Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:34 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.
Don Julio 70 was launched to celebrate Don Julio's 70th anniversary as a Tequila distiller, but is it good?
Discover everything about this Tequila in this in-depth review.
Reviewed by: J Highland
Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila: A Pioneering Cristalino Añejo with Smooth Taste
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila is a unique Añejo tequila known for its smooth taste and innovative filtration process. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics provided by tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Strengths
- Smooth and Easy to Drink: Don Julio 70 boasts a smooth and easy-drinking character, making it enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
- Unique Flavor Profile: This Cristalino Añejo offers a distinct taste profile with prominent notes of vanilla, oak, and subtle spice.
- Charcoal Filtration: Don Julio 70 undergoes a charcoal filtration process, resulting in a clear appearance and a smoother, less intense agave flavor compared to traditional Añejos.
- Añejo Influence: Despite filtration, Don Julio 70 retains characteristics of an aged tequila, offering a rich taste reminiscent of Añejo.
- First Mover Advantage: Don Julio 70 was among the first Cristalino tequilas to hit the market, establishing a strong presence in this category.
Weaknesses
- Price Point: While Don Julio 70 can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its smooth profile, the higher price point might make some consider it less suitable for cocktails.
Verdict
Overall, Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila is a noteworthy Añejo expression for those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking tequila with a unique flavor profile. The innovative filtration process creates a clear appearance and a taste that combines Añejo characteristics with hints of vanilla, oak, and spice. While enjoyable neat or on the rocks, the price point might make some consider it less ideal for cocktails.
Related: Best Tasting Cristalino Tequilas
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
Don Julio 70 presents a lovely nose, with bright floral notes, honey, blue agave, and vanilla.
The palate is incredibly smooth, with a rich and complex flavor profile of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle hint of agave.
The finish is also smooth, with notes of vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper, without much warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Special About Don Julio 70?
- Don Julio 70, known as a Cristalino Tequila, is a unique offering that combines the complexity of an Añejo with the clarity and crispness of a Blanco. It's created by aging Don Julio Añejo for 18 months and then filtering it through activated charcoal to remove the color while smoothing out the flavor profile. This process, along with being triple-distilled, makes it exceptionally smooth and a pioneering spirit in the Cristalino category, celebrating Don Julio Gonzalez's 70th anniversary in the Tequila industry.
How to Drink
- The best way to enjoy Don Julio 70 is chilled, straight from the freezer, to appreciate its smoothness fully. For those who prefer it on the rocks, large ice cubes are recommended to minimize dilution and maintain the integrity of its rich flavor. Given its premium nature, Don Julio 70 is not advised for use as a mixer in cocktails.
Related: How to Drink Don Julio 70
Is it Good for Margaritas?
- While Don Julio 70 can create an exquisite Margarita, its premium status and price point make it less ideal as a mixer. More affordable options like Espolon, Cabo Wabo, or Teremana offer great value and flavor for cocktail crafting without the high cost.
Is it Good for Shots?
- Given its premium quality and intended sipping experience, using Don Julio 70 for shots is not recommended. It's best to reserve it for sipping to fully enjoy its nuanced flavors. For shots, opt for more budget-friendly, 100% agave Tequilas.
Bottle Price
- The price of Don Julio 70 varies by market, with approximate costs being $77 in the United States, $100 in Canada, £73 in Great Britain, and $129 in Australia, reflecting its position as a top-tier spirit.
Alternatives
- Maestro Dobel Diamante, 1800 Cristalino, and Herradura Ultra are excellent alternatives to Don Julio 70. Maestro Dobel Diamante, in particular, offers a comparable smoothness and flavor profile while remaining true to the essence of Tequila, unlike some Cristalinos that might lean towards a flavored vodka profile due to the diminished agave flavors.
Alcohol Percentage
- Don Julio 70 is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in the United States, while in Mexico, it's available at a slightly reduced 70 proof (35% ABV), a common practice influenced by local tax regulations.
Does it Give Hangovers?
- Don Julio 70, being a 100% agave spirit, typically does not cause hangovers when consumed responsibly. The key to avoiding discomfort is to avoid mixing it with other types of alcohol and sugary mixers, as mixing sugar sources is often the culprit behind headaches and hangovers.
Ingredients
- Crafted with water, blue agave, and natural yeasts, Don Julio 70 adheres to the traditional ingredients required for Tequila production, with the unique addition of an aging and filtration process that defines its Cristalino character.
Don Julio 70: Specs
- Type: Añejo (Cristalino)
- Aging Length: 18 months
- Proof: 80
- 100% Agave: Yes
- ABV: 40%
- Triple-distilled: Yes
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, without warmth or smokiness, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those seeking a top-shelf cocktail ingredient.
- Calories per Shot: 69
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Keto-Friendly: Yes
- Kosher: Yes