Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:08 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 Don Julio 70 vs Patron Silver 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 Patron Silver: Head-to-Head
Don Julio 70: A refined añejo tequila with a nose of floral, vanilla, and oak. It offers a smooth flavor of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of agave. Ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks, celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and complexity.
Patron Silver: A clear, straightforward tequila characterized by its fresh agave aroma, complemented by pepper and citrus. Its taste is a balance of agave richness and peppery spice, perfect for those who prefer a genuine tequila flavor without added sweetness.
Verdict: Both Don Julio 70 and Patron Silver cater to different tastes within the tequila spectrum. Don Julio 70 is suited for those seeking a sophisticated, smooth sipping experience with a complex flavor profile. In contrast, Patron Silver appeals to enthusiasts looking for a transparent, agave-forward tequila suitable for cocktails or neat drinking, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Sipping Tequilas under $50 Top Choices
Don Julio 70: A Smooth Añejo Tequila with Hints of Vanilla and Oak
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat or rocks
Aroma: Don Julio 70 entices with a pleasant aroma of floral notes, honey, and blue agave, with a touch of vanilla peeking through.
Taste: This tequila boasts exceptional smoothness, offering a complex blend of flavors on the palate. Vanilla and oak lead the way, accompanied by hints of caramel and a subtle touch of agave.
Finish: The smoothness continues through the finish, featuring lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a delicate hint of black pepper, all without an overwhelming warmth.
Pleasurable Sipping Experience: Don Julio 70 is known for its impressive smoothness and enjoyable taste, making it tempting to savor slowly. While some agave character is softened by filtration, it maintains a richness reminiscent of an aged tequila, with prominent notes of vanilla, oak, and subtle spice.
Suitable for All Levels: This tequila caters to both tequila enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a smooth and flavorful sipping experience. However, its higher price point compared to other tequilas might make it less practical for mixing cocktails. Generally, using a more affordable tequila is recommended for mixed drinks.
Serving Tips: To maximize enjoyment, it’s recommended to serve Don Julio 70 chilled. It can even be stored in the freezer, as the alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid.
Don Julio 70 Facts:
- Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, giving it its characteristic flavor profile.
- Filtered through charcoal for added smoothness, removing some harshness.
- Triple-distilled for a refined taste.
- Launched in 2012 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the distillery’s founding.
Patron Silver: A Straightforward Tequila
- Nose: Agave, pepper, citrus, alcohol
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Aroma: Fresh agave is at the forefront of Patron Silver’s aroma, accompanied by hints of black pepper and a touch of alcohol warmth.
Taste: On the palate, it delivers a smooth and satisfying texture. The initial flavor is rich with agave, which gradually gives way to a peppery spice.
Finish: The finish lingers with a subtle warmth and a lasting peppery sensation.
A Straightforward Choice: Patron Silver stands out for being one of the few widely available tequilas that boasts no added sugars or artificial flavors. This transparency, combined with its reasonable price point, makes it a popular choice for those seeking an authentic tequila experience.
Facts about Patron Silver:
- Launched in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria, the entrepreneur behind Paul Mitchell hair products.
- Originally crafted at the Siete Leguas Distillery in Mexico.
- Acquired by Bacardi Limited in 2018.
How do these Tequilas differ?
Don Julio 70 is a Cristalino Tequila and Patron Silver a Blanco Tequila
Don Julio 70 stands out as the finest expression of Cristalino Tequila available.
Although its appearance may deceive, this exceptional tequila is actually an añejo that has been aged for a remarkable 18 months in oak barrels.
Before bottling, it undergoes a unique filtration process using activated charcoal, resulting in the removal of any harsh elements and the distinctive amber color typically associated with aged tequilas.
To ensure the utmost smoothness, Don Julio 70 undergoes a triple-distillation process.
In contrast, Patron Silver is a Blanco tequila, which means it is bottled immediately after distillation without any aging process.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio 70 | $70 |
| Patron Silver | $44 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio 70 | Patron Silver |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Tahona Stone/Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | No | Yes |
| Triple-Distilled | Yes | No |
| Additives | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |