Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2019
91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 750mL | 2019 vintage | Limited to 5,184 bottles | NOM 1493 — Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2019 is the first release in the distillery's annual Winter Blend series: an additive-free reposado tequila built from two reposado components — one rested 6 months in used American whiskey barrels, the other 11 months in new French oak — blended by master distiller Guillermo Sauza at Destilería La Fortaleza in Tequila, Jalisco.
Made the traditional way — brick-oven-cooked agave, 100% tahona crush, deep-well water, open-air fermentation in wood tanks, and double distillation in copper pot stills — the Winter Blend 2019 captures Fortaleza at its most expressive: cooked agave and vanilla woven through green bell pepper, grapefruit, toasted oak, tellicherry pepper, and a flicker of mint and milk chocolate. Each bottle is hand-blown glass made in Mexico. The release sold out immediately on release and holds cult status among tequila enthusiasts — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tasting notes
Per release coverage and official notes: cooked agave, vanilla, green bell pepper, grapefruit, toasted oak, tellicherry pepper, peppermint, cinnamon, caramel, milk chocolate, honey, and pineapple on the long, spiced finish.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 91.4 proof — a rare higher-proof Fortaleza expression, bottled for maximum flavor
- Dual-barrel blend — 6-month American oak + 11-month French oak reposados married together
- Additive-free, 100% agave from one of Mexico's most traditional artisan distilleries (NOM 1493)
- Only 5,184 bottles produced worldwide — a true collector's vintage
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Sip neat in a copita or a small tasting glass at room temperature — this is a tequila built for contemplative pouring, not mixing. Add nothing; the French oak and peppery agave do all the work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fortaleza Winter Blend?
The Winter Blend is Fortaleza's annual limited release series, launched with this 2019 vintage. Each year the blend of reposado components changes; the 2019 combines a 6-month used-American-whiskey-barrel reposado with an 11-month new-French-oak reposado.
Is Fortaleza additive-free?
Yes — Fortaleza is one of tequila's most committed additive-free producers: 100% agave, tahona-crushed, brick-oven cooked, and double-distilled in copper pot stills at Destilería La Fortaleza (NOM 1493).
Why is this bottle so sought after?
Only 5,184 bottles were produced, every one in hand-blown Mexican glass. It sold out immediately on release, and subsequent Winter Blend vintages are among the most collected tequilas in the world.
