Next week, Diageo Reserve’s premium tequila brand, Don Julio, will launch the world’s first Añejo Claro tequila – Don Julio 70 – into the UK market. Originally launched in the US to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the year Don Julio González began perfecting the art of tequila making, Don Julio 70 combines traditional Añejo flavours that result from 18 months of barrel aging with the fresh agave flavour and silver colour expected from an unaged Blanco tequila. Don Julio Gonzalez’s personally appointed successor and friend, Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa, is continuing the brand legacy of innovation by producing a truly unique tequila.
The finest blue agave plants are hand selected by La Primavera’s jimadors in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to ensure quality standards that stem from the source. The blue agave is then distilled and aged for 18 months in reclaimed American White Oak barrels. Once the tequila has reached maturity, it goes through a unique filtration process that restores the citrus, fruity and raw agave notes that are most commonly apparent in Don Julio Blanco and balances these flavour profiles with the complexity and depth that exists in Don Julio Añejo.
The result is a stunning tequila which marries together the best characteristics of both Don Julio Blanco and Don Julio Añejo. The liquid is crystal clear like Don Julio Blanco while maintaining the notes of vanilla, wild honey and sweet toasted oak, typical of anAñejo. A sophisticated drink to take time over, Don Julio 70 tequila is best enjoyed on the rocks or as part of signature serve, a White Negroni. It is also an ideal accompaniment to food, due to its lingering hints of oak followed by a clean, warm finish.
Rich Larkin, Head of Diageo Reserve GB, commented: “We’re delighted to introduce Don Julio 70 tequila to the UK. This first-of-its-kind tequila showcases the talent and skill of Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa who has created an Añejo Claro to challenge conventions and support the growth of super premium tequila in the UK. It’s a masterpiece of innovation.” Don Julio’s late founder, Gonzalez, began his tequila-making journey in his hometown of El Salvador, Mexico in 1942.
He resided in the highland region of Los Altos, known for its rich, clay soils and notable micro-climate, ideal for tequila making. It was here that Gonzalez achieved a product with the highest standards of quality. Today, Don Julio Gonzalez’s personally appointed successor and friend, Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa, continues the legacy of unrivaled quality and innovation and the new Don Julio 70 is no exception.
To try their White Negroni, check out the recipe!