Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 09:13 pm
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 Avion Añejo vs Don Julio Añejo 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
Avion Añejo vs Don Julio Añejo: Head-to-Head
Avion Añejo: A light and smooth tequila with bourbon-like notes of vanilla and caramel, complemented by agave. A good choice for bourbon fans exploring tequila.
Don Julio Añejo: Offers a rich blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak with a smoky touch. Appeals to those looking for a premium, complex tequila experience.
Verdict: Avion leans towards those looking for an easy-drinking Añejo with not much complexity, while Don Julio offers depth and rich cinnamon notes for the seasoned tequila aficionado, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sipping Añejos Under $50
Avion Añejo: Smooth & Light
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, agave
- Palate: Cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Casamigos Añejo
Aroma: Avion Añejo opens with notes of vanilla and caramel, reminiscent of bourbon, accompanied by a faint agave presence.
Taste: The initial sip delivers butterscotch and vanilla flavors, followed by cinnamon, agave, and a touch of oak spice. While not the most full-bodied expression, the flavors offer a noteworthy experience.
Finish: The finish is the highlight, characterized by a notably long and pleasant sweetness.
Overall: Avion Añejo might appeal to those who enjoy bourbon and are curious about exploring agave spirits.
Its flavor profile leans towards familiar bourbon notes like vanilla and caramel, with a subtle agave presence.
This expression is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks with a large ice cube to minimize dilution.
Additional Notes:
- Aged for 2 years in ex-bourbon barrels before bottling.
- Claimed to undergo a unique filtration process that takes longer than industry standards, although independent verification is lacking.
- Produced at the Productos Finos Distillery alongside other tequila brands.
- Founded by Ken Austin and Kenny Dichter, referencing aviation in the brand name “Avion.”
Don Julio Añejo: A Premium Tequila with Hints of Bourbon
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel, orange
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Herradura Añejo
Aroma: Don Julio Añejo presents an intriguing nose reminiscent of bourbon, offering hints of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a touch of orange.
Taste: The initial sip delivers a pleasantly warm and rich experience, characterized by a prominent cinnamon note that lingers throughout. Additional flavors include bourbon-like vanilla and oak, sweet butterscotch, and subtle smoky notes.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, showcasing a pleasant warmth and a dominant cinnamon flavor, complemented by underlying oak tones.
Overall: Don Julio Añejo presents a balanced and not overly sweet sipping experience. Its unique character incorporates smoky notes alongside a rich agave flavor, making it a potential starting point for bourbon drinkers seeking to explore new territories within the world of tequilas.
Additional Notes:
- Founded in 1942 by Don Julio González, who began distilling agaves at a young age.
- Currently owned by Diageo, a major player in the beverage industry.
- Previously considered Don Julio’s top-shelf offering before the introduction of Don Julio 1942.
Please note: This review is for informational purposes only and does not promote excessive alcohol consumption. Please drink responsibly.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD.
| Tequila | Price |
| Avion Añejo | $54 |
| Don Julio Añejo | $66 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Avion Añejo | Don Julio Añejo |
| 100% Agave | Yes | Yes |
| Aging length | 24 months | 18 months |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Wood tanks fermentation | No | No |
| Steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Distilled in copper pot | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |