Tequila Fortaleza, launched in 2005, may be relatively new to the market, but it boasts over 150 years of history, tracing back to the founders' great-great-grandfather, Don Cenobio. He established his first distillery, La Perseverancia, in 1873 in Tequila, Jalisco. Don Cenobio was a pioneer in the tequila industry, being the first to export "mezcal de tequila" to the United States, shortening its name to "tequila," and innovating the production process by using steam to cook the agave instead of an earthen pit. He also identified the Blue Agave as the optimal variety for tequila production.
The baton was passed to his son, Don Eladio, in 1909, who expanded the family business globally, branding their product as Mexican brandy, Mexican whiskey, and an aperitif. During the Mexican Revolution, Eladio played a significant role in establishing tequila as Mexico's national drink. He founded La Constancia distillery and continued the family legacy until his death in 1946 when Francisco Javier took over.
Don Javier was instrumental in promoting the family's tequila as a globally recognised brand and was crucial in establishing the Denomination of Origin for Tequila. His efforts culminated in the international recognition of this designation in 1996, following his assertion that tequila could only be authentically produced in Mexico, specifically around Tequila. This was triggered by his discovery of a bottle of Japanese Tequila in the late 1960s.
Don Javier purchased land in Tequila, building a hacienda on a site that included a small distillery named La Fortaleza. This distillery operated until 1968, using traditional methods like a small brick oven, a tahona pit, wood fermentation vats, and copper pot stills, before being transformed into a museum.
In 1976, the family business was sold, but the land, hacienda, and distillery remained in the family. Guillermo, Don Javier's grandson, began restoring the old distillery in 1999. Guillermo, who grew up passionate about tequila, was determined to continue his family's legacy. After years of renovation, Destileria La Fortaleza was revived, producing tequila as it was over a century ago, honouring the methods of his ancestors.
Tequila Fortaleza, under Guillermo's stewardship, commits to making the best tequila possible, using traditional and artisanal methods. The family's reverence for the past, combined with a dedication to quality, continues to guide their vision. Celebrating their heritage, Tequila Fortaleza stands as a tribute to their ancestors and their enduring legacy in the world of tequila.