Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:14 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Dive into the differences between Casamigos Blanco and Fortaleza Blanco with this detailed comparison, and find the Tequila that suits your preference!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Casamigos Blanco vs Fortaleza Blanco: Head-to-Head
Casamigos Blanco: Vanilla and agave with a hint of mint. Offers a smooth, creamy palate and a lingering vanilla finish. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks for its subtle flavors.
Fortaleza Blanco: Showcases bold agave with olive and citrus notes. Full-bodied with peppery warmth and a complex finish. A premium choice for sipping, highlighting the essence of agave.
Verdict: Casamigos Blanco provides a sweet, smooth experience, focusing on vanilla and creaminess, ideal for those who prefer a gentler tequila. Fortaleza Blanco excels in offering a robust agave presence, balanced with complexity and depth, suited for enthusiasts seeking a true agave expression, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Blanco Tequilas for Sipping
Casamigos Blanco Tequila: Smooth Sipping Experience
- Nose: Vanilla, agave, mint
- Palate: Smooth, creamy, agave, vanilla, mint
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
- Similar to: Casamigos Mezcal
Light and Sweet Agave
Casamigos Blanco offers a pleasant aroma of vanilla with subtle hints of agave and mint. These notes are gentle and inviting, avoiding any overpowering scents.
Smooth and Creamy on the Palate
The first sip reveals a smooth and refined taste. Noticeable vanilla and mint flavors create a creamy sensation, although these may come from added sources.
Lingering Vanilla Finish
The finish is smooth and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of vanilla and mint.
Easy to Enjoy Neat or on the Rocks
Casamigos Blanco is known for its smoothness and sweetness, making it a great tequila to sip neat. Enjoying it on the rocks allows you to experience the flavors in a slightly chilled way.
Limited Cocktail Potential
The prominent vanilla character in Casamigos Blanco might not always complement other ingredients well. If you’re planning on using tequila for cocktails, a more affordable Blanco option might be better suited, as the unique flavors of pricier tequilas can sometimes get lost when mixed with other strong flavors.
Casamigos Blanco – Key Facts
- Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, at a dedicated distillery.
- Rested for 2 months in stainless steel tanks for a smoother taste (compared to most Blanco tequilas bottled right after distillation).
- Owned by London-based Diageo.
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila: A Bold Agave Experience
- Nose: Olive, agave, citrus, lime
- Palate: Olive, agave, mint, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Blanco
Earthy Agave with Hints of Olive
Fortaleza Blanco boasts a unique aroma profile. Rich green olive notes mingle with the earthy character of cooked agave, offering a complex and intriguing introduction. Subtle citrus hints of orange and lime add a touch of freshness.
Full-Bodied with Peppery Warmth
The first sip reveals a remarkable, oily mouthfeel. The flavor explodes with a burst of cooked agave sweetness, complemented by savory olive and a touch of saltiness. Ripe fruit and mint add refreshing layers, while a hint of black pepper adds a touch of warmth.
Long, Peppery Finish with Agave Linger
The finish is long and satisfying, initially peppery and warming. Subtle hints of anise and agave linger in the background, creating a complex and lingering experience.
A True Agave Expression
Fortaleza Blanco is praised for showcasing the true essence of tequila. The bold flavors of cooked agave take center stage, balanced by a delightful olive undertone and natural sweetness. The balanced heat level makes it perfect for sipping and appreciating the rich blue agave character.
Enjoys Chilling, But Save it for Sipping
Fortaleza Blanco holds its complexity even when enjoyed on the rocks. However, due to its premium quality and price, it’s best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its distinct flavors. Mixing it with strong juices might mask its unique character.
Traditional Agave Extraction
Fortaleza Blanco is crafted using time-honored methods. Agave hearts are crushed with a 2-ton tahona stone, which extracts the sweetest juice while minimizing bitter compounds.
This contrasts with most tequilas that use a mechanical shredder, which can introduce unwanted bitterness.
Additionally, natural open-air fermentation in wooden tanks contributes to the complex flavor profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Fortaleza Blanco | $54 |
| Casamigos Blanco | $50 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Casamigos | Fortaleza |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | 2 months | 2 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Tahona Stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |