Don Julio is the second best-selling tequila brand in the world, moving 3.4 million cases in 2023. It is produced at distillery Diageo México Operaciones (NOM 1449) in Atotonilco El Alto in the Jalisco Highlands (Los Altos). The brand uses mature 6-10-year-old Blue Weber agave cooked in stone/brick ovens and roller mill extraction of the aguamiel before fermentation (26 hours) with the late Don Julio González’s proprietary yeast strain. The tequila is 2x-distilled in stainless steel pot stills with copper coils and is brought to bottling proof (80/40% ABV) using deep well water. It is aged 18 months in ex-bourbon American White Oak barrels – Diageo owns Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, which produces bourbon and rye whisky.
This review is based on multiple tastings over 6 months using Denver & Liely Mezcal and Riedel Ouverture tequila flute glasses. The bottle under review doesn’t appear to have a lote (lot/batch) number.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) – Is this the best añejo I’ve ever had? Absolutely not. Is it a passable and reasonably pleasant sipping tequila? Honestly, yes. Overall, the aroma & flavor profiles are pleasant and enjoyable. A few drops on the hands, rubbed until dry, do not leave a sticky residue – Whether this popular claimed “additive test” is actually accurate is debated, but I tried it.
COLOR: Amber
AROMA PROFILE: Starts off pleasantly with strong notes of sweet citrus (lime, grapefruit, orange) & orchard fruits (apricot & peach), oranges, cherries/dark berries, caramel/butterscotch, vanilla, cooked agave & light baking spices (cinnamon & nutmeg), herbal notes, & white pepper – A citrusy caramel/butterscotch & vanilla dominates with some cooked agave & baking spices mixed in.
PALATE: Cooked agave & baking spices with prominent oak, woody caramel/butterscotch & vanilla, some black pepper, honeyed cherry skins, & citrus (lime, orange) peel.
MOUTHFEEL & VISCOSITY: Medium-long viscosity that sticks around in the glass for a while & a medium mouthfeel.
FINISH: 7-8 seconds
VALUE: Its price point is on the higher end, though, in my market, it’s competitive with many añejos available from craft brands including Tequila Ocho (though I’d choose an Ocho añejo over this).
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? If on sale, I’ll keep this on my shelf as an introductory añejo tequila to have people try before transitioning them to craft tequila añejos.
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