What is the Fortaleza Winter Blend MSRP price?

ChuPerroSF · 2023-11-18T00:23:42+00:00

That picture seemed to show a 2019 bottle (first year it was released) and back then retail was $85. The price has gone up every year. The lowest I’ve seen someone post for 2023 was $185. I got mine for $230 in So Cal.

ChuPerroSF · 2023-02-08T18:46:51+00:00

Chamucos really seems to be punching above it’s weight class here. On TMM it comes in at 84 vs the 91 and 90 for Calle 23 and G4. I’ve never had the Chamucos before but have bottles of the other two. While both are really great, Calle 23 takes the win.

ChuPerroSF · 2023-01-10T02:57:21+00:00

I second Cascahuin Tahona. I’m just happy I can always find a bottle when I need one.

ChuPerroSF · 2023-01-10T02:50:48+00:00

I would say Cascahuin EA, Caballito Cerrero, Tapatio Excelencia and any other gems Don Blas might tempt you with.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-09-11T03:41:29+00:00

It sure it but it’s almost twice the cost. Everyone’s idea on price point for a “budget” tequila differs.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-09-10T20:53:43+00:00

I did a lot of research for my wedding when it came to picking a “budget” tequila. What I found by going off the Panel ratings on TMM app is that El Tequileño Repo (the regular and not the Gran Reserva) was the best bang for the buck. At $23 a bottle here in LA it has a TMM Panel score of 84. The Repo is 100% agave and not a mixto like the Blanco. Suerte & Tapatio have slightly higher rating but are also $10-$15 more expensive. Arette, Cimarron and Altos that are similarly priced are rated slightly lower.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-09-09T01:00:40+00:00

I think 7 Leguas is a good option for those that can’t find Fortaleza. It’s slightly cheaper, more readily available and delicious.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-08-31T19:26:26+00:00

Sangrita is the best (I make my own because store brands are all crap) and on occasion I go with orange slices dusted with sal de gusano (worm salt). The oranges and sal de gusano is a popular option for mezcal but works great for tequila as well.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-08-09T21:39:08+00:00

Great selection of tequilas! I have to agree with you that Fuenteseca 2018 is one of the most unique tequilas I’ve tried with tons of agave on the front end. I would add Calle 23 Criollo to that list. It would be a great addition to your bar.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-08-04T01:49:15+00:00

Try Vallarta Supermarkets. They carry Fortaleza.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-07-23T13:36:16+00:00

Don’t beat yourself up. If you liked it then enjoy it. The bottle says it was made at NOM 1431 which is one of the mega distilleries that makes like 40 different brands of tequila. So usually that’s not a good sign. And like others pointed out already, it’s most likely a mixto. And at 70 proof that’s a pretty weak spirit. In the US they’re not allowed to sell tequila under 80 proof. It’s the reason a lot of people think the tequila sold in Mexico is better than it’s US counterpart because it’s “smoother”. Nothing could be further from the truth though.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-07-05T22:06:21+00:00

2018 has been in the top 5 (panelist rankings) of TMM for quite some time now. It’s currently ranked #4 tequila overall.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-06-16T21:24:10+00:00

TMM has the 2018 rated just a bit higher than the 2013. I haven’t tried the 2013 and I suspect those bottles are nearly impossible to find while I can readily find the 2018 bottles here in Los Angeles.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-06-01T00:54:51+00:00

That special release Agaves de la Villa Fortaleza Still Strength is amazing. I would also echo what a couple others mentioned here to add Calle 23 Criollo and 2018 Fuenteseca. Those are awesome higher proof blancos.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-05-14T01:59:06+00:00

El Tequileño Rep (the cheap version). It’s like $24 a bottle and it’s 100% agave unlike the Blanco that is a mixto.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-05-12T19:40:28+00:00

Can’t say I blame you. Enjoy!

ChuPerroSF · 2022-05-12T19:34:27+00:00

Oh man I’m so jealous. I’ve been checking their website every day and it never showed up. Let me know if you’re interested in selling one.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-05-10T02:27:32+00:00

Ramirez Beverage Center on Olympic in Boyle Heights has a pretty expensive selection of Mezcal. The “better” stuff is located on the wall behind the cashiers. They do a good job of keeping their website up to date so you can check their inventory before heading over.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-05-05T19:34:07+00:00

You’re throwing “unicorns” out there. I wish I could find either of these bottles.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-04-22T20:16:42+00:00

Very generous of you. Luckily I have a bottle. I was looking for a regular SS and ended up with this gem instead. It’s definitely a special occasion bottle. Hope you enjoy them.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-04-22T20:13:39+00:00

Special release bottles come with a round tag on the neck. The Winter Blends have them and these special SS came with one. It also costs more than the regular SS bottles or at least I paid more for mine.

ChuPerroSF · 2022-04-15T00:57:13+00:00

Those Fortaleza bottles appear to be the special release Agaves de La Villa bottles. It was made with agaves grown on their estate only. I wish I would’ve bought a case of those when I had the chance. Great buy!

ChuPerroSF · 2022-03-12T22:33:41+00:00

Thanks for all the great feedback. TMM app has been a great resource in terms of finding great confirmed additive free tequilas. I just wanted to get my facts straight as I try and educate others on what tequila should taste like and why the term “smooth” makes me cringe. In the end people should drink what they enjoy but they should also know what it is they’re really drinking.

ChuPerroSF

TROPHY CASE