Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 12:52 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 Blanco 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
Don Julio Blanco vs Don Julio Añejo: Head-to-Head
Don Julio Blanco: Bold initial aroma of agave and citrus with earthy undertones. Sweet, smooth palate with citrus, black pepper, and minimal heat. Enjoy on rocks. Versatile, appealing to a wide audience.
Don Julio Añejo: Aromas of oak, vanilla, and caramel with a hint of orange. Tasting reveals cinnamon, vanilla, oak, and a smoky character. Best enjoyed neat or on rocks. Well-balanced, with a long finish and bourbon influence.
Verdict: Don Julio Blanco offers a clean, classic tequila experience, ideal for both newcomers and aficionados, whether sipped on rocks or mixed in cocktails. Don Julio Añejo, on the other hand, provides a sophisticated sipping experience with its rich, bourbon-like flavors and smoky complexity, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Don Julio Tequila Picks
Don Julio Blanco: A Smooth and Approachable Tequila
- Nose: Agave, alcohol, citrus, earth
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Avion Silver
Initial Aroma:
Don Julio Blanco offers a bold first impression with a noticeable alcohol note. However, this initial intensity mellows on the palate.
Flavor Profile:
This Blanco Tequila presents a delightful combination of sweet citrus flavors balanced by earthy tones, minerality, and a subtle touch of black pepper. Its smoothness is a highlight, with minimal heat. While it may lack some depth in texture, the finish is pleasantly sweet and clean, leaving a slightly spicy tingle on the tongue.
Appealing to a Wide Range:
Don Julio Blanco’s well-rounded profile makes it a favorite among both tequila novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Its classic Blanco character is perfect for those seeking a true tequila experience.
Beyond the Basics:
This versatile spirit can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and it shines in popular cocktails like Margaritas. Its popularity is well-deserved, as it consistently delivers quality and taste.
Don Julio Añejo: A Sipping Tequila with Bourbon Influence
- 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 70
Aromatic Notes:
Don Julio Añejo presents an intriguing nose reminiscent of bourbon, offering hints of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a touch of orange.
Flavor Profile:
The first sip reveals a warming sensation followed by a prominent taste of cinnamon, which lingers throughout the tasting experience. The Tequila boasts delightful flavors of vanilla, oak, and sweet butterscotch, similar to bourbon, with a subtle touch of smokiness for added complexity.
Long-Lasting Finish:
The finish is extensive, leaving a pleasant warmth and lingering notes of cinnamon and oak.
Enjoyment:
Don Julio Añejo is a well-balanced and enjoyable sipping tequila, offering a harmonious blend of flavors. It is not overly sweet, and its smoky character and rich agave flavor add depth to the experience.
Historical Significance:
Don Julio Añejo was previously considered the brand’s crowning achievement until the introduction of the highly-regarded 1942.
Aging Process:
This Añejo Tequila spends 18 months aging in ex-bourbon barrels, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
How do Don Julio Blanco and Añejo differ?
Don Julio Blanco and Don Julio Añejo originate from the same Tequila, but their distinction lies in the aging process.
Blanco is bottled immediately after the second distillation, while Don Julio Añejo is aged in barrels for 18 months.
This extended maturation imparts an amber color to the spirit and introduces notes of caramel and vanilla.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio Blanco | $53 |
| Don Julio Añejo | $66 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio | Don Julio |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Añejo |
| Aging length | None | 18 months |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |