The old name for Fortaleza tequila was Los Abuelos, which means “the grandparents” in Spanish. This name was chosen by Don Guillermo Sauza to honor his great-great-grandfather and the traditional methods of tequila production that had been passed down through generations in his family.
Don Guillermo Sauza, a member of the Sauza tequila dynasty, made the decision to come back to the world of tequila in 1999 after a long absence. He wanted to revive the traditional way of making tequila that had been lost over the years due to modernization and mass production.
In choosing the name Los Abuelos, Don Guillermo wanted to pay tribute to his ancestors and their dedication to crafting high-quality tequila. He believed that by returning to the old methods and using only the finest ingredients, he could create a tequila that would truly capture the essence of the spirit.
However, when it came time to register the name in the United States, there was a copy issue. Another brand had already trademarked the name Los Abuelos for a different product. In order to avoid any legal complications, Don Guillermo decided to change the name to Fortaleza.
Fortaleza, which means “fortitude” or “strength” in Spanish, was a fitting name for the tequila. It represented the determination and resilience that Don Guillermo had to revive the traditional methods of tequila production and create a spirit of exceptional quality.
The name change did not alter the commitment to craftsmanship and heritage that Don Guillermo had set out to achieve. Fortaleza tequila is still made using the same traditional methods that were used by his great-great-grandfather 150 years ago.
One of the key aspects of Fortaleza tequila is the use of a traditional stone mill, called a tahona, to crush the cooked agave plants. This method is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than using modern machinery, but it results in a more complex and flavorful tequila.
Fortaleza also uses traditional clay ovens for cooking the agave, copper pot stills for distillation, and oak barrels for aging. These traditional methods and attention to detail contribute to the unique and authentic character of Fortaleza tequila.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate the craftsmanship of Fortaleza tequila. The depth of flavor and the smoothness of the spirit are truly remarkable. Each sip tells a story of tradition and history, and it is evident that every bottle of Fortaleza is made with care and passion.
The old name for Fortaleza tequila, Los Abuelos, is a testament to the dedication and respect for tradition that Don Guillermo Sauza embodies. The name change to Fortaleza may have been necessary, but it has not diminished the legacy and quality of this exceptional tequila.