Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2022 is the third release of Guillermo Sauza IV's annual limited barrel selection — traditionally produced Tequila Valley reposado aged in a combination of new and used American oak barrels and selected for the specific depth and character the 2022 program developed, bottled at 44% ABV (88 proof) for more presence than the standard 80-proof Reposado.

The 2022 Winter Blend's 44% ABV is a notable distinction from the standard Reposado and the 2020 and 2021 releases — the higher proof reflects the specific barrel selection for this year and provides more intensity and grip on the palate. The combination of new and used American oak barrels used in the 2022 program produces a more complex oak influence than single-cask-type aging achieves, with fresh oak contributing more direct tannin and vanilla alongside the more integrated character of the used barrels. The result is a Winter Blend with more structure and weight than prior releases while retaining the traditional Fortaleza character of stone oven cooking, tahona crushing, and copper pot distillation.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cooked agave, vanilla, and oak with the earthy Tequila Valley character — more structured than prior Winter Blends from the new oak contribution
• Palate: Rich and complex — agave, vanilla, caramel, and the traditional tahona oiliness with more tannin and grip from the new oak influence
• Finish: Long and warming with oak, pepper, and persistent agave

Specs

• Distillery: Fortaleza (NOM 1493), Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
• Style: Reposado Winter Blend — Limited Annual Release (2022)
• Production: Stone oven cooked, 100% tahona crushed, copper pot stills
• Aging: New and used American oak barrels
• ABV: 44% (88 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Fortaleza expressions at Wooden Cork.