Fortaleza Reposado - Lote 80 - 40%
Fortaleza Reposado - Spec's - 43.5%
I'm a Fortaleza fan. The price bumps and bourbon flippers don't bother me as much as some. I want brands like Fortaleza to be in high demand. Hopefully, people eventually justify the hunt with accurate info on the production quality. That's a trend we want to catch on, and I love getting excited about tequila all over again every time I witness someone new to the category get a taste of brands like Fortaleza that are making it right. I rated both 2019 and 2020 Winter Blends an 8 (Stash One) on my scale, meaning I rated 2020 higher than most.
Notes:
I really enjoy how Fortaleza's core profile plays for me - bright and dry, driven by fruit and minerality. This Lote 80 repo stays in that wheelhouse - melon, honey, with a medium-dry minerality. The structure is gentle, linear, long and nuanced. By contrast, the Single Barrel profile is dynamic, deep, and unique. I haven't had a reposado this floral since El Caballito Cerrero Reposado - (old school, color label) NOM 1114 - 40%. Buttery and grassy layered with fresh pollen and florals. Long and dry. Savory and floral. Wonderfully bold and pronounced.
Score
Lote 80: 7 (Highly Recommend) An easy recommendation from me to anyone looking for a quality reposado.
Spec's SiB: 9 (Stash Two) I didn't break my back looking for any of these SiBs. Second guessing that now.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour