50 Facts About Don Julio

The Origins of Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio tequila has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Let's explore the beginnings of this iconic brand.

1. 01Founding: Don Julio tequila was founded by Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada in 1942 at the age of 17.
2. 02Name Origin: The brand is named after its founder, Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada, who was born on January 7, 1925, in Atotonilco, Jalisco, Mexico.
3. 03Distillery: Don Julio's first distillery was named "La Primavera" (the Springtime), which he established in 1942.
4. 04Early Years: Don Julio began his tequila-making journey by selling tequila from small wooden barrels, earning nine pesos a day instead of nine pesos a week.
5. 05Loan from Merchant: To start his distillery, Don Julio approached the wealthiest merchant in Atotonilco and secured a loan of 20,000 pesos.

Commitment to Quality

From the start, Don Julio focused on producing high-quality tequila. His dedication to excellence set new standards in the industry.

6. 06Quality Focus: From the beginning, Don Julio focused on quality over quantity, planting agave plants further apart to allow them more room to grow and ensuring each plant reached full maturity before harvesting.
7. 07Agave Selection: Don Julio uses 100% blue Weber agave, carefully nurtured and harvested at the peak of their maturity to ensure a rich flavor profile.
8. 08Harvesting Process: Each agave plant is harvested by hand, with the spearlike leaves sheered off and the core (piña) being the raw material used for tequila production.
9. 09Piña Preparation: The piñas are cut into equal-sized pieces to bake evenly in brick ovens, a process that takes several days.
10. 10Baking Process: The piñas are slow-cooked in traditional masonry ovens (hornos) for 72 hours, allowing the complex sugars within the agave to caramelize and create rich flavors.

The Production Process

The meticulous production process of Don Julio tequila involves several steps, each contributing to the final product's exceptional quality.

11. 11Crushing Process: After baking, the piñas are crushed to extract the sweet agave juice (mosto), which is then collected and readied for fermentation.
12. 12Fermentation: The mosto undergoes fermentation in tanks with natural yeasts, converting the sugars into alcohol over several days.
13. 13Double Distillation: The fermented mosto (tepache) is subjected to a double distillation in traditional copper pot stills, refining the spirit further and producing a crystal-clear tequila.
14. 14Aging Process: Don Julio tequilas undergo various aging processes, with the Añejo aged for a minimum of 18 months in American white oak barrels, imparting a deeper, amber color and complex flavors.
15. 15Reposado Aging: The Reposado is aged for a minimum of eight months in American white oak barrels, giving it a golden hue and subtle notes of vanilla, chocolate, and oak.

The Different Expressions

Don Julio offers a range of tequila expressions, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles.

16. 16Blanco Expression: The Blanco expression is not aged, offering a clear and crisp taste profile with a hint of agave sweetness.
17. 17Master Distiller: Marco Cedano served as the Master Distiller and Distillery Manager of Tequila Don Julio from 1983 until his retirement.
18. 18Legacy Continues: Enrique De Colsa, a tequila evangelist, took over as Master Distiller at La Primavera in 2004, continuing Don Julio’s legacy with innovative techniques.
19. 19Don Julio 70: To mark the 70th anniversary of the brand in 2012, De Colsa created Don Julio 70, the world's first clear añejo tequila.
20. 20Production Volume: Don Julio is the largest brand in value and eighth largest in volume among tequila brands.

Family and Community

Don Julio's legacy extends beyond tequila production, impacting his family and community in significant ways.

21. 21Family Involvement: Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada had nine children, and his family has been involved in the business since its inception.
22. 22Family Estate: The agave for Don Julio’s tequila is grown on the family estate in the highland area of Atotonilco, Jalisco.
23. 23Maturity Period: Agave plants take seven years to reach maturity, which is crucial for the development of the desired flavors and aromas in Don Julio tequila.
24. 24Traditional Methods: Don Julio adheres to traditional methods of tequila production, including the use of brick ovens and copper pot stills.
25. 25Quality Control: Every step of the production process is meticulously monitored by the master distiller to ensure the development of the desired flavors and aromas.

Bottling and Design

The presentation of Don Julio tequila is as carefully considered as its production.

26. 26Bottling Process: Don Julio tequilas are bottled in stainless steel tanks or ex-bourbon casks, depending on the aging process.
27. 27Bottle Design: The iconic Don Julio bottle was designed by Don Julio González to be shorter than traditional tequila bottles, allowing guests to see each other across the table.
28. 28Community Loyalty: Don Julio González stayed loyal to his community, establishing a distillery where generations would follow his passion for quality and craftsmanship.
29. 29Revolutionizing Industry: Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry by setting new standards for quality and innovation, practices that have become industry standards.
30. 30Secret Yeast Variety: Don Julio uses a secret variety of yeast that rapidly multiplies, finishing off the sugar and producing alcohol and carbon dioxide in 30 hours.

Fermentation and Distillation

The fermentation and distillation processes are crucial in creating the unique flavor profile of Don Julio tequila.

31. 31Fermentation Time: The fermentation process takes 72 hours, during which the agave juices are converted into a sweet, slightly alcoholic agave beer.
32. 32Fermented Pulp: After fermentation, the fermented pulp and juices have an acidic taste and an aroma that fills the air.
33. 33Distillation Process: The fermented content is transferred to large copper chambers where alcohol evaporates and vapor condenses into a more potent liquid.
34. 34Condensation Process: The liquid is heated and cooled in various tanks until a condensed vapor is obtained, resulting in tequila.
35. 35Tasting Process: The super-strong beverage is tasted by the master distiller before being diluted with water to reduce the alcohol content to 40% ABV.

Aging and Flavor Development

The aging process plays a significant role in developing the rich flavors and smoothness of Don Julio tequila.

36. 36Separate Distillation: The two fermented masses are distilled separately in large stills, ensuring each batch meets the highest standards of quality.
37. 37Tanker Trucks: The alcohol is transported in tanker trucks to the aging facilities, where it develops its full flavor profile.
38. 38Aging Facilities: The aging facilities are located six kilometers away from the distillery, where the tequila is aged in American white oak barrels or stainless steel tanks.
39. 39Alcohol Proof: Don Julio 1942 has an alcohol proof of 80 (40% ABV), perfect for savoring its nuanced flavors.
40. 40Variants Offered: While Don Julio 1942 is a singular expression of añejo tequila, the brand offers a range of other premium tequilas, each with its unique profile.

Historical Significance and Ownership

Don Julio tequila holds a special place in the history of tequila production and is now part of a larger global company.

41. 41Historical Significance: The name "1942" commemorates the year Don Julio González embarked on his tequila-making journey, marking a significant moment in the history of tequila.
42. 42Ownership: Don Julio 1942 is now under the umbrella of Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol.
43. 43Brand Heritage: The story of Don Julio 1942 begins with its founder, Don Julio González, whose name is synonymous with revolutionary tequila making.
44. 44Quality Dedication: Since its inception, the brand has epitomized dedication to quality and innovation in tequila production, making Don Julio 1942 not just a spirit but a piece of history.
45. 45Luxury Spirit: Don Julio 1942 is considered a luxury spirit due to its intricate production process, using only the finest 100% blue Weber agave.

Unique Characteristics

What sets Don Julio tequila apart from other brands is its unique production methods and flavor profiles.

46. 46Extended Aging: The extended aging period of over two and a half years in oak barrels imparts a smoothness and complexity of flavors – a symphony of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate notes with an agave undertone.
47. 47Unique Flavor Profile: What sets Don Julio 1942 apart is its distinctive taste profile, which is enhanced by the distillation process carried out in small batches.
48. 48Industry Standard: Don Julio’s practices, such as allowing each agave plant to grow to full maturity before harvesting, have become an industry standard for tequila production.
49. 49Community Impact: Don Julio’s legacy extends beyond the distillery, as he stayed loyal to his community and supported local businesses, contributing to the economic growth of Jalisco.
50. 50Legacy Continues: The legacy of Don Julio González continues through Enrique De Colsa, who trains new generations of tequila makers in the traditional methods and innovative techniques that have made Don Julio a household name.

The Legacy of Don Julio

Don Julio tequila stands as a testament to quality and tradition. Founded by Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada in 1942, this brand has revolutionized the tequila industry. From hand-harvesting 100% blue Weber agave to aging in American white oak barrels, every step is meticulously crafted. Don Julio's innovative methods, like creating the world's first clear añejo tequila, have set industry standards. The brand's commitment to quality over quantity, community loyalty, and family involvement has cemented its place as a luxury spirit. Under the guidance of Enrique De Colsa, Don Julio continues to honor its rich heritage while pushing boundaries. Each bottle, from the iconic Don Julio 1942 to the crisp Blanco, offers a unique flavor profile, making it a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The legacy of Don Julio González lives on, ensuring that every sip is a celebration of tradition and excellence.