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Don Julio tequilas have a way of standing out in the world of spirits. If you are like me, you probably find yourself wondering what makes each bottle unique and whether the hype is worth it.
The journey from their crisp, unaged Blanco to their smooth, aged Extra Añejo feels like uncovering a well-kept secret from one of the most respected tequila makers in the game.
I am not one to blindly follow a name, but with Don Julio, there is a story, a craft, and a flavor that makes you pause. You start to appreciate the difference between a quick mixer and something you sip slowly, savoring every layer.
If you have been curious about what each type offers or just want a clear guide without the fluff, you are in the right place. Let us break it down, one bottle at a time.
Here is the list of Most Popular Don Julio Tequilas
- Don Julio Blanco
- Don Julio Reposado
- Don Julio Añejo
- Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro
- Don Julio 1942
- Don Julio Real
- Don Julio Primavera
- Don Julio Rosado
- Don Julio Ultima Reserva
1. Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio Blanco is the unaged expression of the renowned tequila line, offering a pure and crisp representation of blue agave.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: Utilizes 100% blue Weber agave, harvested after 7–10 years of maturation.
- Cooking: Agave piñas are slow-cooked in traditional masonry ovens to develop rich flavors.
- Fermentation and Distillation: Fermented with proprietary yeast and double-distilled in copper pot stills to ensure a clean, crisp profile.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Crystal clear.
- Aroma: Fresh citrus notes, including lemon, lime, and grapefruit, combined with crisp agave.
- Palate: Light sweetness with agave flavors, complemented by hints of citrus and a touch of black pepper.
- Finish: Clean and dry with a slight peppery warmth.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Ideal for sipping to appreciate its pure agave character.
- Cocktails: Serves as an excellent base for classic tequila cocktails such as Margaritas and Palomas.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Typically around $45.
Availability
Widely available in liquor stores and online retailers.
Accolades
Awarded Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Personal Experience
Blanco offers a smooth and approachable profile, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned tequila enthusiasts. Its versatility shines in cocktails, enhancing flavors without overpowering them. When sipped neat, it provides a clean and refreshing experience, highlighting the quality of the agave used.
2. Don Julio Reposado
The Reposado offers a balanced and smooth profile, crafted through a meticulous aging process that highlights the harmony between blue agave and oak.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: Uses 100% blue Weber agave, harvested at peak maturity.
- Aging: Rested for eight months in American white-oak barrels, imparting a rich and mellow character.
- Distillation: Double-distilled in small batches for precision and quality.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Golden amber.
- Aroma: Notes of lemon, ripe stone fruit, and a hint of spice.
- Palate: Smooth layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, and light cinnamon balanced by toasted oak.
- Finish: Warm and soft, with lingering hints of spice and caramel.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Perfect for sipping to enjoy its nuanced flavors.
- Cocktails: Enhances cocktails like the Reposado Old Fashioned or a Tequila Sour with its depth.
If you prefer it neat, be sure to check out how many shots it takes to get drunk.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Around $40.
Availability
Easily found in liquor stores and online.
Personal Experience
It strikes a fine balance between sweetness and spice, making it ideal for sipping or as the heart of a well-crafted cocktail. Its smooth texture and rich flavor profile make it a favorite for those exploring aged tequilas.
3. Don Julio Añejo
Don Julio Añejo represents the artistry of extended aging, delivering a rich and layered profile that showcases the complexity of well-aged tequila.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: 100% blue Weber agave, carefully chosen for optimal flavor.
- Aging: Matured for 18 months in American white-oak barrels, allowing deep flavors to develop.
- Distillation: Crafted in small batches for precise quality control.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with golden hues.
- Aroma: Warm vanilla, cinnamon, and hints of dried fruit.
- Palate: Rich caramel and butterscotch balanced by toasted oak and a touch of chocolate.
- Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering notes of oak and sweet agave.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Best enjoyed slowly to savor its depth and warmth.
- Cocktails: Adds complexity to drinks like the Añejo Manhattan or Mexican Mule.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Around $105.
Availability
Widely available in premium liquor outlets and online.
Personal Experience
Don Julio Añejo offers a luxurious sipping experience, perfect for those who appreciate the intricate balance of aged spirits. Its rich, warm flavors make it a great choice for special occasions or unwinding after a long day.
4. Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro
Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro is a unique tequila that combines the complexity of an Añejo with the crispness of a Blanco, resulting in a clear, refined spirit.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: 100% blue Weber agave, harvested at peak maturity.
- Aging: Aged for 18 months in American white-oak barrels.
- Filtration: Undergoes a proprietary filtration process to remove color while retaining Añejo flavors.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Crystal clear.
- Aroma: Fresh agave with hints of vanilla and oak.
- Palate: Smooth with notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak.
- Finish: Clean and lingering with a touch of sweetness.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Ideal for sipping to appreciate its unique profile.
- Cocktails: Enhances premium cocktails like a Tequila Martini or a refined Margarita.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Online stores are selling it for $80.
Availability
Widely available in liquor stores and online retailers.
Personal Experience
Don Julio 70 offers a distinctive experience, merging the depth of an Añejo with the clarity of a Blanco. Its smoothness and balanced flavors make it versatile for both sipping and mixing in high-end cocktails.
5. Don Julio 1942
Don Julio 1942 is a premium Añejo tequila crafted in tribute to the year Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey, celebrated for its exceptional quality and flavor.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: Hand-selected blue Weber agave, harvested at optimal maturity.
- Aging: Aged for a minimum of two and a half years in American white-oak barrels.
- Distillation: Distilled in small batches using traditional methods.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber.
- Aroma: Rich caramel and chocolate.
- Palate: Warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave.
- Finish: Lingering oak and rich vanilla.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its complex flavors.
- Cocktails: Typically enjoyed straight, but can elevate premium cocktails.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: $145.
Availability
Available in select liquor stores and online retailers.
Personal Experience
Don Julio 1942 offers a luxurious sipping experience with its rich and complex flavor profile. It’s a favorite among connoisseurs and often featured in high-end establishments.
6. Don Julio Real
Don Julio Real is an Extra Añejo tequila, representing the height of Don Julio’s tequila-making expertise, known for its depth and sophistication.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: Premium blue Weber agave, harvested after 7–10 years.
- Aging: Aged for three to five years in American white-oak barrels.
- Distillation: Double-distilled in traditional pot stills.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Golden amber.
- Aroma: Rich caramel, chocolate, and almond.
- Palate: Smooth with notes of vanilla, coffee, and dried fruit.
- Finish: Long and elegant with a hint of oak.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat: Best savored neat to fully experience its complexity.
- Pairing: Complements fine desserts or enjoyed as a digestif.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: $945.
Availability
Limited availability in select liquor stores and online.
Personal Experience
Don Julio Real offers an unparalleled tasting experience with its rich and layered flavors. It’s a testament to the art of tequila making and is best reserved for special occasions.
7. Don Julio Primavera
Don Julio Primavera is a limited-edition Reposado tequila, finished in European casks that previously held wine infused with macerated orange peel, imparting a unique citrus twist.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: 100% blue Weber agave, harvested at peak maturity.
- Aging: Rested for eight months in American white-oak barrels, then finished in European casks previously holding wine infused with macerated orange peel.
- Distillation: Double-distilled in small batches to maintain quality.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Light golden hue.
- Aroma: Fresh citrus notes with hints of honey and agave.
- Palate: Smooth with flavors of honeyed agave, light citrus, and a touch of spice.
- Finish: Crisp and clean with a lingering citrus essence.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Enjoyed neat or over ice to appreciate its unique flavor profile.
- Cocktails: Enhances cocktails like the Primavera Spritz or a refined Margarita.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: $175.
Availability
Limited release; available in select liquor stores and online retailers.
Personal Experience
Don Julio Primavera offers a refreshing take on Reposado tequila, with its citrus-infused finish providing a delightful twist. It’s versatile for both sipping and mixing in cocktails, making it a unique addition to any tequila collection.
8. Don Julio Rosado
Don Julio Rosado is a Reposado tequila finished in Ruby Port wine casks, resulting in a delicate pink hue and a unique flavor profile.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: 100% blue Weber agave, harvested at optimal maturity.
- Aging: Aged for four months in American white-oak barrels, then finished in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro region of Portugal.
- Distillation: Double-distilled to ensure purity and quality.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Subtle pink hue.
- Aroma: Notes of dried red fruit, caramel, and a hint of oak.
- Palate: Smooth with flavors of berries, honey, and a touch of vanilla.
- Finish: Light and sweet with a lingering fruity essence.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat or On the Rocks: Best enjoyed neat or over ice to savor its unique flavors.
- Cocktails: Adds a distinctive twist to cocktails like the Rosado Paloma or a Tequila Sunrise.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Around $220.
Availability
Available in select liquor stores and online retailers.
Personal Experience
Don Julio Rosado offers a delightful and unexpected flavor profile, with its port cask finish adding depth and complexity. It’s a versatile tequila that can be enjoyed on its own or as a unique component in cocktails.
9. Don Julio Ultima Reserva
Don Julio Ultima Reserva is an Extra Añejo tequila crafted from the final agave harvest planted by Don Julio González and his family, aged in oak barrels and finished in Madeira wine-seasoned casks.
Production Process
- Agave Selection: 100% blue Weber agave from the final harvest planted by Don Julio González.
- Aging: Aged for 36 months in oak barrels, then finished in Madeira wine-seasoned casks.
- Distillation: Double-distilled in small batches to maintain exceptional quality.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Light amber.
- Aroma: Notes of toasted oak, caramel, and a hint of apricot.
- Palate: Rich flavors of honeyed agave, dark chocolate, and dried fruit.
- Finish: Long and warm with a smooth, full-bodied finish.
Consumption Recommendations
- Neat: Best savored neat to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
- Pairing: Complements fine desserts or enjoyed as a luxurious digestif.
Pricing
- 750 mL Bottle: Around $900.
Availability
Limited release; available in select high-end liquor stores and online retailers.
Personal Experience
Don Julio Ultima Reserva offers an unparalleled tasting experience, with its rich and layered flavors reflecting the pinnacle of tequila craftsmanship. It’s a tequila best reserved for special occasions, providing a memorable and luxurious experience.
How to Serve Don Julio Tequila?
Serving Don Julio tequila depends on its type and the experience you want to create.
Best for Cocktails
1. Don Julio Blanco
Its crisp agave-forward flavor is made for mixing. It blends beautifully without losing its essence, making it perfect for cocktails.
- Best Cocktails: Margarita, Paloma, Tequila Sunrise.
2. Don Julio Reposado
Its slight oakiness adds complexity, making it great for more elevated cocktails. However, it still keeps the agave’s brightness.
- Best Cocktails: Reposado Old Fashioned, Tequila Sour, Mexican Mule.
3. Don Julio Primavera
The citrus finish from its European cask aging makes it a natural choice for refreshing cocktails.
- Best Cocktails: Primavera Spritz, Citrus Margarita.
Best for Solo or On the Rocks
The more aged and refined tequilas in the Don Julio lineup shine when sipped solo or served with a single ice cube to open up their flavors.
1. Don Julio Añejo
The richness of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak flavors is best appreciated slowly. Ice softens it slightly but does not overpower the flavors.
- Serve: Neat or with one cube of ice.
2. Don Julio 1942
This is a luxury sipping tequila. The deep roasted agave, vanilla, and lingering oak notes make it perfect for savoring without any dilution.
- Serve: Neat in a proper tequila glass for the full aroma and flavor.
3. Don Julio Real
As an Extra Añejo, its layers of flavor—caramel, coffee, almond, and vanilla—are meant to be enjoyed unaltered.
- Serve: Neat, after a fine meal, as a digestif.
4. Don Julio Ultima Reserva
Crafted from the final agave harvest by Don Julio González, this tequila represents the pinnacle of refinement. Its honeyed agave, dried fruit, and Madeira-cask notes demand a thoughtful, undistracted experience.
- Serve: Neat, in a fine crystal glass for special occasions.
Comparing Don Julio Tequila with Other Brands
To understand how Don Julio stands in the tequila world, it helps to compare it with other well-known brands like Patrón, Herradura, and Casamigos.
| Brand | Type | Aging | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Julio | Blanco | Unaged | Crisp agave, citrus, light pepper |
| Patrón | Silver | Unaged | Light agave, floral, vanilla |
| Herradura | Reposado | 11 Months | Cooked agave, oak, vanilla |
| Casamigos | Añejo | 14 Months | Caramel, cocoa, subtle spice |
| Don Julio | 1942 | 2.5+ Years | Roasted agave, vanilla, oak |
- Patrón: Offers a milder, floral, and vanilla-forward flavor, making it versatile for cocktails and neat drinking.
- Herradura: Excels in aged tequilas, with its long Reposado aging creating deeper oak and spice notes.
- Casamigos: Focuses on smoothness, with rich caramel and cocoa flavors in its aged tequilas, appealing to those new to tequila sipping.
FAQs
What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Tequila is made exclusively from blue Weber agave and must be produced in specific regions of Mexico, such as Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from various types of agave and is traditionally cooked in underground pits, giving it a smoky flavor.
How is tequila classified based on aging?
Tequila is classified into several categories:
- Blanco: Unaged or aged up to two months.
- Reposado: Aged 2–12 months in oak barrels.
- Añejo: Aged 1–3 years in oak barrels.
- Extra Añejo: Aged over 3 years in oak barrels.
Why does tequila sometimes have a worm in the bottle?
This is a misconception. The worm is traditionally associated with mezcal, not tequila. It was originally included in mezcal bottles as a marketing tactic and has no historical connection to tequila.
Does tequila have health benefits?
In moderation, tequila made from 100% agave may offer some potential benefits, such as aiding digestion and being lower in sugar compared to other spirits. However, these effects are minimal, and overconsumption negates any potential positives.
What is the proper way to taste tequila?
To taste tequila properly:
- Pour it into a tequila glass or a narrow-rimmed glass.
- Swirl the glass gently to release the aromas.
- Smell the tequila to identify its notes.
- Sip a small amount and let it rest on your tongue before swallowing to appreciate the flavor profile fully.
Conclusion
Don Julio tequilas represent everything a quality spirit should be. They offer a range that suits different preferences, from fresh and vibrant options perfect for cocktails to deeply aged varieties meant for sipping. Each bottle is crafted with care, focusing on the essentials without any unnecessary distractions.
If you enjoy tequila that delivers on flavor, quality, and versatility, Don Julio stands out as a reliable choice.
