Clase Azul Plata vs Fortaleza Blanco

Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:26 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.

In my comprehensive analysis, explore Clase Azul Plata and Fortaleza Blanco variations and determine your preferred Tequila!

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

Clase Azul Plata vs Fortaleza Blanco: Comparison

Clase Azul Plata: Features a notably sweet profile with vanilla, caramel, and mint, making it exceptionally smooth and easy-drinking. Its long, sweet finish and minimal warmth cater to those new to tequila or preferring a milder taste. However, the sweetness and price may deter traditional tequila enthusiasts.

Fortaleza Blanco: Offers a rich blend of olive, agave, and citrus, presenting a complex, luxurious mouthfeel. Its authentic flavor and traditional production methods appeal to aficionados seeking a genuine tequila experience. The price reflects its quality, making it a preferred choice for sipping neat.

Verdict: Fortaleza Blanco excels in offering an authentic, complex tequila experience at a fair price, ideal for true enthusiasts. Clase Azul Plata, while smooth and appealing, might be better suited for those valuing presentation and a sweeter profile, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Rated Silver Tequilas

Clase Azul Plata: Smoothness with a Sweet Twist

• Nose: Agave, vanilla, caramel
• Palate: Agave, vanilla, caramel, mint, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks

Aroma: Clase Azul Plata opens with a sweet profile of vanilla, caramel, and agave notes.

Taste: It offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience. The flavor profile is noticeably sweet for a Blanco tequila, featuring prominent vanilla and mint.

Finish: The finish is long and sweet, with minimal warmth and a hint of black pepper that attempts to balance the sweetness.

Considerations: The surprising sweetness and presence of mint in Clase Azul Plata raise questions about the potential use of artificial flavorings, uncommon in unaged tequilas. Tequila regulations allow producers to not disclose the use of such additives if they make up less than 1%, making it difficult to confirm definitively.

Appeal: This smooth spirit might appeal to those new to tequila or seeking a gentle experience. However, seasoned tequila enthusiasts might find the sweetness excessive, especially considering the price point, which seems to emphasize the ornate decanter rather than the spirit itself.

Producer: Clase Azul Plata comes from Casa Tradicion, the makers of El Teporocho "The Drunk Man."

Fortaleza Blanco: A Masterclass in Tequila Excellence

• Nose: Olive, agave, citrus, lime
• Palate: Olive, agave, mint, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks

Aroma: Fortaleza Blanco opens with a captivating blend of green olives, cooked agave, orange, and lime.

Taste: It boasts a luxurious, oily mouthfeel. The flavor profile is a symphony of olive, blue agave sweetness, ripe fruit, mint, subtle saltiness, and a touch of black pepper.

Finish: The finish is long and complex, initially peppery, with lingering hints of anise, agave, and a pleasant warming sensation.

Aficionado's Choice: Fortaleza Blanco captures the true essence of tequila, boasting a rich cooked agave flavor balanced with a unique olive note and a touch of sweetness. It stands out as a top contender among Blanco tequilas.

Sipping Perfection: The well-balanced heat adds another layer of enjoyment, making it an exceptional choice for sipping and savoring the nuances of blue agave. While it can be enjoyed on the rocks, the exceptional quality and higher price point make it ideal for appreciating neat.

Authentic Experience: True to its roots, Fortaleza Blanco uses no additives, offering an authentic tequila experience uncompromised by artificial enhancements.

Production Method: A unique aspect is the use of a traditional 2-ton tahona stone to grind the agave hearts. This method extracts the sweetest juice while filtering out unwanted bitter compounds, ultimately contributing to the refined taste.

Open Fermentation: Furthermore, the natural open-air fermentation process in wooden tanks, without added yeasts, further emphasizes the dedication to crafting a pure and exceptional tequila.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Specs comparison