bottle. Ideal for milestone birthdays, discerning corporate gifts or celebrations that call for the real thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fortaleza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32146969755738,"sku":"1000317","price":171.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/files\/FortalezaBlancoTequila_a9fb958e-a58a-4323-96c1-026be8542454.png?v=1717045344"},{"product_id":"fortaleza-anejo-tequila","title":"Fortaleza Añejo Tequila","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn in the cobbled heart of Tequila township, Jalisco, Fortaleza Añejo is old-world craft at its most elegant. Valley agaves are slow-roasted in brick ovens, 100% tahona-crushed, fermented in open-air wooden tanks and twice distilled in copper before resting ~18 months in American oak. Expect a luxuriant, oil-silk texture and deep, caramel-laced agave—an aficionado’s sipping tequila with timeless soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes \u0026amp; Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch and rich cooked agave, with whispers of orange blossom and nutmeg. The palate is plush and coating: toffee, citrus, hazelnut and sweet agave. Long, warming finish with lingering oak spice and creamy sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fortaleza – Tequila Los Abuelos (NOM 1493)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Añejo Tequila\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jalisco, Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40%\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgave Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Weber\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature Serve:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCocktail Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003cem\u003eAñejo Old Fashioned\u003c\/em\u003e—orange oils and chocolate bitters glowing by candlelight. A \u003cem\u003eTequila Manhattan\u003c\/em\u003e with sweet vermouth and a Luxardo cherry, silky and urbane. A \u003cem\u003eSmoked Orange Sour\u003c\/em\u003e (agave, lemon, orange bitters) for velvet texture. Or a \u003cem\u003eBrown Sugar \u0026amp; Spice Highball\u003c\/em\u003e, soda lifting caramel and oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive generations of Sauza family tradition guide Fortaleza’s process: stone\/brick oven cooks, 100% tahona crush, open-air wood-tank fermentation with natural spring water, and double distillation in small copper pots. Aged ~18 months in American oak, then bottled in hand-blown Mexican glass—nothing rushed, nothing added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue valley-terroir profile; tahona and wooden-vat authenticity; hand-blown artisan bottle; extended American-oak maturation for depth and a distinctive, oil-silk mouthfeel—made exactly as great tequila used to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecognition \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tequila has garnered acclaim from critics and enthusiasts alike:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest in Class – Lowland Añejo\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tequila.net Awards (2012)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Añejo Tequila\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tequila Jay Baer Awards (2024)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e90\/100\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tequila Matchmaker Panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, it is frequently cited by bartenders and connoisseurs as a benchmark, additive-free añejo for refined sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Gifting or Sipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA luxurious after-dinner pour with heirloom craft credentials—ideal for milestone celebrations, discerning corporate gifts and elegant home bars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fortaleza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40754156699801,"sku":"1001498","price":229.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/files\/Fortaleza-Anejo-Tequila.png?v=1751408809"},{"product_id":"fortaleza-reposado-tequila-gift-box","title":"Fortaleza Reposado Tequila Gift Box","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fortaleza Reposado is a perfect sipping tequila, with flavours including cooked agave, citrus, vanilla, apple, earth, and cinnamon. The finish is long and rich, delicately spicy, and it has an oily texture that make this a joy to drink. Aromas of citrus, caramel, butter, cooked agave and sage. This classy and popular reposado is \u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\"\u003elovingly packed into our striking Premium Packaging box.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistillery: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFortaleza\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Reposado Tequila\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegion: Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 40%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume: 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGoes with: Ice, premium soda, agave syrup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou can leave a personal message for the receiver at checkout and we will print it out onto a branded card and include inside the box.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon't forget you can pick \u0026amp; mix your own gift box or add to this gift box if you wish. Simply add the wines and\/or spirits you want included in your gift box to your Cart and we'll do the rest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePRODUCER\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFortaleza launched in 2005, but Guillermo Sauza's family have been making tequila for five generations going back to Don Cenobio who is said to have been the first person to export “mezcal de tequila” to the United States, shorten the name to simply 'Tequila', use steam to cook the agave rather than an earthen pit, and specify Blue Agave as the best to use. Quite a legacy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFortaleza Tequila Reposado is 100% estate grown Blue Agave Tequilana Weber, and aged in oak barrels for 6-9 months. The drawing on the label represents the traditional method of production, a Tahona or stone mill, with a horse pulling it as it was done over a century ago. The house is located in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, first populated in the 1530’s by Spanish forefathers, nestled in rich valley at 4,000 feet of altitude, in the foothills of the 9,560-foot tall, Volcan de Tequila. Here blue agaves grow for seven to eight years, caressed with the warmth of the Mexican sun, nourished by the summer rains, and protected from the harsh and cold winter winds. The Tequila is produced entirely within the walls of Fortaleza's estate, using centuries old, traditional methods, which are very labour intensive but create a tequila unequalled in taste and smoothness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the age-old brick oven, with its meter thick walls, the agave is cooked for thirty six hours. Then it is crushed or milled , as it was 135 years ago, in the stone mill called the Tahona. The crushed agave is then washed with the pure mountain water from the Volcan de Tequila to separate the pulp from the woody fibres to create an agave juice called mosto. The woody fibres of the agave, called bagazo, are removed at this time, and taken to the fields to use as compost. The agave mosto is then naturally fermented for five days in small wood vats, and then double distilled using small, labour-intensive copper pot stills. The glass bottle is hand-blown in Tonala, Jalisco by artisan glassmakers and the bottle tops are artisan designed to represent the harvest agave, or Pina, and are hand-made by our workers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eACCOLADES\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Best of the Best\" - 2012 Tequila.net awards - Best in Class - Reposado\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Fortaleza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42800096248053,"sku":"1001745","price":198.9,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/files\/FortalezaReposadoTequila750ml_097d1725-8358-4231-8a61-847d4001a8d0.png?v=1717045550"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/collections\/Fortaleza-distillery-home.jpg?v=1769746264","url":"https:\/\/cove27.co.nz\/collections\/fortaleza.oembed","provider":"COVE 27","version":"1.0","type":"link"}