Don Julio Reposado

A tequila with mass appeal. A high class reposado for aficionados and an uncomplicated treat for newcomers. A mellow flavour, a silky texture, a gentle burn and a head turner of a bottle all combined in Don Julio Reposado.

What makes Don Julio Reposado special?

The eight months Don Julio Reposado Tequila sits in American white oak barrels, previously used for bourbon whiskey casks, is at the upper range of "resting" time for a reposado. The extra time smooths off the edges to create a pale amber liquid that melts in the mouth. There is no peppery aftertaste, just an elegant, refined tequila. The fact this is Don Julio, the oldest makers of premium tequila, also means you can be assured of quality.

Don Julio Reposado review

Nose

A distinct smell of roasted agave, with hints of honey, vanilla and light oak.

Taste

When reviewing Don Julio Reposado you will receive a twin burst of roasted agave and sweetness. The sweetness one might liken to vanilla, caramel, honey or stewed apple. This is followed by some spicy light pepper notes with some light oak. In the mouth the texture is silky.

Aftertaste

A long, pleasing finish with a slight heat and lingering agave on the tongue that melts dreamily away.

Appearance

If looks are important to your drinks shelf, then this is a must have. Other bottles may tower above it, but few if any will be as wide. Like all Don Julio tequila it comes with a pretty head; a large polished wood top housing the cork inside. The dark brown glass is nod to the oak barrels the drink was aged in - the tequila itself is a light gold colour.

Where does Don Julio Tequila Reposado come from?

It starts life as a pampered blue agave plant in the highlands above the town of Atotonilco, in the state of Jalisco. The extremes of weather there brings out the best in the plants. To avoid the heat, the jimadors (harvesters) venture out as early as possible to cut the pinas from the plants. It is then fermented in the famous La Primavera distillery and aged in American bourbon casks made of white oak.

What are the different types of Don Julio?

Each Don Julio type, known as an "expression", has its own distinctive looking bottle with a unique taste. Don Julio Blanco is an unaged tequila with a sweet agave profile, while Don Julio Anejo is aged for 18 months in old bourbon barrels for a smooth, refined flavor. Don Julio 1942 is aged for two and a half years, offering a deeper oak taste and is the most popular of all the Don Julio expressions, the 1942 bottle is elegantly presented in a sleek display box.

Which Don Julio is the best? Don Julio 1942 Tequila is the clear winner due to its complex deep wood flavour gained from the additional time spent aging in the barrel.

Is Don Julio Reposado expensive?

No! at £52.99 per bottle Premium Tequila is one of the most competitively priced retailers you will find in the UK. Our direct relationships with producers in Mexico enables us to offer excellent value for money on each and every bottle of Don Julio Reposado.

Don Julio Reposado Tequila cocktail

Mix the following ingredients with your Don Julio Tequila Reposado to create Mexico’s version of the Bloody Mary – Sangrita literally translates as ‘a little blood’. It is a savoury drink with bite that is served as a separate spicy drink, alongside a glass of neat Don Julio Reposado served.

To prepare the Sangrita justice, ensure all ingredients are fresh. Add all the ingredients to a jug and stir to ensure the salt has dissolved. Then store for 15-30 minutes in a fridge. Take out and discard the jalapeno. Serve side by side with the Don Julio – take sips from each in turn.

• 160ml of plum tomatoes juiced
• 10ml of freshly squeezed lime
• 15 ml of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit
• 20ml of freshly squeezed orange
• 1 chopped jalapeno
• Freshly cut red chillis – quantity at your discretion – remove the seeds!
• Freshly ground salt and pepper
• A little Agave syrup (if you have to hand)

How big is a bottle of Don Julio Reposado?

700ml and so there is twenty eight shots in every bottle of Don Julio Reposado.

What should you pair with Don Julio Reposado?

Recommended with Tacos. Serve with chargrilled vegetables, guacamole and meat or seafood of your choice – both prawns or pork are a favoured match.

How much alcohol is in Don Julio Tequila Reposado?

• 38% ABV
• 80 Proof

Don Julio – The producer of Don Julio Reposado

Julio González-Frausto had a hunch that blue agave grown in the highlands would taste better than the agave from the plains. Until then, way back in the 1940s, tequila had not been thought of as high-end drink. Fortunately, Julio’s hunch was right, and a legend was born.