Don Julio Blanco

This is one of the most popular tequilas in the United States, period.

Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada started making tequila in the Highlands of Jalisco in 1942. In 1985, his sons launched the Don Julio brand to commemorate his 60th birthday.

After solid growth for three decades, the brand was sold in 2015. Today, Don Julio is part of the giant Diageo spirits empire, giving it distribution muscle that has put it on just about every bar and shelf in the country. And it’s just as ubiquitous in Mexico.

Made at the La Primavera distillery (NOM 1449) in Atotonilco el Alto, there have been recent claims, even lawsuits, suggesting that the brand is not 100% agave despite being labeled as such. The courts can decide all that, but given you can find Don Julio everywhere, is it worth a pour?

It’s very clear and sparkly in the glass.

The aroma is not bad at all. A little light, with notes of alcohol, pepper, sour citrus, and butter. The strength of the alcohol note sets it back a little, and it smells like more than 40% ABV as a result.

Flavor is less approachable for me. Light to medium mouth feel, with heavy alcohol and rubber tastes, wrapped up with white pepper and earth.

Finish is particularly rough. It’s long—and that’s not necessarily good news. A lot of tingling sensation in mouth, lips, and tongue for a 40% ABV tequila. Final flavor is that slightly charred rubber component.

Is Don Julio Blanco a BAD tequila? No. But at $50+ for a bottle, there are a lot of choices that will deliver, in my estimation, a better drinking experience.