Fortaleza Tequila. Why You Can’t Find it ANYWHERE

Why Can’t I Find Fortaleza Tequila?

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after tequila brands on the market today. In my opinion, it is also one of the best tequilas ever made. It is also a brand that is incredibly hard to find, and people are always asking why it is never in stock. In this blog post, we will break down why this amazing brand is so hard to find and what makes it so special.

Firstly, Fortaleza is a relative newcomer to the industry, having been created in 2005. However, the people who make Fortaleza come from a long line of tequila producers spanning over 125 years. Don Guiermo launched the brand with the explicit goal of creating tequila in the ancestral way that his family had been known for, for generations. Everything they do is handmade and created in a craft way to the highest level of quality possible.

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after brands because it is one of the most traditionally made brands. This directly plays into why it is so hard to find. The cost is also high due to its high demand. Many people have learned about the brand in the last year or so. This has lead to higher demand and because of that demand, supply has dwindled. In addition, there are only so many bottles that they can produce on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. And that is because of the traditional method used in production. This factor usually takes longer to produce and produces less quantity, making it harder to keep up with demand. Hence, prices have increased over the last year.

What makes Fortaleza Different than other tequila brands?

According to Rob, known as the Tequila Collective on Instagram and TikTok, the traditional factor that makes Fortaleza so unique also plays a role in its limited supply. He explains that the agave plant needs to grow for about six to seven years before it is harvested. At Fortaleza, the agave is chopped up into quarters or halves, and the heart of the agave plant is cooked in an horno, or brick oven. The Horno uses steam for about five days to cook the agave. This traditional method takes time and produces less quantity.

Despite the difficulties in finding Fortaleza, it is widely considered the best tequila on the market today. Its distillery is ranked number one out of all the tequila distilleries in Mexico, according to Tequila Matchmaker. The brand is known for its amazing product, which is produced in the ancestral way. Which so many people feel results in the highest level of quality possible.

In conclusion, Fortaleza is a unique tequila brand that is difficult to find due to its high demand and limited supply. However, its traditional production methods and high-quality product make it worth the effort of trying to find. If you manage to find a bottle of Fortaleza, be prepared to pay a premium price, but rest assured that you will be experiencing one of the best tequila brands on the market today.

STOP Drinking Don Julio 1942! Drink These Tequila Brands Instead!

If you’re a tequila drinker, you’ve probably heard of Don Julio 1942. It’s a tequila that’s widely popular in the United States, and you’ve likely seen it served in high-end bars and clubs. But while it may be a favorite of many, there are some good reasons why you might want to think twice before drinking it.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink Don Julio 1942

First and foremost, Don Julio 1942 is way overpriced. You can find a bottle for anywhere between $170 and $270, depending on where you look. And if you’re buying it in a club, it can cost thousands of dollars, which is just absurd. It’s not worth spending that much money on a drink just to look cool.

Another issue with 1942 is that it’s not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like. Tequila is not meant to be super smooth. It’s supposed to have a distinct flavor that lets you know you’re drinking tequila. While Don Julio 1942 may be easy to drink and have a relatively good flavor profile, it’s not the best representation of what a tequila should taste like.

Don Julio 1942 is also owned by a giant corporation called Diageo. Who have a track record of buying brands and then doing questionable things with them. Some people claim that Don Julio 1942 has additives in it, although you can’t prove it since no company is out there advertising that they put chemicals in their tequila.

Drink these Brands Instead

So if you’re looking for a tequila that’s worth your time and money, here are three options that you should try instead:

  1. Fortaleza: This tequila is made by a very historic family of tequila makers. They have been making tequila for five different generations. Fortaleza is incredibly delicious, has a great agave flavor, and is an easy sipper. It’s also certified additive-free. It costs between $70 and $80, which is about half to one third the price of Don Julio 1942.
  2. El Tesoro: This tequila is made by a master tequila distiller named Carlos Camarena, who is an absolute legend in the industry. El Tesoro has a rich, natural agave flavor with some great undertones provided by the barrel. It’s also certified additive-free and runs around $70, making it a great alternative.
  3. Cazcanes: This tequila is a relative newcomer to the industry. It’s making strides by doing everything small batch in the right way. Cazcanes is certified additive-free and is one of the highest rated tequilas on Tequila Matchmaker. It costs around $135, but it’s worth the price for the incredible taste.

In conclusion, Don Julio 1942 may be a popular tequila, but it’s overpriced. It is not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like, and most likely uses additives. If you’re looking for a better tequila, give Fortaleza, El Tesoro, or Cazcanes a try. These three options are delicious, certified additive-free, and won’t break the bank. So next time you’re in the mood for tequila, skip the Don Julio 1942 and try one of these alternatives instead.

Stop Drinking 818 Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

818 Tequila: The Controversial Brand

Are you tired of hearing about yet another celebrity trying to sell you a mediocre product? Look no further than 818 Tequila, the highly controversial tequila brand launched by Kendall Jenner. Not only does it suffer from cultural appropriation and other issues that plague celebrity tequilas, but it’s also just not a very good tequila. And to make matters worse, it comes with a premium price tag, all for the privilege of having Kendall Jenner’s name attached to it.

818 also most likely uses additives in their production. I have an entire other blog post diving into what additives are and why they are being used.

But fear not, there are plenty of other tequila brands out there that are worth your time and money. In this post, we’ll be exploring three tequila brands that you should be drinking instead of 818 Tequila. So put down that overpriced bottle and let’s dive into some truly delicious tequila options.

Tequila Ocho: The Single Estate Tequila

Tequila Ocho is an exceptional brand of tequila created by two men in partnership. One of those men is Thomas Estes, the former tequila ambassador to Europe from Mexico. His partner is Carlos Camarena, whose family has been making tequila for generations. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila made with agave from one farm and one location. It is crafted with the highest level of care and detail.

Tequila Ocho is certified additive-free and widely available in the US and Europe. At around $50 for a bottle of Blanco, it is cheaper than 818 Tequila and of superior quality. It offers a robust agave flavor that is enjoyable to sip on its own or in a cocktail.

Mijenta: The Sustainable Brand

Mijenta is a tequila brand that offers sustainability and female representation in the tequila industry. The master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, has over 25 years of experience in the industry. The brand is committed to sustainability and works with partners who share the same vision.

Mijenta is a certified additive-free tequila brand that produces Blanco and Reposado varieties. The Blanco has a subtle agave flavor with spice notes that are easy to drink. The Reposado has a caramel characteristic with a balance of agave and spice notes. The bottles are also aesthetically pleasing and make for an excellent addition to your home bar.

Fortaleza: The Traditional Brand

Fortaleza is a tequila brand that values traditional practices and techniques. The brand is family-owned and operated and uses traditional methods to make their tequila. They use a stone wheel, called a tahona, to crush the agave before distillation.

Fortaleza produces Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo varieties. The Blanco has a sweet agave flavor with a peppery finish. The Reposado has a vanilla and caramel characteristic with a balance of agave flavor. The Añejo has a smooth, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon.

In conclusion, while 818 Tequila may have its controversy, there are many other high-quality tequila brands on the market. Tequila Ocho, Mijenta, and Fortaleza are three brands that offer unique flavor profiles and traditional methods of production. Give them a try and find the tequila that suits your palate.

Don’t Drink Teremana Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Why You Should avoid Teremana Tequila

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand in the United States due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who launched the brand. This celebrity-owned brand has been making waves across social media and in bars all across the country. However, despite its widespread popularity, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before trying this tequila brand. There are many problems surrounding celebrity owned tequila brands as a whole.

For starters, while some people claim that Teremana Tequila is free of additives, the truth is not as clear. The place that produces it doesn’t have the best track record and isnt one of the best ranked distilleries on Tequila Match Maker

But that’s not the only reason to avoid this tequila brand. While it may have a relatively accessible price point of around $30 for a bottle of the Reposado and a little bit less for the Blanco, there are so many other tequila brands out there that are much better in terms of taste and quality. In this blog post, we’ll be introducing you to three alternative tequila brands that we think are well worth your time and money.

So if you’re looking for a tequila that truly delivers in terms of taste and quality, you may want to steer clear of Teremana Tequila and try one of these other options instead. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Arette

One of the best alternatives to Teremana is Arette, which is confirmed additive-free. It is produced by the Orendain family, who have been producing tequila for multiple generations. The Blanco is available for about $23, while the Reposado is slightly more expensive at around $25. Arette is an excellent well tequila and works perfectly in a margarita.

Cimarron

Another great alternative to Teremana is Cimarron, which costs around $25. Cimarron is made at a distillery that produces other high-quality brands such as Tears of Llorona and Fuentesseca. Cimarron is 100% additive-free and has a great minerality and spice notes, along with a raw agave flavor. It works perfectly in a cocktail, but can also be sipped and enjoyed on its own.

La Gritona

La Gritona is a brand of reposado tequila that is owned and operated by a team of almost exclusively women. This matters because it is a rare thing in most industries. It is a lightly rested reposado and therefore it’s not as dark as some other reposado tequilas. Costco sells its across the country and it usually goes for about $30.

La Gritona is an excellent value for its price, and shows you what a great reposado tequila can be. The taste is vastly different from Teramana Repo, which has a fake vanilla and cotton candy kind of flavor to it. La Gritona has a beautiful bottle, but it can be a bit difficult to open.

When you take a sip of La Gritona, you’ll notice that it’s super light, almost barely rested, but it’s still technically a reposado. The agave flavor hits you right on the nose and it stands up really well in a cocktail. It’s a fun tequila to mix into your cocktails, but you can also enjoy sipping it on its own. Overall, La Gritona is an amazing value for a great tequila that is well worth trying.

Honorable Mentions:

While Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive than Teremana, they are still worth considering for those who are willing to pay a little more for higher quality tequila. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila that can be found for around $45-$50 and is one of the best tequilas on the market. El Tequileno has two lines, with the regular line costing around $45 and the premium line costing around $90.

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. There are many other tequila brands that are of higher quality and are available at a similar price point. Arette and Cimarron are both excellent alternatives to Teremana. They work well in cocktails and can be enjoyed on their own. Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive but are worth considering. Especially for those who are willing to pay more for higher quality tequila.

Blanco vs Reposado vs Añejo Tequila: What’s the Difference?

Tequila is more than just a shot with salt and lime. It’s a complex spirit with a rich history and a variety of flavors. And if you’re a tequila lover, you’ve probably come across three terms that describe the different types of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. But what do they mean, and how do they impact the taste of the tequila you’re sipping on?

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of tequila aging and explore the differences between Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo types of tequila. We’ll uncover the secrets of aging, the impact of the barrel on the tequila, and how to choose the perfect tequila for your personal taste. So, whether you’re a seasoned tequila drinker or a newcomer to the world of agave spirits, sit back, pour yourself a glass, and get ready to discover the magic of aged tequila.

Aging Tequila

Before we get into the different expressions of tequila, we need to first understand why are spirits aged at all. Aging a spirit is the process of placing it in a wooden barrel for a period of time, allowing it to take on some of the flavors from the wood inside. Unaged spirits can be quite harsh, so aging was initially used to smoothen the raw taste. However, this isn’t necessarily the case with tequila, as unaged tequila is quite popular.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is the most raw and honest expression of what the master distiller wanted to achieve with the tequila. It’s unaged, meaning it hasn’t been in contact with wood and is a clear, blanco-looking liquid. It has a clear or “blanco” appearance, and its taste is characterized by the distinct vegetal, earthy notes of the agave plant. Blanco tequila is typically used for cocktails, such as margaritas, due to its bold flavor profile.

Technically, for a tequila to be called Blanco, it needs to spend anywhere between zero and two months in a barrel. However, there are some exceptions, such as Montagave Blanco tequila, which is rested in bordeaux barrels from France, giving it a pinkish-orange color.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is rested in a barrel for anywhere between two months and a year, resulting in a slightly darker color than Blanco tequila. Reposado tequila provides the best of both worlds, blending the raw flavor of Blanco tequila with the aged notes of the barrel. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a wholly unique aging process in spirits.

Añejo Tequila

Finally, Añejo tequila is aged in a barrel for at least one year, giving it a much darker color and a smooth, rich flavor. Anejo tequila is the perfect choice for those who want the distinct taste of tequila blended with the warm notes of a barrel.

Extra Añejo Tequila

In addition to the three main types of tequila, there are also extra añejo tequilas, which are aged for more than three years.

Extra Añejo tequilas are a relatively new category of tequila that was introduced in 2006 by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) in Mexico. To be classified as an Extra Añejo, the tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 600 liters.

The extended aging process gives them a dark color, rich and complex flavors, and a smooth texture. The oak barrels used for aging the tequila impart notes of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and spice, and the longer the tequila is aged, the more pronounced these flavors become.

Tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer the boldness of blanco tequila, the smoothness of reposado tequila, or the complexity of anejo tequila, there’s a tequila out there for everyone. So, next time you’re enjoying a tequila cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the unique flavor profile that each type of tequila brings to the table.

Tequila Additives are ruining your favorite Tequilas.

Tequila is one of the most beloved spirits in the world, with a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has captured the hearts and palates of people across the globe. But did you know that many tequila brands are adding secret ingredients to their bottles? These additives, which are legal under Mexican law, can alter the taste, aroma, and appearance of the tequila. They also do not need to disclose that they use additives.

Despite the fact that these chemicals can impact the quality and authenticity of tequila, many popular brands continue to use them in order to create a consistent product and to cut costs. But is the convenience worth the compromise? Should we be concerned about the impact of these additives on our health and the environment? These are the questions that we will explore in this blog post, as we dive into the world of tequila additives.

From the sweeteners that make tequila taste sweeter to the artificial extracts that mimic aging, we’ll take a close look at each of the four additives allowed in tequila production and discuss why they are cause for concern.

We’ll also examine the legal loopholes that allow tequila producers to use these additives without disclosing them to consumers. We will also explore the impact that this lack of transparency has on the industry as a whole. And finally, we’ll delve into the rising popularity of tequila and the role that transparency and authenticity will play in the future of this beloved spirit.

Tequila Production

Firstly, let’s talk about the production of tequila. It takes between seven and 12 years for the blue agave plant to mature before it can be cut up, cooked, fermented, and distilled to make tequila. This lengthy process is why additives were originally allowed under Mexican law to help producers create a more consistent product. As long as the additives don’t exceed 1% of the total volume of the tequila, producers don’t have to disclose their use of additives.

What Exactly are Tequila Additives

The four additives allowed in tequila production are sugar-based sweeteners, glycerin, oak extract, and caramel coloring. Sugar-based sweeteners create a sweeter taste in the tequila and can also impart aroma and flavor. Glycerin is added to create a fuller or thicker mouthfeel. While oak extract is added to simulate the flavor of aged tequila. Finally, caramel coloring is added to make the tequila look darker and simulate barrel aging.

Why are Tequila Additives a bad thing?

So, why are additives in tequila a bad thing? For one, consumers are often left in the dark about whether their favorite tequila brands are using additives or not. The lack of transparency can be frustrating for consumers who want to know what they’re drinking. Additionally, some brands are using additives to create a cheaper, inferior product that imitates the flavor of traditionally-made tequila. This practice is dishonest and can mislead consumers about the true flavor of tequila.

Moreover, as the demand for tequila grows, the need for transparency in the tequila market becomes more important. Consumers want to know where their tequila comes from and what is added to it. Farm-to-table restaurants have become popular in the last few decades for this reason, and tequila brands should follow suit.

In conclusion, additives are allowed in tequila production, and some popular brands may have chemicals added to them that the consumer may never know about. The four types of chemicals allowed in tequila are sugar-based sweeteners, glycerin, oak extract, and caramel coloring. Consumers want more transparency in the tequila market, and some brands are using additives to create a cheaper, inferior product. As the demand for tequila grows, transparency becomes more important, and consumers deserve to know what they’re drinking.

There are many other issues surrounding tequila production, such as celebrity tequilas, which i made a whole video on that you should check out.

Don’t Drink Casamigos Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Casamigos Tequila is one of the most popular tequila brands on the planet. Everywhere you look, Casamigos seems to be on the shelves. But honestly, Casamigos is not a good tequila brand. It has additives, its overproduced and it not worth the price. In this Video I will show you the 3 best tequila brands you should be drinking instead.

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits out there and so many brands are capitalizing on it. Celebrities far and wide have tried to make a quick buck by selling tequila and there are so many bad brands out there. And that’s all thanks to Casamigos. Casamigos was created by George Clooney and eventually he sold it to Diageo for $1 Billion dollars so in a way they were responsible for the whole trend of Celebrity Tequila.

Celebrity tequilas are becoming a huge problem in the tequila industry especially as the tequila industry continues to explode in popularity. I did an entire video on the problems with Celebrity Tequilas which you can watch to learn more about. All of these celebrities are cutting corners and creating an inferior product to make money while hurting the tequila industry as a whole.

The Three brands I cover in this video are all family owned and run, free of additives and are all well worth your money.

Mijenta is a more recent brand to the industry but they are committed to sustainability and creating amazing tequila. Arette is a great budget tequila that is cheaper than Casamigos and certainly tastier. El Tequileno tequila has been a mainstay in Mexico since 1959 and is steeped in tradition.

These are the three best tequila brands 2022 you should be drinking instead of Casamigos.

If you would like more tequila recommendations check out this post, the best tequila brands you should be drinking!

The Problem With Celebrity Tequila Brands…

Why Are There So Many Celebrity Tequila Brands?

From The Rock to George Clooney, LeBron James to Kendall Jenner, and even Guy Fieri, it seems like everyone wants a piece of the tequila pie. Tequila sales worldwide have grown 6% every single year since 2002, reaching an over $4 billion industry in 2020. George Clooney sold his brand, Casamigos, for over $1 billion a couple of years ago. Showing the massive earning potential in this industry and kickstarting this craze. Celebrity tequila is trying to capitalize on that insane growth.

However, I must say that the quality of the product in these celebrity tequila bottles is not as good as other tequilas out there. With a lot of them being guilty of using additives in their products. While some might accuse me of being a hater for trashing almost every single one of these tequilas on my TikTok and YouTube, the problem runs much deeper than just personal dislike for certain celebrities.

Problems With Celebrity Tequila

One major issue with celebrity tequila is cultural appropriation. Take Kendall Jenner, for example, who received backlash for promoting her 818 tequila with a tone-deaf commercial featuring her wearing traditional Mexican clothes. Many argue that she was appropriating Mexican culture to sell her product, despite not having any real connection or ties to the country beyond wanting to make a quick buck from the agave plant.

Connection to Mexico

Additionally, most celebrity-backed brands have almost no connection or ties to Mexico beyond rolling up to one of the few distilleries that make almost all of the celebrity tequila, picking a barrel that slightly tastes different than the other barrel, slapping their name and logo on it, and then selling it at a high premium price to make money off of it.

Environmental Concerns

This not only takes money out of the Mexican economy but also directly contributes to a whole host of other issues in the agave industry, including deforestation and wildlife disturbance. The demand for celebrity tequila has put intense pressure on the industry. It has prompted tequila producers to produce more tequila faster and to make more tequila. To make more tequila they need more farmland, which leads to more deforestation.

Rising Cost of Agave

Furthermore, the pressure to create more tequila has caused a skyrocket in the price of agave. It takes about eight or nine years for agave plants to fully mature before they can be cultivated and turned into tequila. This lengthy and labor-intensive process has been put under immense pressure due to the influx of celebrity brands into the market.

In conclusion, while celebrity tequila might be more accessible and popular than ever before, it comes at a cost to both the Mexican heritage and culture, as well as the environment. While it’s understandable that celebrities want to make money, it’s important to ensure that their product is not only of high quality but also produced in a sustainable and ethical way.

818 Tequila REVIEW | Is Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila Worth it?

What is 818 Tequila?

818 Tequila is a “premium” Tequila owned by Kendall Jenner, one of the Kardashians. It is a tequila trying to capitalize on the hype train surrounding tequila at the moment as well as Kendall Jenner’s massive popularity to sell a tequila brand.

818 Tequila is a Tequila brand that retails for anywhere between $50 to almost $70 depending on where you buy it. They have an 818 Blanco, the also have a 818 Reposado and a 818 Anejo expressions and soon to come, an ultra premium extra anejo as well. While these prices are pretty high, they are in line with other tequila on the market. There are certainly more expensive and cheaper options out there. So they seemed to have gone for pricing in the middle.

818 Tequila has been making waves on social media and traditional media despite all of the other celebrity tequila’s coming out over the last few years. It’s hard to keep up with all of them to be honest, but 818 has been able to carve out a space for itself in the market. Especially utilizing the Kardashians giant combined platform, they have been able to break into a highly competitive market in a big way.

Though, it hasn’t always been roses for the brand. They have come under heavy fire for claims of cultural appropriation and copyright violations. It is a highly controversial brand to say the least. They have also been accused of contributing to the worsening of the problems surround the tequila industry.

If you want to learn more about the problems with Celebrity tequila, you can check out my video here.

While it is an incredibly popular tequila, No 818 Tequila Review would be complete without talking about what it tastes like and telling you exactly how I feel.

I tasted both the Blanco expression and the reposado expression, give you my thoughts on who this tequila was made for, and my final verdict on whether or not I can recommend this tequila.

Aviation Gin Review | Is Ryan Reynold’s Gin Worth It?

What is Aviation Gin?

Aviation Gin is a gin owned by Ryan Reynolds. It is an American Dry Gin that looks like it came straight out of the 1920’s. Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin has been around for quite some time and has become an incredibly popular gin. Ryan Reynolds is a hugely popular person so no wonder his Gin has become so hugely popular.

Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin commercials have been a huge hit online and incredibly funny which has really catapulted this gin into the public consciousness but what makes it special outside of having a celebrity owner?

It is a classic style gin, the bottle looks like it came straight of the pre-prohibition era, and it has actually been around for a lot longer than Ryan Reynolds involvement with the brand. They have been making this gin for a long time.

In terms of flavor it is a milder gin than many you will find in the market today. This might actually make it more appealing to folks who aren’t the biggest fans of traditional gins. I found it to be a bit too mild in flavor as I prefer them a bit stronger to be able to stand up well in a cocktail as well.

Speaking of which, while it worked reasonably well in a Gin & Tonic, in the cocktail I made I found that the honey and lemon easily over powered the taste of the gin and it did not feel well balanced.

In this Review I try to go in depth by giving you the break down on what Aviation Gin is, I also try it in various applications to find out how to drink this gin. I try it straight, in a gin and tonic, and also in a cocktail. Finally, I give you my final thoughts on whether or not its worth your time and money.

If you would like to see my review on more celebrity spirits, why not check out my review of Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila