Tequila Fortaleza started in 2005. It is new in the market but has over 150 years of history. Its roots go back to the founder's great-great-grandfather, Don Cenobio. He set up La Perseverancia distillery in 1873 in Tequila, Jalisco. Don Cenobio was a tequila industry pioneer. He was the first to export "mezcal de tequila" to the United States. He shortened its name to "tequila" and used steam to cook agave, a new method. He also chose the Blue Agave as the best for tequila production.
His son, Don Eladio, took over in 1909. He expanded the business worldwide. He branded their product as Mexican brandy and whiskey, and an aperitif. During the Mexican Revolution, Eladio helped make tequila Mexico's national drink. He founded La Constancia distillery and ran it until his death in 1946. Then Francisco Javier took over.
Don Javier made their tequila a global brand. He was key in setting up the Denomination of Origin for Tequila. This got international recognition in 1996. He argued that true tequila could only be made in Mexico, around Tequila. This followed his finding of a bottle of Japanese Tequila in the late 1960s.
Don Javier bought land in Tequila, including a distillery named La Fortaleza. This distillery worked until 1968 using old methods, then became a museum.
In 1976, the family sold the business but kept the land, hacienda, and distillery. Guillermo, Don Javier's grandson, started restoring the old distillery in 1999. Guillermo, passionate about tequila, wanted to continue his family's work. After years of work, Destileria La Fortaleza reopened. It makes tequila like it did over a century ago, using traditional methods.
Under Guillermo's leadership, Tequila Fortaleza focuses on making the best tequila. They use traditional and artisanal methods. Their respect for the past and dedication to quality guide them. Tequila Fortaleza honours their ancestors and their lasting legacy in the tequila world.