Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:52 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 Don Julio Reposado 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 Don Julio Reposado: Comparison
Don Julio 70: A smooth Añejo with a complex blend of floral, vanilla, and oak on the nose and palate, finished with a hint of black pepper. Celebrated for its smoothness and rich flavor, it’s aged 18 months and charcoal filtered. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it’s a premium choice for sipping.
Don Julio Reposado: Features roasted agave, caramel, and vanilla on the nose, with a palate of agave, vanilla, and oak. Aged 8 months, it offers a smooth, balanced sweetness appealing to bourbon fans. Ideal for neat or rocks consumption, emphasizing its premium nature.
Verdict: Don Julio 70 and Don Julio Reposado cater to different preferences within the tequila spectrum. The 70 is noted for its exceptionally smooth and complex character, suitable for special occasions or pure sipping. The Reposado offers a more traditional experience with balanced sweetness and oak, appealing to bourbon drinkers exploring tequila, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoothest Don Julio Tequila
Don Julio 70: A Smooth Añejo for Savoring
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
Aromatic & Complex:
Don Julio 70 entices with a lovely nose of bright floral notes, honey, blue agave, and vanilla. The taste is incredibly smooth with a rich and complex profile of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle hint of agave. The finish is equally smooth, lingering with vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper.
Dangerously Smooth:
This Añejo is remarkably smooth and easy to drink, offering a flavorful experience without any burn. While the filtration process reduces the agave presence, it retains the signature Añejo notes of vanilla, oak, and spices.
Savoring the Experience:
Don Julio 70 is ideal for sipping neat, chilled, or even frozen due to its high alcohol content. Its higher price point makes it less suitable for mixing, as other tequilas can deliver in cocktails at a lower cost.
Key Points:
- Aged for 18 months in oak barrels and charcoal filtered.
- Triple-distilled for smoothness.
- Complex flavor profile with minimal agave and notes of vanilla, oak, caramel, and black pepper.
- Best enjoyed neat, chilled, or even frozen.
- Released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the distillery founded in 1942.
Don Julio Reposado: A Smooth Reposado with Balanced Sweetness and Oak
- Nose: Roasted agave, caramel, oak, vanilla
- Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
Aromatic & Balanced:
Don Julio Reposado boasts an aroma dominated by roasted agave, complemented by hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The taste delivers a smooth and pleasing texture, offering a combination of agave and vanilla upfront, followed by citrus, caramel, and oak notes. The finish is medium to long, with lingering agave, vanilla, and caramel flavors.
Appealing to Bourbon Fans:
This Reposado’s harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and oak caters to bourbon enthusiasts interested in exploring tequila. With its smooth texture and minimal burn, it unveils vanilla and citrus notes alongside a subtle sweetness and oak influence.
Sipping or Neat:
Don Julio Reposado is a commendable sipping tequila, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its premium price makes it less suitable for mixing, as other tequilas can achieve delicious cocktails at a lower cost.
Key Points:
- Aged for 8 months in American white oak barrels.
- Smooth and balanced taste with notes of roasted agave, vanilla, oak, and citrus.
- Appeals to bourbon drinkers seeking an agave spirit.
- Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its premium price point.
How do Don Julio 70 and Reposado differ?
The primary distinction between Don Julio 70 and Reposado lies in the filtration process and distillation.
Don Julio 70 undergoes charcoal filtration and triple distillation, resulting in an exceptionally smooth profile by eliminating any harsh elements.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio 70 | $77 |
| Don Julio Reposado | $60 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio 70 | Don Julio |
| Type of tequila | Cristalino | Reposado |
| Aging length in months | 18 | 8 |
| 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 | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |