Don Julio has been within the tequila sport since 1942. At the moment it’s one of many world’s largest producers and most dear tequila manufacturers. You don’t get to the highest of the agave-covered mountain by doing issues the identical method as everyone else. That’s evident within the model’s lineup. Along with its core expressions—blanco, reposado, and ańejo—Don Julio additionally makes an extra-añejo dubbed Don Julio 1942 and a cristalino referred to as Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro.
Cristalino tequilas are aged tequilas which were filtered to take away the colour imparted from their time spent inside oak barrels. The method is supposed to maintain a lot of the woody accents intact whereas additionally highlighting the earthy agave notes of a blanco. The result’s a crystal-clear spirit with a fuller, richer taste profile than its look would point out.
Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro was launched in 2012 to commemorate founder Don Julio Gonzales’ seventieth anniversary since launching the model. Cristalinos have been a comparatively unknown class when Don Julio 70 was launched, however the model helped carry it to the broader market. Since then, the tequila class has witnessed dozens of latest entrants.
Don Julio 70 begins its life as Don Julio Añejo, distilled within the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, then aged for 18 months in white American oak barrels. As soon as it’s totally mature, the liquid goes via a charcoal filtering course of that strips away the colour. What’s left is a transparent tequila with aromas of roasted agave, oaky vanilla, citrus, pepper, and caramel. The silky, medium-bodied palate is barely candy, with notes of vanilla, honey, delicate baking spices, and extra pepper. The heat end brings extra of that mushy oak, plus hints of chocolate.
This tequila is an fascinating hybrid that has the smoothness of a blanco and the complexity of an añejo. Finally, the añejo wins out, regardless of what your eyes say, because the oak affect proves extra highly effective than the contemporary agave and fruit character present in Don Julio Blanco. Nevertheless it’s an fascinating spirit from begin to end.
How you can Drink Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro
It is a sipping tequila via and thru. Pour it in a glass—a snifter or glencairn works properly, however a easy rocks glass can even do—put the glass to your lips, and repeat. You may throw it over a big ice dice should you favor your tequila chilled, however you needn’t trouble with cocktails. After all, you need to at all times drink tequila and each different liquor nonetheless you like to drink it. In reality, Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro makes a strong Outdated-Common. However after its meticulous growing older and filtration, this can be a tequila that deserves to be sipped because the makers supposed it, not doctored with sugar and mixers.
That stated, topping your tequila with glowing water might assist to unlock a few of the flavors inside. Don Julio suggests a easy Tequila and Soda Highball served tall with ice. It’s chilly, refreshing and hydrating, and it gained’t drown the nuance on this luxurious tequila.
