Fortaleza Winter Blend Reposado 2023

Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2023 is the fourth release of Guillermo Sauza IV's annual limited barrel selection — traditionally produced Tequila Valley reposado aged in a blend of French Oak barrels, American White Oak barrels, used barrels, and Charanda barrels, bottled at 44% ABV (88 proof), presenting the most barrel-variety-diverse Winter Blend to date with a complex multi-wood influence over the traditional tahona and copper pot still base.

The 2023 Winter Blend is notable for its barrel diversity — Charanda barrels (previously used for Mexico's native sugarcane spirit Charanda from Michoacan) and French Oak alongside the American white oak and used barrels of prior years. Each barrel type contributes different character: French Oak adds tighter grain and spice, American white oak adds vanilla, the used barrels add integration and depth, and the Charanda barrels add a subtle sweet sugarcane and tropical character unique to Mexican spirits aging. Open-air fermented without fibers in the traditional Fortaleza manner, the 2023 is additive-free and represents the most complex Winter Blend expression in the series.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cooked agave and traditional Tequila Valley character with the added complexity of French oak spice, vanilla, and the subtle tropical note of Charanda barrels
• Palate: Rich and multi-layered — traditional tahona agave character with French oak spice, American oak vanilla, and the distinctive Charanda barrel contribution
• Finish: Long and complex with lingering spice, agave, and the characteristic oily texture of tahona production

Specs

• Distillery: Fortaleza (NOM 1493), Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
• Agave Source: Jalisco Los Valles region
• Style: Reposado Winter Blend — Limited Annual Release (2023)
• Production: Stone/brick oven cooked, tahona crushed, open-air fermented without fibers, double distilled in copper pot stills
• Aging: French Oak, American White Oak, used barrels, and Charanda barrels
• Additives: None
• ABV: 44% (88 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Fortaleza expressions at Wooden Cork.