The World’s Best Tequila-According To The 2024 San Francisco World Spirit Competiton

In a win for drinkers everywhere, Don Fulano Fuerte (100 Proof Blanco) has claimed the prestigious Best In Show Tequila award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This accolade is a testament to Don Fulano’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the rich heritage that the brand has embodied since its founding. Winning at the SFWSC, one of the world’s most revered spirits competitions, sets Don Fulano apart in a crowded market, reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier tequila producer. Plus, at $59.99, it is an affordable bottle that any tequila lover can lay their hands on.

The SFWSC, established in 2000, is known for its rigorous judging process. Expert panels blind-taste thousands of spirits to ensure unbiased results. Don Fulano Fuerte’s taking home Best In Show at such a competitive event speaks volumes about the quality of the spirit and the mastery behind it. The tequila’s bold 100-proof strength (50% ABV), combined with its pure, unaged character, makes it a standout, perfectly balancing depth, power, and elegance.

Here is what the judges had to say about it. 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.

Don Fulano Fuerte is crafted under the expertise of Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca and blended by Sergio Mendoza, two pillars of the brand’s identity. The tequila is made from estate-grown Maduro and Pinto agave (Jima Media), harvested in the highlands of Atotonilco, an area known for producing some of the finest agave in Mexico. 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 takes place in open tanks, lasting 72 to 96 hours, with proprietary yeast sourced from the agave itself—a unique touch that adds to the tequila’s complexity. 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 influence from wood. The result is a pure, unfiltered tequila with vibrant agave-forward flavors and no cask influence, underscored by the use of natural volcanic spring water from the Tequila region.

Founded in 2000 by Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila carries forward the Fonseca family’s deep-rooted legacy in the tequila industry. With over five generations of agave farming experience, the Fonseca family has long been a pillar of the industry, known for its complete control over agave production and 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 mastery of both agave cultivation and distillation is evident in Don Fulano’s entire range of products, 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 recognition of the craftsmanship and care that go into every bottle of Don Fulano. The 100-proof strength is not just a statement of power; it represents a balance between strength and refinement, a balance that resonated with the competition’s panel of judges.

The SFWSC is one of the most respected competitions in the world, with industry experts and connoisseurs closely watching its outcomes. By taking the top prize, Don Fulano has positioned itself as a tequila brand that honors tradition and leads the charge in innovation. The win reinforces its growing reputation on the global stage and strengthens its foothold in key international markets like 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 milestone moment. Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza’s vision for the brand—grounded in heritage yet driven by innovation—has brought them international acclaim. Don Fulano’s future is as bright as ever. By staying true to its roots while continually pushing boundaries, Don Fulano is poised to captivate even more tequila lovers worldwide.

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