When it comes to sipping tequila, premium high proof tequila expressions are far and few in between.
High Proof Tequila
As tequila begins to shed its party image, there is more demand for high proof tequila that is less watered down, a purer form of the agave plant with more intensity than the basic blanco. With premium producers embracing the growing trend, here are three high proof tequila expressions to seek out.
Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco Tequila (46% ABV)
Guillermo Erickson Sauza of Fortaleza Tequila is renowned for his welcoming and immersive distillery tours when hosting the world’s best bartenders. A highlight of these tours is offering a taste of tequila straight off the still, an experience that could only be had at the distillery in Tequila, Jalisco. After numerous requests by bartenders to release the still strength blanco as a stand-alone product, Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco (46% ABV) went to market in 2017.
Bottled at still strength to showcase the purest form of Tequila Fortaleza, Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco comes straight off the small copper pot still, without any water added prior to bottling. The tequila is described as having aromas of fruit, baked fully-ripened agave, green olive and earth. Compared to the regular Blanco, it is slightly brighter and a touch more rustic with hints of butter, olive, earth, black pepper and vegetal notes.
Don Fulano Fuerte (50% ABV)
Created by master distiller/blender Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, the range of Don Fulano Tequila is made from 100% estate grown mature blue agave in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico and distilled in the valley town of Tequila. Don Fulano Fuerte is a one of a kind expression. At 50% ABV, it is the strongest tequila in the range. Described as profoundly aromatic with fruity agave notes and floral notes of orange blossom and jasmine, the palate exhibits bold spice notes with peppery agave and an intense long and spicy finish.
Calle 23 Criollo (49.3% ABV)
From Sophie Decobecq, Calle 23 Tequila’s creator and master distiller comes Calle 23 Criollo, a high proof tequila which was launched in Australia in 2017 and featured in our Top 10 New Spirits of 2017.
Calle 23 Criollo is made from a special type of blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco locally called “Criollo” meaning Creole. The agave are fully mature but remain small in size with a high concentration of natural agave sugars. At 49.3% ABV, Calle 23 Criollo is ultra smooth with a notable viscosity and mouthfeel. Notes of citrus, fresh harvested agave, green pepper with sweet undertones of dried fruit linger on the palate with a long and spicy finish.
In partnership with Vanguard Luxury Brands, distributors of Fortaleza, Don Fulano and Calle 23 Tequila in Australia.
