There’s no doubt that 2020 has been one hell of a year, but if you’re a tequila lover there has been some sweet relief: a handful of delicious new products to restore your faith in the world. The latest is Fortaleza’s Winter Blend 2020, a special release reposado that uses three different barrel types to develop its unique flavor.
The production team started with the brand’s still strength blanco (46% abv). Some went into American Oak barrels previously used to age beer. They also filled some American Oak barrels normally used for their standard repo, and the French Oak barrels previously used to age their 2019 Winter Blend. Both types of American Oak barrels aged for 6 months, while the tequila sat for 10 months in French Oak. We had the opportunity to sample tequila from each barrel to learn which qualities they brought to the mix, and it was enlightening.
The used beer barrels brought a slightly sour, cider-like aroma and effervescent quality to the texture. The French oak juice had heavier aromas of vanilla and white chocolate, with a rich mouth feel that continued into the final product. Finally, the standard Fortaleza American Oak barrels gave a lighter touch when it came to aging, with notes of slight wood and vanilla, letting the cooked agave shine.
Together, Winter Blend 2020 offers a pleasing aspect for every palate, from the cooked agave taste to the warm dried fruit nose, with a hint of cider-like acidity to keep the heavier French Oak notes from overtaking the finish.
They produced just 7,050 bottles at 46% abv and we expect them to go fast. If you get a bottle, rate it in the app and let us know what you think.
Salud!
Thanks for providing the great production details. Tequila lovers have been on high alert awaiting the 2020 Winter Blend. With your high praises, now there will surely be a deafening stampede to purchase a bottle!
This sounds like a winner, I can’t wait to try it
I wish I could try the different samples like you guy’s did, an the the finished product. Great video guy’s!
Always appreciate a feedback and review from you guys. You mentioned 7000 bottles produced. That is not chump change but I can’t find it anywhere online. Any suggestions?
Ps: I live in Phoenix, AZ
So excited for the 2020 Blend!! And it is great to see Scarlett and Grover back on video tasting tequila. Thanks so much for the review and the peak into the process. ¡Salud!
Wonder when we’re going to see this in SoCal. Last year, I had a bottle of the 2019 Winter Blend in my hand, but I was slow to move because of the $90 price tag. And, in truth, I have not been thrilled in the past by Fortaleza’s reposados. Can’t stop drinking the blanco, but I haven’t had much luck with the repo.
@Scarlet & Grover: Thanks for the review. Been thinking about you guys. Hope you’re well.
@Lou Agave: Looking forward to your review, Lou.
Argh, more Fortaleza I need to buy… right on the back of Lot 100. I have so many tequilas that I want to try but Fortaleza keeps putting out new bottlings that I can’t pass on and my liver can only take so much! I’ll be watching OldTown and HiTime closely for this one. Thanks for the great review!
Hey folks! I’m a little confused (probably my fault…) but I noticed that the 2019 blend was honored only just a bit ago in September…but that was the 2019 expression that is pretty much sold out everywhere, right? The 2020 expression hasn’t hit the shelves…
That’s somewhat my way of asking…”The 2020 hasn’t hit the shelves yet, right? There’s some hope for me?”
Just picked up a bottle of 2020. First impression is its not even close to the 2019. The 2019 is super smooth and buttery out of the bottle. The 2020, even after sitting open in a glass for 30 minutes has a lot more fire to it.