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Casamigos vs Don Julio Tequila (2023 Updated)

Casamigos vs Don Julio Tequila

Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Casamigos and Don Julio are two top-shelf tequilas all tequila lovers know because of their versatility and great taste. 

We gathered the primary differences between Casamigos vs Don Julio to see how they fare against each other – flavor, smoothness, the works. 

Don Julio & Casamigos Compared 

Don Julio Reposado

Don Julio and Casamigos are two popular tequila brands loved by many because of their distinct flavor. Don Julio and Casamigos differ in different aspects, but the primary difference lies in the flavor of tequila

Crafted from different distilleries, the two brands share the same company-Diageo, a British company that owns over 200 liquor brands. 

How Are They Different? 

How Are They Different? 

History

Casamigos is a top-shelf tequila brand co-founded by American actor George Clooney and his friend Rander Gerber. The brand intended to make a tequila that is easy to sip and will give a manageable hangover. 

Don Julio is a tequila that has established a great reputation in producing distilled spirits since 1942. The brand was founded by Master Distiller Don Julio Gonzalez who began distilling agaves at 17. 

Read: What’s the Best Tequila For No Hangover?

Production Process

Copper Still Pot for Distillation

Don Julio is crafted with excellence by using a modern production process. The base ingredients are steamed for 72 hours before grounding. Then it will undergo double distillation to ensure its purity and smoothness. 

Casamigos uses the traditional production process to release the perfect balance and taste of the tequilas.

The agave plant from Jalisco Highlands is steamed for 72 hours, fermented for 80 hours, then distilled twice. But who makes Casamigos tequila?

Base Materials

Casamigos uses 100% hand-selected blue agave aged 7-9 years old, while Don Julio uses the finest blue agave plant from Jalisco Highlands aged 7-10 years old. Tequilas are made from agave plants harvested in Mexico, and it produces sweet tasting notes. Moreso, since the base materials of tequila are from Mexico, it is considered one of Mexico’s national treasures. 

Flavor Profile

Palate

Tequila Cocktail

Casamigos Tequila is smooth, light, and flavorful, while Don Julio Tequila is more robust and has a traditional taste. Casamigos Tequila Blanco is sweeter and has a more vanilla spice, while Don Julio Blanco tequila features spicy black pepper notes.

Don Julio Reposado has richer and more sweet notes, while Casamigos has a smoother and creamier flavor. Lastly, Casamigos Añejo has a rich flavor like scotch, while Don Julio is floral, refreshing, and fruity. Here’s a more detailed review of Don Julio 70

Nose

Don Julio Tequilas has hints of agave blended with citrus notes like lime, grapefruit, and lemon. On the contrary, Casamigos has strong vanilla notes with minty and agave hints. Casamigos Blanco has sweet and mild peppers, while Don Julio Blanco is on the citrusy and earthy side. 

Casamigos Reposado has strong caramel and vanilla notes, while Don Julio Reposado has strong notes of citrus and vanilla. Lastly, Don Julio Añejo has unique freshness with fruity and oaky aroma hints, while Casamigos has a rich aroma of citrus, honey, and vanilla. 

Read: Casamigos Reposado & Blanco Compared

Color

Casamigos Blanco Tequila

Don Julio Blanco and Casamigos Blanco has clear apperance and are considered silver tequila. Don Julio Reposado has a lighter color than Casamigos. On the other hand, Casamigos Añejo and Don Julio Añejo have an amber to golden appearance due to maturation in oak barrels. 

Finish

We always enjoy drinking different spirits, but Casamigos has a nice and light finish compared to Don Julio’s. The traditional process of Don Julio makes the tequila bolder and more robust, so the finish is long and dry. 

Usage

Tequila Shot with salt and lime

Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas are great to drink neat, on the rocks, or as cocktails. However, Don Julio’s flavor can be harsh when sipping neat, so its traditional flavor profile mixes great with most cocktails. 

Casamigos is light and smooth, so it is the best tequila to sip neat, but you can drink it as a mixer for cocktails like margarita because of its sweet notes. 

Read: Can You Get Don Julio 1942 Tequila At Costco?

Alcohol Content

Casamigos Blanco and Don Julio Blanco, Añejo and Reposado Tequilas contain 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof. Most tequilas contain 40 – 50% alcohol content [1], and both brands contain high ABV like other tequilas, which can make you drunk with few shots. 

Price

Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail

Casamigos’ prices per bottle are not much different from Don Julio’s. A bottle of Don Julio Blanco costs around $53, while Casamigos Blanco is approximately $51 per bottle. The price varies on each expression, but typically there is a 2-3 bucks difference in their price point. 

How Are They Similar?

Casamigos and Don Julio share the same primary company Diageo and use agaves as their main ingredients for the tequila. They have similar cooking methods, double distillation, and ABV. Also, you can drink it neat, with ice, or as cocktails. Here’s what to mix with Casamigos tequila.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Casamigos as good as Don Julio?

Yes, Casamigos is as good as Don Julio. It has sweet notes and subtle spices like black pepper, caramel, and cinnamon. 

Which tequila is better to sip neat, Don Julio or Casamigos?

Casamigos is better to sip neat. The tequila is incredibly smooth and has a light and flavorful taste ideal for sipping. 

Is Don Julio or Casamigos stronger?

The strength of Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas, typically measured by alcohol by volume (ABV), is usually the same. Both brands commonly offer tequilas with an ABV ranging from 40% to 50%. The perceived strength can be influenced by individual taste preferences and the specific expressions within each brand.

Is Casamigos a top shelf liquor?

Casamigos is often considered a premium or top-shelf tequila. Founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, Casamigos gained popularity for its high-quality tequilas. The brand offers a range of expressions, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, which are appreciated by tequila enthusiasts.

Which tequila is better, Don Julio or Patron?

The preference between Don Julio and Patron tequilas is subjective and depends on individual taste. Both brands are well-regarded and offer high-quality tequilas. Don Julio is known for its smooth and refined profile, while Patron is recognized for its versatility and distinct flavor. Trying both can help determine personal preferences.

Is Don Julio high-quality?

Yes, Don Julio is widely recognized as a high-quality tequila brand. Known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, Don Julio produces a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. The brand’s commitment to quality has contributed to its reputation among tequila connoisseurs.

What is the number 1 ranked tequila?

Rankings for tequilas can vary based on individual preferences and industry awards. There isn’t a universally agreed-upon “number 1” tequila. Different brands, such as Patrón, Don Julio, and Casamigos, have received acclaim for their respective expressions. Tastes vary, and the best tequila for one person may not be the same for another.

Is Casamigos a top-shelf tequila?

Yes, Casamigos is widely considered a top-shelf or premium tequila. Co-founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, Casamigos gained popularity for its high-quality tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The brand’s success and positive reception contribute to its classification as a top-shelf spirit.

Why is Casamigos so popular now?

Casamigos has become popular for several reasons. One significant factor is the celebrity association with founders George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman. Additionally, Casamigos gained attention for its smooth and approachable tequilas, appealing to a broad audience. The brand’s success in marketing, quality production, and celebrity endorsements contributed to its popularity.

Why is Casamigos famous?

Casamigos achieved fame due to its founders’ celebrity status and the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality tequilas. George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman founded Casamigos with the intention of creating tequila for personal enjoyment. The brand’s popularity grew organically, and its recognition as a premium tequila has made it famous among tequila enthusiasts and consumers alike.

Is Casamigos cheap liquor?

Casamigos is generally not considered cheap liquor. As a premium tequila brand, Casamigos is known for its quality and craftsmanship. The pricing of Casamigos tequilas reflects the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality spirits. While not the most expensive, Casamigos is typically positioned in the mid to high price range.

Why is Don Julio tequila so expensive?

Don Julio tequila is often considered more expensive due to several factors. Don Julio is a well-established and highly regarded tequila brand known for its craftsmanship, quality of ingredients, and meticulous production process. Additionally, the aging process of certain Don Julio expressions, especially Extra Añejo varieties, can contribute to higher production costs, influencing the overall price.

Which Don Julio is the best?

The perception of the “best” Don Julio tequila is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Don Julio offers a range of expressions, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. The best one for you may depend on whether you prefer the fresh and agave-forward notes of Blanco or the rich and complex flavors developed during longer aging in the case of Añejo or Extra Añejo.

What is the purest tequila?

The purest tequila is often associated with Blanco or Silver tequila. These expressions are typically unaged or minimally aged, allowing the true flavors of the agave plant to shine. Blanco tequilas are known for their crisp and vibrant agave notes, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate the unadulterated essence of tequila.

Final Thoughts: Casamigos Vs Don Julio

The tequila world consistently compares Casamigos vs Don Julio because of their similarities. However, the two best-tasting tequila on the market have distinct and unique tastes, so it boils down to personal preference. 

Casamigos is light and sweet, while Don Julio has a bold and rich taste that makes them different. Try a bottle now and let us know which you like best! 

Reference:

  1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/tequila-distilled-liquor 
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