Don Fulano Fuerte Tequila has clinched the top award at one of the most prestigious spirits judging events globally, solidifying its status as an affordable yet highly coveted bottle.
In a triumph for tequila enthusiasts, Don Fulano Fuerte (100 Proof Blanco) has won the esteemed Best In Show Tequila award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This accolade highlights Don Fulano’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the rich heritage the brand has upheld since its inception. Winning at the SFWSC, one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, distinguishes Don Fulano in a competitive market, reinforcing its reputation as a premier tequila producer. Moreover, at $59.99, it remains an accessible option for any tequila aficionado.
The SFWSC, established in 2000, is renowned for its rigorous judging process, where expert panels blind-taste thousands of spirits to ensure unbiased results. Don Fulano Fuerte’s victory at such a competitive event underscores the quality and mastery behind the spirit. Its bold 100-proof strength (50% ABV) and pure, unaged character make it a standout, perfectly balancing depth, power, and elegance.
The judges praised it as an amazing and well-balanced tequila with agave and black pepper on the nose and palate, followed by a burst of citrus and cinnamon on the finish.
Crafted under the expertise of Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca and blended by Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Fuerte is made from estate-grown Maduro and Pinto agave (Jima Media), harvested in the highlands of Atotonilco, an area renowned for producing some of Mexico’s finest agave. The agave is cooked for 28 to 32 hours at 0.8 to 1.0 atmospheres, allowing the natural sweetness to develop slowly. A self-engineered screw press ensures optimal extraction while preserving the integrity of the agave juice.
Fermentation occurs in open tanks over 72 to 96 hours, using proprietary yeast sourced from the agave itself—a unique touch that adds complexity to the tequila. Distilled in a copper pot still, Don Fulano Fuerte is matured for at least six months in stainless steel, allowing the flavors to settle without any wood influence. The result is a pure, unfiltered tequila with vibrant agave-forward flavors, enhanced by the use of natural volcanic spring water from the Tequila region.
Founded in 2000 by Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila continues the Fonseca family’s deep-rooted legacy in the tequila industry. With over five generations of agave farming experience, the Fonseca family is known for its complete control over agave production and unwavering commitment to quality. Produced at the renowned La Tequilena distillery (NOM1146), Don Fulano remains one of the last fully family-owned and estate-grown tequila brands, a rarity in today’s market.
The Fonseca family’s expertise in both agave cultivation and distillation is evident across Don Fulano’s entire product range, but Don Fulano Fuerte (100 Proof Blanco) stands out as a bold expression of the brand’s philosophy. This high-proof blanco showcases the unadulterated essence of the agave, delivering robust flavors with a silky texture and notes of citrus, pepper, and herbs that impressed the judges at the SFWSC.
Winning Best In Show at the SFWSC is more than just an accolade—it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that go into every bottle of Don Fulano. The 100-proof strength is not merely a display of power; it embodies a perfect balance of strength and refinement, a harmony that impressed the competition’s panel of judges.
The SFWSC is one of the most prestigious competitions globally, with industry experts and connoisseurs closely monitoring its results. By securing the top prize, Don Fulano has established itself as a tequila brand that both honors tradition and pioneers innovation. This victory enhances its growing reputation on the international stage and solidifies its presence in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Asia.
As Don Fulano continues to expand globally and innovate within the tequila category, this win at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition marks a significant milestone. The vision of Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza—rooted in heritage yet driven by innovation—has earned them international acclaim. Don Fulano’s future looks brighter than ever. By staying true to its roots while continually pushing boundaries, Don Fulano is set to captivate even more tequila enthusiasts worldwide.
Source: Forbes
