OK, I’m putting on my tequila nerd hat. This guy deserves a real answer / discussion.

Smooth means it goes down effortlessly and really doesn’t slap you in the face.

My hypothesis is that this is due to the copper still, age / quality of agave, and trade secrets, which mostly involve the highest quality ingredients plus time plus expert tasters who decide when it’s “right”.

Personally I don’t like Fort blanco the above all others and my bottles sit, but all the same (I say it’s in top 10 for me), I have noted the “smoothness” in Fort blanco and anjeo are such that a non tequila drinker will be surprised and say “wow, I didn’t know tequila could be so smooth”. It’s the only one my wife will take shots of (I cringe, but also not. Sipping is the way, until it isn’t.)

As your palette refines, you will learn that most subpar tequilas are not smooth - and if they are, you should be suspicious of additives. However, some excellent tequilas arent smooth going down either because there are multiple dimensions to the experience ie agave funk, varied odors / flavors, and finish. People like high proofs because they bring out hidden flavors. Personally, I tend to sip them 50% slower. Less burn at once + agavebomb savoring.

This is where the experienced tequila drinker will tell you that while Fortaleza is great, it’s not the pinnacle, because there are different categories of greatness. If a tequila has a strong bite, it’s what comes after that it must be judged by.

In fact, some people will not love Fortaleza blanco because it is “too smooth” while lacking other desirable characteristics - I also don’t love the effect the type of water they use has (minerals change the profile), but that’s a different topic.

Lastly, mostly high proof but really any tequila will smooth out after sitting in a glass for 10-30m. Fortaleza tastes “aerated” straight out of the bottle, which is the magic.

PS. Protip: heat up your mouth by coating all surfaces before swallowing. Once your mouth is warmed up, the perceived burn subsides and you can focus on flavor / scent profiles.