Don Julio Añejo Tequila Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:33 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 Añejo is one of the best-selling Tequilas of its kind, but is it good? Discover everything about it in this review.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Don Julio Añejo Tequila: A Balanced Añejo with Smoky Notes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Here's a closer look at what makes Don Julio Añejo Tequila stand out:

Strengths:

Balanced and Distinctive: Don Julio Añejo offers a pleasant balance between agave, oak barrel influence, and subtle smoky notes, creating a unique taste experience.
Rich Agave Character: Despite aging, the agave flavor remains prominent, but not overly sweet.
Warmth and Spice: This Añejo presents a touch of warmth with hints of cinnamon, adding complexity to the overall profile.

Weaknesses:

Higher Price: The price is high when compared to the average Añejo tequila but well worth it given the quality.
Subjective Taste: While some might enjoy the smoky character, others might prefer a different flavor profile.

Verdict:

Overall, Don Julio Añejo Tequila is a solid Añejo tequila worth considering for those seeking a balanced and flavorful Añejo with a touch of smokiness at a reasonable price point (under $75), mentions Tequila expert Neil Coleman. Keep in mind that taste is subjective and there are other Añejo tequilas available that might cater to different preferences. If you value a rich agave character complemented by warmth and spice, Don Julio Añejo is an excellent choice.

Related: Top Añejos for Sipping

Tasting Notes

Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel, orange
Palate: Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, smoke
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat, rocks
Similar to: Don Julio Reposado

The nose displays bourbon-like hints of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a touch of orange.

Upon tasting, it starts with a mild warmth and features a prominent cinnamon note throughout.

Don Julio Añejo offers flavors reminiscent of bourbon, including vanilla and oak, accompanied by sweet butterscotch and smoky notes.

The finish is long and pleasantly warm, with cinnamon taking center stage alongside oak.

How did I review Don Julio Añejo?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Drink

The optimal way to enjoy Don Julio Añejo is neat, allowing the drinker to fully appreciate its rich flavor profile, appealing especially to bourbon aficionados. For those preferring a colder drink without dilution, adding large ice cubes is recommended. Due to its complexity and price point, Don Julio Añejo is better savored on its own rather than mixed into cocktails or taken as shots.

Related: How to Drink Don Julio Añejo

Is it Good for Margaritas?

While technically possible, using Don Julio Añejo in a margarita is not advisable due to its higher cost and the nuanced flavors that are best enjoyed on their own. For those insisting on an añejo Tequila for margaritas, Espolon Añejo offers a more cost-effective and suitable alternative for mixing.

Craftmanship

Don Julio Añejo is crafted by aging Don Julio Blanco for 18 months in bourbon barrels. This aging process imbues the Tequila with a complex array of flavors including vanilla, oak, and cinnamon, resulting in its distinctive amber hue and rich taste.

Pricing

The price of Don Julio Añejo varies by region, approximately $64 in the United States, $100 in Canada, £50 in Great Britain, and $135 in Australia, reflecting its premium quality and aging process.

Alternatives

Casamigos Añejo and Patron Añejo are excellent alternatives for those seeking similar quality and flavor profiles. Patron Añejo, known for being additive-free, provides an authentic Tequila experience akin to Don Julio Añejo.

Alcohol Percentage

Don Julio Añejo is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in the United States. However, in Mexico, the ABV is slightly lower at 76 proof (38% ABV), a common practice due to local tax regulations.

Ingredients

The production of Don Julio Añejo involves only three key ingredients: water, blue agave, and natural yeasts, with the bourbon barrels playing a crucial role in its aging process.

Does Don Julio Añejo Use Additives?

While the exact use of additives in Don Julio Añejo is not publicly disclosed, the Tequila presents a legitimate aroma and flavor profile. Nonetheless, concerns about additives are valid across the industry, and those seeking additive-free options are encouraged to explore specifically vetted lists.