Don Julio Primavera Tequila Review & Tasting Notes (2023)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Don Julio Primavera, a reposado tequila, is a limited offering from the brand, targeting young and adult drinkers alike. 

While it’s a great party drink, will it be good for sipping or in a different cocktail drink besides Margaritas?

Let’s find out through this Don Julio Primavera review. 

Overview On Don Julio Primavera

Don Julio Primavera was launched to celebrate the recovery of Don Julio Gonzalez from a severe stroke in the early 1980s. 

But it was in 1987 when Don Julio was sold to the public, which is now one of the well-known tequila brands. 

This reposado tequila is finished in orange wine casks and infused with macerated orange peels– creating the citrus and vanilla-caramel combo in its profile. 

Quick Facts 

Distillery & Owner	Diageo
Classification & Region	Reposado/Jalisco, Mexico
Alcohol Proof	80
Mash Bill	100% Blue Weber Agave
Age Statement	2 months to 1 year (most probably 8 months)
Color	Light orange
Rating	4-Star (Top-Shelf)
Average Price	$149 per 750ml (MSRP)

What’s Don Julio Primavera? 

Don Julio Primavera is finished in a cask that previously held wine infused with macerated orange peels.

Its very subtle orange color contradicts its heavy citrus and vanilla caramel hint. 

It is crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave grown from Jalisco, Mexico, and cooked over stone and brick ovens.  

Then, this tequila is fermented using stainless steel tanks and double-distilled in a stainless pot still with a copper coil.

It is aged for at least two months (to a year) in wine casks.

Additionally, Don Julio Primavera is a premium tequila brand, which you can figure price tag higher than those of the same category. 

Aside from this Primavera, the Ultima Reserva [1] is the pricier option.     

What Does Don Julio Primavera Taste Like?

Nose 

Oak, agave, and citrus dominate the nose. There’s a slight hint of caramel and vanilla, so the aromas are on the sweeter side. 

Palate

On the palate, the light sweetness continues, but it is getting more sugary due to the presence of milk chocolate with bold notes of vanilla and caramel. 

The flow of flavors on the mouth makes for classic reposado fodder, enhanced by the citrus finding a stronger purchase on the roundup. 

Finish

The finish is light but definitely more citrus, and it’s smooth. It’s easy to sip, and the more you sip, the more the orange-heavy impact grows. 

But overall, it’s one of the most gentle reposado tequilas we’ve tried.   

Our Thoughts

First Sip

Due to the cask, which previously held wine infused with macerated orange peel, as the finishing of Don Julio Primavera, the sweet flavors opened initially.

The taste is well-balanced in the mouth down to the finish.   

Second Chance

On the second sip, the orange flavors are getting bolder, but it’s not too sweet. But if you’re not into sweeter drinks, you’ll opt to find better tequilas for sipping. 

Why We Like It 

• This Don Julio Primavera tequila is a great mixer for cocktail mixer due to its flavor profile. We recommend it for making Sunny Delight or mixing it with club soda to make a variety of drinks.  
• It’s a very gentle tequila with no harsh notes of alcohol due to its low ABV content. 
• The caramel and vanilla taste in this tequila enhances the overall profile. 

Drawbacks 

• This reposado tequila is expensive.
• The sweetness may tend to be too much for some drinkers.
• It lacks proof and body. 

Don Julio Primavera Rating 

We rate Don Julio Primavera Reposado a 4-Star— it’s a top-shelf tequila made from top-quality ingredients.

“It’s such a special liquid that can turn an ordinary occasion into a golden moment.”

— Christina Choi, Senior VP of Tequila (Diageo North America)

Along with its good quality comes an expensive price. But it’s a great tequila to serve for many special occasions. 

Is Don Julio 1942 Primavera Good?

Don Julio 1942 Primavera is a good reposado tequila– very light from the scent to the finish. It’s sweet with little oak notes, and the proof isn’t harsh. 

We recommend it for beginners or drinkers who are not yet used to the strong character of other tequilas.

However, you’ll need to spend some more bucks since this is a premium tequila.

Though it’s good for cocktails, you don’t want to splurge for a bottle of tequila just to mix with other beverages. 

Besides, it’s in a limited release, so you better save it for sipping until the next annual release.

And while waiting, you better try other reposado tequila expressions to widen your horizon. 

Here’s what we recommend for a more affordable option: 

• El Tequileño Reposado, 40% ABV – $29 (Drizly)
• Espolon Reposado, 40% ABV – $16-$28 (SRP)
• Altos Reposado, 40% ABV – $31.99 (SRP)
• Herradura Reposado, 40% ABV – $48 (Drizly)
• Corralejo Reposado, 40% ABV – $30 (SRP)

FAQs 

Final Thoughts

Don Julio Primavera embodies the traditional style of tequila-making.

However, we find the profile and character modernized and enhanced like it has some additives, etc. 

Regardless, DJ Primavera is a good quality tequila [2]. Its sweet taste, low ABV, and gentle character make it one of the best-sipping tequilas to date. 

But there’s one catch – it’s pricey.

For the $149 asking price, you can find more great bottles that also won’t disappoint. If you have the extra money to burn for this bottle— then go for it.      

References:

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tequila-don-julio-introduces-ultima-reserva-a-pinnacle-extra-anejo-tequila-in-celebration-of-upcoming-80th-anniversary-301378922.html 
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/tequila-distilled-liquor