Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:49 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 Don Julio 70 vs Herradura Ultra 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
Don Julio 70 vs Herradura Ultra: Head-to-Head
Don Julio 70: A smooth Cristalino with floral, vanilla, and oak notes. It offers a palate of vanilla, caramel, and subtle agave, finishing with smooth vanilla and oak. Celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and aged richness.
Herradura Ultra: Features vanilla and caramel on the nose with a sweet agave syrup palate. Its finish is short and sweet, with a noticeable sweetness from agave syrup, offering a unique twist on traditional tequila.
Verdict: Don Julio 70 and Herradura Ultra both provide smooth sipping experiences but cater to different tastes. Don Julio 70 appeals to those seeking a traditional Añejo’s depth with modern smoothness, while Herradura Ultra is suited for sweet spirit enthusiasts. Each has its place in a well-rounded tequila collection, depending on personal preference for sweetness and traditional tequila flavors, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Smooth Cristalino Tequilas
Don Julio 70: A Smooth Añejo for Sipping
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Chilled
Aroma: Don Julio 70 presents an inviting bouquet of floral notes, honey, and hints of blue agave and vanilla.
Taste: This Añejo delivers a remarkably smooth and rich experience on the palate. You’ll encounter flavors of vanilla, oak, and caramel, accompanied by subtle agave. The finish is equally smooth, lingering with notes of vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper, gracefully concluding without overwhelming warmth.
Overall: Don Julio 70 boasts exceptional smoothness and a captivating flavor profile, making it a great choice for sipping. The filtration process reduces some agave presence but maintains a satisfying Añejo-like richness.
Considerations: While its smoothness is enjoyable, it can lead to quicker consumption. Opt for budget-friendly tequilas for mixing due to the higher price point.
Additional notes:
- Don Julio 70 is an 18-month aged Añejo tequila.
- It undergoes triple distillation and filtration for smoothness.
- This expression was released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the distillery.
Herradura Ultra: A Sweet and Smooth Tequila Twist
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave
- Palate: Agave syrup, vanilla, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Aroma: Herradura Ultra opens with a dominant vanilla scent, followed by hints of caramel and agave.
Taste: The palate experiences a pronounced sweetness from agave syrup, accented by vanilla and a subtle agave presence. The finish is short and sweet, lacking any harshness.
Overall: Herradura Ultra delivers a remarkably smooth experience with prominent vanilla notes. It’s important to note, however, that this tequila uses agave syrup for added sweetness, which is quite noticeable.
Distinctive Character: This sweetness steers Herradura Ultra away from the traditional tequila profile, making it a unique option for those who prefer a sweeter spirit. Some might argue it falls into a specialty category due to this unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy Herradura Ultra neat, on the rocks, or chilled for a consistently smooth and sweet experience.
Additional notes:
- Herradura Ultra is a blend of aged tequilas filtered for a clear appearance.
- This filtration process, known as Cristalino, contributes to its smoothness.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio 70 | $77 |
| Herradura Ultra | $63 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio 70 | Herradura Ultra |
| Type of tequila | Cristalino | Añejo/Extra Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 18 | 25/40 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | No | Yes |
| Triple-Distilled | Yes | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Yes, agave syrup |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |