Don Julio uses Scotch casks to finish Tequila
Don Julio Tequila has launched its first innovation in six years – a reposado Tequila finished in casks previously used to aged Scotch whisky for the Buchanan’s blend.
Don Julio Reposado Double Cask was first matured in American white oak barrels for eight months before moving to the whisky casks, where it was aged for a further 30 days. The Tequila is described as “a rich and nuanced” iteration of the original Don Julio Reposado “with hints of whisky on the finish”. Master distiller Enrique de Colsa spent almost three years working on the innovation, experimenting with the numerous cask options available within brand owner Diageo’s portfolio. He said: “I found that finishing the Tequila for one month in casks used in the making of Buchanan’s blended Scotch whisky allowed me to create a Tequila that perfectly balances the core flavour of Tequila Don Julio as well as the signature flavour of Buchanan’s blended Scotch whisky. “It’s an incredibly unique flavour profile that is excellent enjoyed responsibly neat or on the rocks.” Don Julio Reposado Double Cask is available in the US on a limited basis at an RRP of US$59.99. The brand is also set to introduce the Tequila Don Julio Reposado Private Cask programme this autumn, allowing retailers to sell a limited edition barrel in store. Under the programme, 300 barrels of Tequila that have been aged 10 months – two months longer than traditional Reposado – will be available to purchase. Last year, Don Julio surpassed sales of one million cases for the first time after experiencing rapid volume growth of 50%. This followed a US$400m expansion of the brand's production facilities in Jalisco.
