An excellent tequila done slowly and carefully. Famous author Clive Cusslers favorite
Notes: This used to be a rather expensive Tequila. Now many tequilas have risen in price while Don Julio has remained at close to the same price it was making it more affordable – or at least competitive in price.
They use a number of processes that cost more to do but yield an excellent product First is the use of older more mature agave (8-10 years)than others use (mostly 6-7 year olds) and less intensive planting to give the plants more nutrients and sun.They use masonry ovens and a three day cooking process to slowly roast the pinas. Like good Italian cooking, slower is better. Some of their rivals use live steam or huge steel ovens that look more like lumber drying kilns and cook much faster. The steel ovens don’t yield the same results. Don Julio uses a proprietary yeast, double distillation in small batch pot stills using only the center cuts, and careful blending to make a outstanding product.
This is the youngest expression of this particular line. The others being Don Julio Reposado, and Don Julio Anejo.
Appearance: Crystal clear, lovely body. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which then seems to almost evaporate off the side.
First Impression: Has that good tequila smell. It has all the right elements right at the start: savory, sage, citrusy lime, pineapple, at first.
Taste: Sweet start with savory notes,then citrus notes and brine. Dry smooth finish with fresh ground black pepper notes.
Drinks: Wonderful margaritas, be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier – anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste. Although frankly I enjoy sipping it neat from a snifter to fully appreciate it -its that good!
Cigars: A good mild cigar Davidoff or Macanudo- natural wrapper.
Final Thoughts: A wonderful delicious, subtle, and smooth tequila. One of the better tequilas we have reviewed. Proof that quality ingredients and attention to detail yield a superior product. Highly recommended.
Bottle: Hand blown glass decanter light blue in color orb like with flat round panels for the labels with a large circular wood decorative stopper design and the brand name pressed into it. at the shoulder above the label. Simple paper labels front and back -understated and nicely done.
Web site: http://www.donjulio.com
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