The CEO of Tequila Fortaleza is Guillermo Sauza. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with him during my visit to Jalisco, Mexico. Guillermo is the founder of Fortaleza Tequila, a brand that has gained recognition and respect in the tequila industry.
Guillermo comes from a long line of tequila producers, with his family having a rich history in the industry. His great-great-grandfather, Don Cenobio Sauza, was one of the pioneers of the tequila production in Mexico. The Sauza family owned and operated the famous Sauza Tequila brand for many years.
However, Guillermo felt a strong desire to create a tequila that honored the traditional methods of production and showcased the true essence of the spirit. In 2005, he founded Tequila Fortaleza, a brand that embraces traditional, artisanal techniques in every step of the production process.
During our conversation, Guillermo spoke passionately about his commitment to preserving the heritage and craftsmanship of tequila production. He emphasized the importance of using only the finest, hand-selected blue agave plants, which are grown in the highlands of Jalisco.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tequila Fortaleza is their use of a traditional stone oven to cook the agave piñas. Guillermo explained that this method allows for a slow and even cooking process, resulting in a more nuanced and complex flavor profile in the tequila.
Another unique aspect of Fortaleza Tequila is their use of a tahona, a large stone wheel, to crush the cooked agave. This traditional method, which has been used for centuries, extracts the juices while retaining the agave fibers, adding depth and character to the final product.
Guillermo also shared his belief in the importance of aging tequila in oak barrels. Fortaleza Tequila is aged in American oak barrels, which impart subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the spirit. The aging process varies depending on the expression, with the Reposado aged for approximately 7 months, the Añejo aged for 2 years, and the Extra Añejo aged for a minimum of 3 years.
As we spoke, it became clear that Guillermo’s vision for Tequila Fortaleza goes beyond just creating a high-quality spirit. He wants to ensure that every bottle of Fortaleza Tequila tells a story, a story of tradition, history, and passion.
Guillermo Sauza is the CEO and founder of Tequila Fortaleza. His dedication to preserving the traditional methods of tequila production and his commitment to quality have made Fortaleza Tequila a respected and sought-after brand in the industry.