A couple of week’s ago I popped into Primal Eatery for the SA launch of Fortaleza – a 100% agave, small-batch, handcrafted tequila which originates from the town called Tequila in the western Mexico state, Jalisco. So yeah, it doesn’t get more authentic than this ladies & gents. But it gets better!
Their tequila maker, Guillermo Erickson Sauza, is a 5th generation tequila maker who does not make use of any technology or modern processes. He creates Fortaleza using the same production methods of his forefathers, ensuring you’re getting a tequila that tastes the same as it did about 150 years ago.
Importers, Truman & Orange, feel that the term “premium spirit” is no longer reserved for cognacs and whiskies, and that they’re seeing more and more South Africans interested in trying high-quality tequilas and other spirits.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve never been a huge tequila fan (I blame my varsity days for that), but getting the opportunity to try such a high-end tequila as part of a food & tequila pairing dinner was an offer that sounded way too interesting to turn down. Also, I had not yet been to Primal, so there was double intrigue… Let me give you a quick tour:
So what was on the menu? A little Fortaleza tasting followed by a very interesting 4 course tequila-inspired dinner:
As you can see, definitely an awesome (and sophisticated) twist on the regular tequila binge. And I mean, why not?? I’m not a student anymore. I’d much rather be pairing my meal with a tequila I can actually appreciate and enjoy than one that literally hurts on the way down.
If you feel the same, keep an eye out for Fortaleza in a bottle store or restaurant near you. I personally am looking forward to trying a Fortaleza margarita – my favourite cocktail of all. I’ve tried many margaritas around Cape Town, and trust me, it’s all in the quality of tequila that’s used. Also, if you have a tequila-loving friend or relative, a bottle of Fortaleza will also make for a kick-ass Christmas gift. #justsaying
xxx