At first glance, Dama Fortuna … the new blanco tequila from Shand Import … may seem like a cheeky nod to chance, but its creators are anything but gamblers. Named after “Lady Luck” in Spanish, Dama Fortuna is the product of seasoned spirits professionals who believe success comes from craft, not coincidence.
One of those professionals is Euan Shand, a man with deep roots in Scotch whisky. After decades in the whisky world, starting as a cooper and warehouseman at Glendronach and later heading Duncan Taylor, Shand is now channeling his knowledge into tequila. With his wife Moji and business partner Peter Currie, Shand made his way to the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, where the trio found something special in Ayotlán. That something became Dama Fortuna Blanco.
Crafted at Casa Loy (NOM 1633), Dama Fortuna Blanco is made using traditional methods. The agave is harvested from a single 15,000-acre estate high in the volcanic hills, between 4,500 and 6,000 feet above sea level. The altitude, combined with nutrient-rich soil and cool nights, delivers intensely flavorful Blue Weber agave.
From there, it’s a process rooted in patience and respect: slow roasting in brick ovens, screw press extraction, and open-air fermentation in stainless steel. Double distillation brings out a clean, bright character. The result? A non-chill filtered tequila that lets the agave speak for itself.
On the nose, Dama Fortuna opens with a touch of sweetness, followed by warm agave and black pepper. A bit of citrus hovers in the background, and as it rests, more earthy and herbal notes emerge. The texture is pleasantly rich and creamy, with hints of chocolate and a touch of wood spice. A light honeyed sweetness lingers mid-palate, with a soft salty kiss on the finish. It’s an unpretentious blanco, but one with substance.
Dama Fortuna recently earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And while the blanco is the brand’s debut, more is on the way. Aged expressions, including Reposado, Añejo, and even single cask releases, will follow, with Shand applying his expertise in oak finishing from the world of whisky. Expect some experimental aging in ex-bourbon, sherry, and even rare Scotch casks.
For a cocktail that brings a bit of Lady Luck to your glass, try this twist on a classic Vesper:
Miss Fortune
A Vesper variation with tequila at the wheel.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Dama Fortuna Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz. Extra Dry Vermouth (Bordiga preferred)
- ½ oz. Amaro Nonino
- 4 drops fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Method:
Shake all ingredients over ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Express a lemon twist over the drink, rub along the rim, and drop it in.
Sips & Sites & Bites 
Leave a comment