Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:45 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 Roberto Plata vs Don Julio Blanco in this head-to-head 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 Roberto vs Don Julio: Head-to-Head
Don Roberto Plata vs. Don Julio Blanco: Quick Summary
- Don Roberto Plata: Complex with earthy, agave, and pepper notes, suited for experienced drinkers. Priced at $37, it offers a deep flavor with a slightly woody finish, making it an interesting choice for those exploring nuanced Tequila tastes.
- Don Julio Blanco: Smooth, with agave and citrus flavors, ideal for beginners or as a versatile mixer. At $36, it’s a reliable, classic choice for those seeking an uncomplicated Tequila experience.
Verdict: Don Julio Blanco is better for newcomers or mixed drink enthusiasts due to its simplicity and smoothness, while Don Roberto Plata caters to seasoned Tequila drinkers looking for complexity and depth, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Blanco Sipping Tequilas
Don Roberto Blanco: A Respectable Blanco with Unique Production
- Nose: Earth, agave, black pepper
- Palate: Agave, bright flowers, wood, pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar: Patron Silver
Intriguing Aroma with Coffee and Agave Notes
Don Roberto Blanco entices with an aroma of coffee brewed in a clay pot, alongside hints of roasted agave and black pepper. This creates an inviting first impression.
The texture is smooth and enjoyable on the palate.
Floral Notes and Unique Fermentation
Flavor-wise, Don Roberto offers a surprising twist. Vibrant floral tones take center stage, accompanied by the expected agave and black pepper. The use of oak vats for fermentation introduces a subtle woody note, differentiating it from tequilas aged in steel tanks.
The finish is moderately long, with a gentle warming sensation and a touch of bitterness that fades gracefully.
Solid Sipping Option, Explore for Exceptional
Opinions on Don Roberto Blanco vary. While it doesn’t boast the most complex flavor profile, it lacks any unpleasant characteristics, making it a decent choice for sipping. The subtle bitterness in the finish might not be for everyone.
Considering its price point, there might be other Blanco tequilas offering a more remarkable taste experience.
Key takeaways:
- Don Roberto Blanco features an aroma of coffee, roasted agave, and black pepper.
- Smooth texture with a unique blend of floral notes, agave, black pepper, and a subtle woodiness.
- Moderately long finish with gentle warmth and a touch of bitterness.
- Respectable sipping tequila, though other options might offer more complexity for the price.
- Produced at the Tequilera Don Roberto Distillery.
- Uses hand-chopped agave for fermentation, potentially preserving more natural sweetness.
Don Julio Blanco: A Reliable Tequila for All Drinkers
- Nose: Agave, alcohol, citrus, earth
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Milagro Silver
Smooth and Sweet with a Classic Blanco Profile
Don Julio Blanco offers a clean aroma that might suggest a warming experience, but don’t be fooled. The taste is surprisingly smooth and sweet, featuring citrus notes that blend nicely with earthy hints, minerals, and a touch of black pepper.
While it might be slightly lighter-bodied, it compensates with minimal heat and a pleasant finish that lingers with sweetness. There’s a subtle peppery bite at the end, but nothing overpowering.
A Blanco for Everyone
Don Julio Blanco caters to both tequila novices and aficionados, thanks to its classic unaged profile. It’s enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or even in cocktails. However, its higher price tag might make it less cost-effective for mixed drinks.
Key takeaways:
- Don Julio Blanco boasts a clean aroma with a surprisingly smooth and sweet taste.
- Features citrus notes with earthy hints, minerals, and a touch of black pepper.
- Lighter-bodied with minimal heat and a pleasant, lingering sweet finish.
- Enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails (though pricier for mixing).
- Reliable option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers.
- Founded by Don Julio González in 1942 with a focus on premium quality.
- Introduced the shorter, square bottle design for better table visibility.
- Currently owned by Diageo, a beverage giant known for brands like Johnnie Walker.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Roberto Plata | $37 |
| Don Julio Blanco | $36 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio | Don Roberto |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Machete |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone oven |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |