It all began in 1942 when Don Julio Gonzalez identified a lifetime opportunity to own a lush field filled with agave plants. He did not own much except the dream to start a tequila production.
The highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico, are where tequila’s major tequila miracles happen. The climate is best for planting agave plants to produce this delicious drink.
For several centuries, Mexicans have prided themselves in being the sole cultivator of this plant, and that is true.
In this Don Julio Anejo Tequila review, we are going to look at everything to know about this drink.
Let’s get sipping!
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⇒ Fun Facts ⇐
| Name: | Don Julio Anejo Tequila |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Don Julio |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Spirit Style: | Anejo |
| Spirit Type: | Tequila |
| ABV: | 40% |
Brand History
Don Julio’s dream did not stop at owning agave as crops; he thought about the future. His generations were on his mind, and he wanted to leave a legacy that would outlive him.
Hence, he shared his vision with a local businessperson who believed in him. He was granted a loan to start his first tequila production in a distillery which he cited in La Primavera, Jalisco Highlands.
The following 40 years saw Don Julio Gonzalez devoting himself to creating the world’s finest tequila. He took his time to tend to the farmland and ensure only healthy and mature tequila was harvested.
He did it with the aid of some locals who worked in the farmland for a token. Not to forget, Jalisco’s highlands have high altitudes, making it challenging to work physically on the farm. Yet Don Julio remained there because he saw beyond the clay soil and microclimate.
His devotion to the plants and endurance to the extreme conditions rub off on the quality of the tequila he releases to the market. He only creates tequila with outstanding essence and unquestionable spirit.
Don Julio Anejo Tequila Review
This tequila is aged in small batches for eighteen months in American white-oak barrels. Its rich and unique complex flavor balances agave, vanilla, and wood. Don Julio Anejo Tequila is superior-tasting and proof that the craft of making tequila should be appreciated.
Process: The agave is hand-harvested after spending six to 10 years in the field. Then, it is cooked and thrown into a large steel fermentation tank with proprietary yeast. Afterward, it is double-distilled in stainless steel pot stills. The resulting spirit is aged for 18 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. Finally, it is removed, proofed, and bottled. Due to the region’s warm weather, tequila does not take time to age, unlike bourbons and scotch. It also results in smooth, easy-drinking tequila.
Nose: It opens up with an aromatic note of a fresh blend of grapefruit, lime, and mandarin and a touch of caramel.
Taste: Cooked agave, oak-infused butterscotch, and wild honey take center stage, releasing full-bodied and complex expressions.
Finish: Bright and lightly spiced lingering that finishes with wild honey notes.
Aging: Don Julio Anejo Tequila is aged 18 months to derive its complex flavor and richness.
Appearance: It takes the form of straw gold with hints of amber.
Alcohol content: It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
Price: The average cost of this tequila is $55, which can be higher or lower, depending on the destination.
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Pros and Cons
Don Julio Anejo Tequila is one of the best tequila out there, gaining more daily attention. However, it may not be for everyone, and it is pretty understandable if that is the case. Consider the following pros and cons before purchasing yours:
Pros
A contemporary-classic case of anejo tequila: Don Julio did a wonderful job on modernizing this drink and giving fans something different from the classics.
Easy to sip: It is sippable and goes down easily; an excellent introduction to the anejo class.
Cons
Not as easy as you may wish: If you are used to making some margarita with your tequila, you may find it difficult to get used to it due to the aged nature.
Difficulty identifying the character: Although it has complex flavors, hardcore anejo fans may find identifying with the complexity and depth challenging.
How Best is Don Julio Anejo Tequila Served?
As easy-drinking tequila, Don Julio Anejo is great for sipping or blending into tequila riffs or classic cocktails, including Old Fashioned. If you wish to sip it, you can drink it neat, on the rocks, or chilled to give you the desired taste.
Understand that anejo tequila is generally unsuitable for mixing into margaritas due to its high quality, except if you want to make bourbon cocktails. So, the best way remains sipping. Be careful with the number of ice cubes you add because watering down this expensive drink would be a crime.
Perfect Pairings
There is no shortage of tequila and food pairings. You will always get exciting and surprising pairings that make you think twice about your food and beverage pairing knowledge. Here are some great ideas to pair with your Don Julio Anejo:
Nachos: Nachos loaded with jalapenos, tomatillos, and tomatoes are great to drink with tequila anejo. All the spices in authentic Mexican dishes can go with tequila if properly prepared.
Fatty meat: Don Julio tequila breaks through the fat in the meat, adding some citric touches to the flavor. If the meat is grilled, it would be fun.
Seafood: The citrus in the tequila can pair well with the spices and citrus used in seasoning some seafood. Try it with a crawfish boil and unleash the flavor complement.
Tacos: Whether you stick to seafood, chicken, or pork taco, Don Julio Anejo will complement the flavor. It comes with a kick as it hits the tongue, giving you a flavor explosion.
Popular Related Drinks
Don Julio uses the finest blue agave plant and a time-honored distillation process to bring different tequila your way. From Blanco to Reposado, Cristalino, Primavera, and Ultima Reserva, there is always something for you. So, here they are; you will enjoy every gulp of it:
Don Julio Blanco: This is tequila in its purest form. It is generally called ‘silver’ tequila due to its white color. Don Julio Blanco is crisp and clean with a dry finish. It is usually the best for those trying tequila for the first time. This luxury tequila is made from unaged agave and is ideal for any celebration since anyone can drink it. If you want something different, mix it with lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave nectar, and pour over ice before sipping. This method will reduce the alcohol content of 40% and give you a refreshing feel. It finishes sweet, light, and agave.
Don Julio Reposado: This is the next in line after the Blanco. It is double-distilled and aged for eight months in American white-oak barrels. Golden amber in color, Don Julio Reposado provides a rich and smooth finish. It is best savored chilled, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail.
70 Cristalino: This combines the Blanco and Anejo versions of Don Julio’s expertise. It was produced to honor the hero’s 70 years of producing innovative tequila. The outcome is a unique blend of smoothness, crispiness, and flavor complexity. The Don Julio 70 Crystal Anejo is twice distilled and, to date, is seen as the founder’s pride. It contains 40% ABV.
Don Julio Primavera: The founder produced this unique drink to establish his roots in Atotonilco, El Alto, Mexico, where he acquired his La Primavera Distillery. The aim was to Honor Don Julio’s legacy. It is another version of Reposado finished in European casks, which initially held wine infused with macerated orange peel. The outcome is the light, sophisticated, and velvety citrus taste. Enjoy it on the rocks with an orange wheel.
You can check out the Don Julio Rosado, 1942, and Ultima Reserva. They all have something for your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions – Don Julio Anejo Tequila
Is Don Julio Anejo good?
It was Don Julio’s best tequila until the highly-celebrated 1942 existed. Don Julio Anejo has a lovely balance, rich in agave, and is not too sweet. If you are a tequila fan, you will love it. Besides, it provides good value for your money, making it a solid pick.
How long is Don Julio Anejo aged?
It is barrel-aged for 18 months in American white-oak barrels. The agedness provides the superior quality this tequila exudes.
How long does Don Julio’s tequila last?
If stored properly, Don Julio and other premium tequila can last indefinitely. However, consuming it for a few years is better if unopened. But if opened, evaporation and oxidation can happen to reduce the quality.
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Cheers!
Don Julio Anejo Tequila is not just great on the palate; it is great on the pocket, as well. This dark tequila makes a perfect drink for any occasion, bringing quality and taste to the show. You can never go wrong with it; each sip hits the spot, reminding you that you deserve enjoyment.