TheGlitz received a bottle of Don Julio Blanco for review
On a wet Sunday evening with the T20 World Cup Final between India and South Africa in the background, I prepare to review the iconic Don Julio Blanco tequila. With my writing tasks complete, I eagerly set up for the tasting session. The elegant bottle stands ready, complete with lime wedges, ice cubes, and mixers. This is simply more than a drink tasting; it’s an exploration of Mexico’s rich heritage, distilled into a renowned spirit. The combination of rain, World Cup final excitement, and the allure of a refined spirit created a unique setting. Join me on this journey of flavour and tradition.
The traditional tequila-making process involves harvesting mature blue agave plants. The piñas (the heart of the plant) are extracted, cooked in brick ovens or autoclaves, and then crushed with the tahona (a stone wheel for crushing agave) to extract the juice. This juice is fermented in large vats, typically using natural yeast. The resulting liquid is then distilled twice in steel pot stills.
For blanco tequila, the spirit is bottled immediately. Reposado and añejo tequilas are aged in oak barrels for varying periods. The 100-percent Blue Weber agave tequila can only be distilled in five Mexican states, of which the best known is Jalisco, where Don Julio proudly claims its origins too.
Tequila lovers rejoice. For long, tequila has carried the bad boy tag for shooting. It’s apt for sipping, too. Okay, I agree; you can still shoot it. While shooting remains popular, connoisseurs argue for sipping, especially with premium brands like Don Julio Blanco. If you’re the sort of person looking to do shots with your squad, then Don Julio Blanco deserves more appreciation. This high-quality tequila offers a complex flavour profile—green, citrusy, with grassy notes—that rewards slow enjoyment. It’s time to elevate tequila’s status, particularly that of Don Julio Blanco, to match that of fine single malt scotch or aged wines.
Don Julio Blanco, often called “silver” tequila, is known for its clean agave taste and subtle citrus notes. These characteristics make it a top choice for classic cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas. I sampled Don Julio Blanco in three ways: first neat to appreciate its pure essence, then with a single ice cube to explore how subtle chilling affects its profile, and finally in a margarita cocktail. This progression allowed me to experience the tequila’s versatility and nuanced flavours in different serving styles.
Whether you’re new to tequila or a seasoned enthusiast, Don Julio Blanco offers a unique tasting journey. Its fruit-forward profile provides a refreshing departure from typical expectations, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the diverse world of premium tequilas.
DON JULIO BLANCO
Owner: Diageo
Expression: Blanco tequila
Country of Origin: Mexico
Still Type: Stainless steel pot still
Proof: 38% vol
Aged: Unaged
Price: ₹6500 approx.
Availability: Select markets including Haryana, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Kolkata, Karnataka, and Goa
DID YOU KNOW
- Tequila is a product of Mexico. It can only be called Tequila if it’s from Mexico
- Blancos are unaged
- If the bottle doesn’t say 100% agave, it’s a Mixto
- Hardcore tequila fans tend to prefer and enjoy the freshness and vibrancy of blancos
- Don Julio Blanco is not appropriate for tequila shots
- Best enjoyed while sipping, on the rocks or mixing into cocktails
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR: Crystal clear with a slight silver-white hue
NOSE: Don Julio Blanco offers a crisp, clean aroma with prominent notes of fresh agave. Subtle hints of citrus, particularly lime, mingle with delicate floral undertones. A light peppery spice and mineral essence complete the nose.
PALATE: It offers a smooth palate with vibrant agave and a slight burn. Citrus notes open, followed by grassy tones and hints of vanilla. The swallow is crisp and warm, with lingering agave and pepper, showcasing its highland origins.
FINISH: The finish is brisk, featuring crisp menthol notes, sweet agave, and subtle pepper. It ends with a gentle, warm fade.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From its iconic bottle styling to the grand unveiling and premium pricing, every aspect is carefully orchestrated to establish it as an exclusive, nightlife-ready liquor. The brand aims to become the go-to celebratory beverage, poised to dominate the party scene in 2024.
Don Julio Blanco deserves a prime position among premium spirits in your home bar collection. It’s not just a one-time purchase – this tequila is a repeatable indulgence you’ll want to enjoy regularly. Having said that, TheGlitz suggests that given its premium quality and price point, it’s best appreciated when sipped slowly.
