Don Julio Reposado Tequila Review

Don Julio reposado tequila is a dependable agave-forward highland tequila. Its grassy, almost funky vegetal notes lead to flavors of stewed fruits, caramel and baking spice.

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale straw gold

Nose: It opens with a strong grassy and almost funky vegetal agave note, very different from the blanco, with hints of honey, stewed fruit and very light vanilla-oak. As it sits in the glass, the “edge” comes off, and the grassy agave notes dominate.

Palate: At the front of the mouth, it’s a medley of agave-grass-vegetal notes and stewed tropical-fruit overtones, with a hint of sweetness and spicy oak highlight. As it moves to the midpalate, it’s medium- to full-bodied, with an emphasis on herbaceous notes and some vanilla. As you swallow, you get a hit of green pepper along with baking spices and a slight oaky exit.

Finish: A long, pleasing finish that’s warming and fruit-forward with caramel and pineapple, as well as lingering agave on the tongue.

Our Review

Rested tequila can develop a very different profile after just a few months from its blanco and añejo siblings. Hand-harvested, 6- to 10-year-old blue Weber agave from the Los Altos (highlands) region of Jalisco is shredded and slow-cooked before being thrown into large steel fermentation tanks with a proprietary agave yeast, then double-distilled in stainless steel pot stills. The spirit then ages in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for about eight months before it’s brought down to proof and bottled.

In this case, the reposado features the original agave more significantly than in either the unaged or añejo expressions. It’s a clean, clear expression of blue Weber, with all the fruit and grass many seek in a tequila. This is a sipper through and through. Shooting it may feel awkward thanks to the extra character. And while it will work in many cocktails, drinkers accustomed to a blanco in their Margaritas or Palomas may feel there’s too much character here. On the other hand, in cocktails where you’re replacing a blended scotch or an Irish whiskey with tequila, this may be the ideal option.

Reposados can be tough when it comes to comparisons. Some are light and fruity, barely discernible from blancos, while others trend closer to añejos. So rather than try and compare it to other reposados across the board, it may be best to evaluate this from a price-point perspective. In my estimation, the brand’s suggested retail price of $50 per bottle (actual prices vary wildly) seems about right for this one. Put it on your shelf alongside Camarena, Casamigos, Partida or Patrón for an interesting flight of lightly aged tequilas.=