7th Apr 2022

The History of Don Julio Blanco Tequila

The History of Don Julio Blanco Tequila

Don Julio Blanco tequila is a distilled spirit made from only the finest blue agave plant. Every bottle of Don Julio Blanco is made from 100% agave with no extra sugar cane or other additives. It is processed by Don Julio Tequila distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. In order to produce the truest form of tequila and attain a balanced quality, the Don Julio Blanco tequila is double distilled.

This variety of Don Julio tequila is commonly referred to as “silver” tequila. It is the base used to derive the other Don Julio tequila varieties, like the Reposado and the Añejo.

The Don Julio Blanco tequila has a crisp agave flavor with hints of citrus. It is an essential component to a range ofinnovative drinks, including margaritas and palomas. However, the tequila is so polished, it can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as well.

Here you will learn more about Don Julio Blanco Tequila, which includes its origins, characteristics, and favorite ways to combine it with other ingredients to create a smooth, delicious drink.

Origin

Don Julio Blanco is one of the six types of tequilas produced by the Don Julio Tequila brand. The company is named after its founder Don Julio González. Don Julio Tequila operates in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco in Mexico.

In 1942, Don Julio González decided to venture into producing a unique tequila brand. He was 17 years old when he began his journey to create one of the world’s most popular tequila brands, Don Julio Tequila.

Young Julio did not have much capital, but he had passion. He shared his vision with influential business people who gave him the money to build his initial tequila distillery.

In 1947, Julio González built La Primavera distillery. He began the commercialization of tequila with the Tres Magueyes brand. Approximately 80 years later, the Tres Magueyes brand is still in production as the only other brand in addition to Don Julio to produced by Don Julio distillery.

In 1985, Don Julio's sons honored their father by initiating the Don Julio brand. Though the brand was well accepted, vast spread production of the Don Julio Tequila brand began in 1987. Later, Don Julio introduced the Blanco, Añejo, and Real tequilas between 1995 and 1996. In 2002 and 2011, Don Julio 1942 and Don Julio 70 were respectively released.

In 2013, Diageo stopped operating with Jose Cuervo, paving the way for Don Julio Tequila to become the leading tequila supplier.

Planting and Production

Don Julio leases most of the land used to grow their agave plants. The tactic provides flexibility for crop rotation and allows the plants to mature fully. Tequila’s primary aging occurs during the growing period of the agave plants. The aging duration ranges from 7 to 15 years for Don Julio tequila farms.

After the maturity of the agave plants, harvesting begins by selecting each finest blue agave plant from the crop. The agave plants are cut from their roots and then their leaves are removed. The remaining part is the piña, the primary raw material for preparing tequilas. These piñas are transported to the distillery and cut into smaller pieces. Then, the fragments of piñas are slowly cooked in old-style brick ovens for around three days.

The cooked agave is crushed, then soaked in water to release a sweet agave syrup. Don Julio puts the syrup in white oak casks, adds yeast, and mixes them before the mixture is left to ferment. The yeast aids in fermentation.

After aging, the result is a low alcohol agave beer placed into stills. The liquid in the stills undergoes a time-honored distillation process to produce a raw spirit that is not bottled immediately. The spirit is stored in stainless steel tanks and left to mature for two months to become Don Julio Blanco tequila.

The other tequila varieties, including Don Julio Añejo, Real, Reposado, Julio 1942, and Julio 70, are left to mature for more extended periods than the Blanco tequila. Don Julio processes eight pounds of agave to produce each bottle of Don Julio tequila.

Learn more about the craft of producing tequila.

Characteristics of Don Julio Blanco Tequila

Color

  • It is crystal clear in color and with a medium viscosity.

Aroma

  • It has a light aroma with hints of tropical fruit (pineapple, guava, and papaya) and apricot.
  • Also, hints of citrus are noted in the aroma.
  • The clean and fresh agave provides a slight medicinal top note.

Taste

  • Generally, Don Julio Blanco tequila has a light, clean, and dry taste, with a touch of black pepper.
  • It enters with a round and sweet taste on the palate, but also a slight burn—a common characteristic of highland tequilas. The various fruit notes are strong.
  • The grassy vegetal notes expand with a light-to-medium body as the tequila moves through the mid-palate.
  • Towards the back of the mouth, you will find white pepper, stone fruit, and menthol.
  • There is a medium abrupt finish with a slight smooth sensation of tropical fruit, menthol, and white pepper.

Favorite Drinks to Mix with Don Julio Blanco Tequila

At times, people love taking straight shots of the Blanco tequila. Or they like drinking it neat or on the rocks. However, you might enjoy it more when mixing this tequila brand in your favorite drink. Below are a few drink pairings that will delight you.

Lime Juice (Margarita)

Mix one or two parts of fresh lime juice to one part of agave nectar and two parts of Don Julio Blanco Tequila to make a Margarita. For blended margaritas, add a cup of fruit (strawberry, pineapple, or mango) or a few ounces of purée to transform your experience.

Additionally, try switching up a salt or sugar rim by adding bold spices and seasonings like chili powder, pink peppercorns, or even cocoa powder. This combination will offer you a bold burst of flavor while sipping your margarita.

Club Soda

If you like to mix vodka with soda, try a mixture of Don Julio Blanco tequila, sparkling water or club soda, and lime. Be creative with the club soda or sparkling water you select. Any flavor, depending on your preference, will make the drink more enjoyable. You may choose grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, watermelon, pomegranate, or cranberry-lime.

There are other ways to get creative with a tequila soda. Add a small amount of orange juice, pink lemonade, or limeade to make the drink even better. Enhance it with lime wheels or a few mint leaves as garnish. You could even use frozen fruit as ice cubes. Berries, peach wedges, lime slices, or mango portions would make excellent ice cubes.

If you want to exceed expectations, blend some watermelon, fill an ice cube tray with the purée, and freeze for future scrumptiousness. As you sip, the taste and color of the drink will change as the watermelon cubes melt.

Orange Juice

Prepare a tequila sunrise by carefully mixing tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and sea salt. This cocktail creates a stunning orange to red gradient that reflects a sunrise effect.

Stir one-half parts of tequila to four parts of orange juice, then pour it into an ice-filled glass. Take a spoon and hold it upside down, so its tip is aligned with the inner rim of the cocktail glass. Cautiously pour grenadine over the rounded back of the spoon while moving the spoon around the inside of the glass.

The grenadine should sink to the bottom of the glass uniformly without mixing with the orange juice and changing the drink to pink color. Lastly, add a maraschino cherry and an orange slice for flourish.

Liquorama

AtLiquorama, you could purchase a bottle ofDon Julio Blanco Tequila to enjoy its crisp agave flavor and hints of citrus or use it as an essential component to a variety of innovative drinks including margaritas.

Liquorama offers you one of the largest selections of beer, wine, and spirits in the country. Our premium website is filled with spirits from around the world. Our goal is to provide you with diverse selections, the best prices, and excellent service. With Liquorama, you cantrack your shipments at any time after placing an order.

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