Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:45 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between 1800 Cristalino vs Don Julio 70 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
1800 Cristalino vs Don Julio 70: Comparison
1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila: Smooth, with a sweet cherry and vanilla palate, and a short, pleasant finish. Appeals to those preferring sweeter, smoother spirits with its vodka-like flavor.
Don Julio 70 Tequila: Offers a luxurious sipping experience with floral, vanilla, and caramel flavors. Smooth, complex, and perfect for those appreciating a refined taste.
Verdict: Both 1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila and Don Julio 70 excel in providing smooth, enjoyable experiences with unique flavor profiles, catering to various preferences for tequila enthusiasts, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Cristalino Tequila Choices
1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila: Smoothness with a Sweet Twist
- Nose: Vanilla, anise
- Palate: Cherry, vanilla, oak, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Herradura Ultra
Velvety Smoothness: 1800 Cristalino Añejo boasts a remarkably smooth and velvety texture, with subtle hints of vanilla and anise on the nose.
Sweet & Cherry Forward: The taste is led by a prominent cherry note, followed by delicate nuances of vanilla, gentle oak, and a touch of black pepper.
Short & Sweet Finish: The finish is relatively short, leaving a pleasingly sweet aftertaste with a touch of black pepper and a complete absence of any burning sensation.
Appeal to Sweet Palates: This expression is undeniably smooth and sweet, influenced by its aging in ex-port barrels. It caters to those who prefer sweeter and smoother drinks, resembling a flavored vodka more than a traditional tequila.
Enjoy Smoothness, Not Agave: If you appreciate smooth and sweet beverages, you’ll likely enjoy 1800 Cristalino. However, those seeking the distinct agave flavor profile of tequila may find it falls short.
Unique Aging Process: This tequila undergoes a two-part aging process. First, it rests in American and French oak barrels for 16 months. Then, the batches are blended in ex-port wine casks for an additional 6 months. Finally, it’s filtered, removing its color and some harsher characteristics.
Don Julio 70 Tequila: A Luxurious Sipping Experience
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Añejo
Inviting Aroma: Don Julio 70 greets the senses with a delightful aroma, featuring a blend of bright floral notes, honey, blue agave, and vanilla.
Smooth & Complex Flavor: The first sip delivers an incredibly smooth experience, showcasing a rich and complex flavor profile dominated by vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle hint of agave.
Lingering Smoothness: The finish continues the smooth journey, leaving lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper, with minimal warmth.
Luxury in Every Sip: Don Julio 70 excels as a sipping tequila, offering a remarkably smooth and easy-to-drink experience with a delectable flavor profile. Its complexity caters to both novice and experienced tequila drinkers.
Crafted for Smoothness: This tequila undergoes a triple-distillation process and filtration through charcoal, contributing to its exceptional smoothness. It’s important to note that this filtration removes some of the characteristic agave flavor.
Aged Perfection: Don Julio 70 is an añejo tequila aged for 18 months in oak barrels, resulting in its rich taste profile reminiscent of vanilla, oak, and subtle spices.
A Splurge for Sipping: While its price point makes it less suitable for mixing in cocktails, Don Julio 70 is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious sipping experience. Enjoy it chilled, ideally stored in the freezer due to its high alcohol content.
Celebrating Heritage: Don Julio 70 was released to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the distillery founded by Julio Gonzalez in 1942.
Similarities
Both of these Tequilas fall under the category of Cristalino Tequilas.
Cristalino Tequila is a type of aged Tequila that undergoes a filtration process using activated charcoal.
This unique process effectively eliminates the amber color typically associated with aged Tequilas, resulting in a crystal-clear appearance akin to that of a Silver Tequila.
Furthermore, this filtration process helps to mitigate any harshness that may be present in the Tequila, making it smoother and more enjoyable to sip.
When executed skillfully, the process of charcoal filtration allows the Tequila to maintain its distinctive agave flavor profile, ensuring a balanced and flavorful drinking experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| 1800 Cristalino | $50 |
| Don Julio 70 | $70 |
Specs Comparison
| Characteristics | 1800 Cristalino | Don Julio 70 |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 22 | 18 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | No |
| Triple-Distilled | No | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |