About this tequila

In 1942, a 17-year-old Don Julio González began making tequila in the highlands of Jalisco. His habit of planting agave further apart, so each plant had room to mature, became part of the house philosophy. Sixty years later, in 2002, the company released this añejo in his honour, and its tall, slender bottle has become one of the most recognised shapes on any back bar. It is made from 100% blue Weber agave grown in Los Altos and aged for at least two and a half years in American white oak, much longer than the one-year minimum for an añejo.

All that time in oak gives a deep golden spirit with vanilla, caramel and roasted agave on the nose, then chocolate, toasted oak and dried fruit on a rich palate, finishing long and warm. It is a tequila to sip slowly, the way you would a fine cognac, which makes it a natural choice for a milestone celebration, a wedding gift or a special corporate present.

Key facts

• Named for 1942, the year Don Julio González began making tequila at 17
• Añejo aged for a minimum of two and a half years in American white oak barrels
• 100% blue Weber agave from the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco
• Launched in 2002 to mark the 60th anniversary of Don Julio's start

Tasting notes

Nose:

vanilla, caramel, roasted agave and a hint of cinnamon

Palate:

rich and round, chocolate, toasted oak, toffee and dried fruit

Finish:

long and warm, with nutty oak and a touch of citrus

Serve

Neat at room temperature in a tasting glass or snifter; a single large ice cube is fine if preferred.

Food pairing

Pair with dark chocolate truffles or crème brûlée; on the savoury side, slow-roasted lamb or a rich mutton biryani.