Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Don Julio 70 Añejo is a special release for the 70th anniversary of Don Julio Tequilas. It was a rare variant when it was released back in 2012. What made it special? Is it different from the rest bearing the same label?
Let us find out in this in-depth Don Julio 70 review.
All About Don Julio 70
Don Julio Tequila came out in 1942. In 2012, master distiller Enrique de Colsa created a masterpiece for its 70th anniversary. Back in the day, filtered aged spirits were not common. This was the first filtered añejo. It is similar to a Don Julio Blanco but much smoother than a reposado.
Interesting Facts
How It’s Made
Don Julio 70 goes through fermentation and distillation of ripe agave fruit from Los Altos, Mexico. It goes inside ex-bourbon American white oak barrels for 18 months. Then it is filtered to remove the color and aged to appear like a Blanco tequila.
Key Ingredients
There are only three main ingredients used in making these bottles, agave, water, and yeasts. They harvest Blue Weber agave fruit in the agave-growing regions in Jalisco, Mexico.
Flavor Notes
Taste
The palate will have full agave flavors from start to finish. Your taste buds will also find hints of sweet tropical fruits with a hint of white pepper. It transitions to a smooth and flavorful blend of tobacco, spice, and wet oak as a finish.
Color
This Añejo tequila is clear with no color. It has a strong similarity with the silver tequila but with apparent viscosity. You can sip it neat or enjoy mixing it with your favorite cocktails.
Aroma
This spirit has a very pleasant blend of aromas. You can easily pinpoint the smell of agave with the nose – notes of sweet pineapple and vanilla, and a lingering smell of oak.
Finish
The finish is medium smooth with touches of vanilla (1), similar to the nose. But with an added taste of notes of caramel and chocolate.
Alcohol Content
Don Julio 70 is a strong tequila with an ABV of 40%. This Añejo Cristalino Tequila class is 80 proof but with no harsh burn when swallowed and drank.
How To Drink Don Julio 70
Drinking Don Julio 70 can be done in three ways. You can sip it neat. You can also enjoy it as shots, with small pinches of salt and some citrus juice. Or you can have this liquor mixed with your favorite cocktails.
Is It The World’s First Anejo Claro?
Yes, it is the world’s first Anejo Claro. In 2012, filtration was not common with aged tequilas as this goes through a very expensive process. They removed the color acquired during the aging process through charcoal filtration.
Read: Don Julio 70 & 1942 Compared
Common Don Julio 70 Price
| Bottle | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Don Julio 70 | 750 ml | 40% | $88 |
Compared to Other Tequilas
Patron
Patron is a premium brand and a top-shelf tequila like Don Julio. The staple flavors of Patron are the clean taste of classic tequila with notes of black pepper and citrus. A 750 ml bottle is priced at around $60.
Herradura
Herradura Ultra tequila is from a distillery with a long history of tequila-making like Don Julio tequila. The Ultra Añejo bottle has creamy viscosity. It tasted like a roasted agave with almonds, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak hints. These are priced at roughly $59 per 750ml.
Casamigos
Casamigos is not only popular because of George Clooney. This spirit has balanced, spicy, earthy, and salty savors. Its finish is smooth with a silky texture similar to Don Julio’s. Each 750ml is at around $61. More on Casamigos and Don Julio comparison here.
Popular Don Julio 70 Cocktail Recipes
Don Julio 70 & Soda Cocktail
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Don Julio 70
- Sparkling water
- Orange slice
Instructions:
Measure and pour Don Julio Añejo into a highball glass, followed by sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice.
Serving:1
Punch De La Casa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 ⅓ bottles Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo
- 1 ½ liters Water
- ⅓ liter Mezcal
- 5 cups Grapefruit Juice
- 2 cups Lemon Juice
- 3 cups of Strong Black Tea
- 3 cups Clementine or Tangerine Juice
- 8 ounces Agave Nectar
- 12 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl. You can place a block of ice on the bowl or choose to place ice cubes on cups or glasses. Drink and enjoy.
Serving:1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Don Julio 70 Smooth?
Yes, Don Julio 70 is a smooth tequila with a slightly sweet flavor of agave, vanilla, and spice.
What do you mix Don Julio 70 with?
You can mix Don Julio 70 with lime juice and salt or just pour soda water and ice on it. This aged tequila is very versatile.
Is Don Julio 70 tequila good?
Yes, Don Julio 70 is highly regarded as a good tequila. It’s a category-defining clear aged tequila with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, and baking spices. It stands out due to its unique filtration process, which gives it a crystal-clear appearance and a smoother taste. It’s also noted for its depth of flavors, resulting in a truly satisfying experience.
Why is Don Julio 70 so expensive?
The price of Don Julio 70 is reflective of its high-quality 100% blue agave, the labor-intensive production process, and aging for a significant period in oak barrels. Its unique filtration process and the reputation of the brand also contribute to its cost.
Which is better Patron or Don Julio 70?
Choosing between Patron and Don Julio 70 can come down to personal preference as both are premium tequilas. However, Don Julio 70 is often noted for its smoother taste and remarkable depth of flavors. The key difference between the two is their agave cutting and crushing methods, which can contribute to the flavor and characteristics of the tequila.
How many years is Don Julio 70 aged?
Don Julio 70 is aged to perfection for 18 months in American white oak barrels. It’s then carefully charcoal filtered to restore the crisp agave flavor found in Blanco Tequila. The aging process contributes to the tequila’s smoothness and complex flavor profile.
Is Don Julio better than Jose Cuervo?
The preference between Don Julio and Jose Cuervo can vary depending on personal taste and preference. Both brands offer a range of tequilas with different flavor profiles and price points. Don Julio is often praised for its smoothness, depth of flavors, and high-quality production methods. Jose Cuervo, on the other hand, is known for its long-standing history and affordability. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual preference and the specific tequila variant being considered.
Is Don Julio high quality?
Yes, Don Julio is widely recognized as a high-quality tequila brand. It is known for its commitment to craftsmanship, using only the finest 100% blue agave and employing traditional production methods. Don Julio tequilas undergo careful aging processes, resulting in a smooth and flavorful spirit. The brand’s attention to detail and dedication to quality have earned it a strong reputation among tequila enthusiasts.
How should you drink Don Julio 70?
Don Julio 70 is a versatile tequila that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be sipped neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its smoothness and complex flavors. Additionally, it can be used as a base for cocktails, adding a refined touch to classic tequila-based drinks. Ultimately, the choice of how to drink Don Julio 70 depends on personal preference and the desired experience.
Is Don Julio 70 smooth?
Yes, Don Julio 70 is known for its smoothness. It undergoes an aging process of 18 months in American white oak barrels, which contributes to its refined and balanced flavor profile. The tequila’s unique filtration process further enhances its smoothness, resulting in a velvety texture and a pleasant sipping experience.
What does Don Julio 70 taste like?
Don Julio 70 has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other tequilas. It offers a crisp and fresh agave flavor, characteristic of high-quality tequila. Tasting notes often mention its smoothness, balanced sweetness, and hints of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. The filtration process gives it a clean and velvety texture, making it a delightful sipping experience.
Why is Don Julio so popular?
Don Julio has gained popularity for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brand uses only the finest 100% blue agave and follows traditional production methods, resulting in exceptional tequilas. Secondly, Don Julio has a long-standing reputation and heritage in the tequila industry, earning the trust and loyalty of consumers. Lastly, its tequilas offer a range of flavor profiles, catering to different preferences and occasions, making it a versatile choice for tequila enthusiasts.
Is Don Julio 70 better than Blanco?
The comparison between Don Julio 70 and Don Julio Blanco depends on personal preference. Don Julio 70 is a unique Cristalino tequila that offers the character of an Añejo while appearing clear like a Blanco. It is remarkably smooth and appeals to both tequila novices and aficionados. Don Julio Blanco, on the other hand, is the purest expression of the brand, unaged and crystal clear, capturing the essence of blue agave with a vibrant and refreshing experience. Both tequilas have their own distinct qualities, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual taste preferences.
Which Don Julio is best for shots?
Don Julio Blanco is often considered a great choice for shots. Its vibrant and refreshing flavor profile, crisp agave notes, and smooth finish make it enjoyable to drink neat or in a shot. The clean and pure expression of blue agave in Don Julio Blanco lends itself well to the quick and invigorating experience of taking shots.
Final Thoughts
Don Julio Gonzales did manage to fulfill his intention of creating the best-tasting wine and spirits. Don Julio 70 is an aged tequila that started a breakthrough in the tequila-making industry. It’s one of our favorite tequilas because the tasting notes are unique, and the texture is also very smooth.
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