PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
In 2012, Don Julio marked the 70th anniversary of its founder’s first tequila with a first for the entire category: Don Julio 70, the world’s first Añejo Claro, a clear tequila with the flavors of an añejo. It was created to commemorate the year Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada began distilling tequila in 1942, at age 17, and the “70” refers to that anniversary, not to the proof (the tequila is 80 proof). Don Julio’s family estate is in the highlands of Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, where the agave grows, and it is the same estate that produces the rest of the Don Julio range.
The process is simple but unusual. The tequila is made from 100% blue Weber agave and aged for 18 months in used American white oak barrels, the same aging as Don Julio’s regular Añejo, and then carefully charcoal filtered to remove the color the oak imparted. What’s left, as the brand describes it, “brings the smoothness of a Blanco tequila and the complexity of an Añejo tequila together.” Master distiller Enrique de Colsa describes it as “smooth and light in character, opening with the citrus notes of a Blanco, yet exhibiting vanilla, honey and sweet toasted oak found in an añejo.”
The official notes describe a clear tequila with a nose that is “crisp with traditional hints of Añejo,” a taste that is “smooth in character with highlights of vanilla, honey and toasted oak,” and a finish with “lingering hints of oak followed by a clean, warm finish.” Distiller’s community, with a 4.25/5 rating from nearly 300 reviews and an expert score of 91, found “vanilla cream, cinnamon, and caramel-covered popcorn” on the nose, “a faint hint of green herbs and minerality,” a palate that is “rich and soft... as well as sweet,” and a spicy, herbal finish on the dry side. It’s a smooth, easy-sipping tequila for customers who like the oak sweetness of an añejo but prefer the clean look and crisp agave of a blanco, and it also works well in a margarita or a paloma, where the oak adds depth without coloring the drink.
Don Julio 70th Anniversary Añejo Claro Tequila is produced by Tequila Don Julio, S.A. de C.V. (NOM 1449) in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, from 100% blue Weber agave grown on the family’s highland estate. It is aged 18 months in used American white oak barrels, then charcoal filtered to remove color. Introduced in 2012 as the world’s first Añejo Claro. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml.
Distiller expert review — 91 Points; community rating 4.25/5 (299 reviews):
“Quite a lot happening on the nose with vanilla cream, cinnamon, and caramel-covered popcorn. A faint hint of green herbs and minerality is found as well. The tequila is rich and soft on your palate as well as sweet. The finish is spicy and herb filled with the tequila ending up on the bitter and dry side.”
Enrique de Colsa, Master Distiller, Don Julio:
“Smooth and light character, opening with the citrus notes of a Blanco, yet exhibiting vanilla, honey and sweet toasted oak found in an añejo.”
Don Julio (official tasting notes):
“Color: Clear. Nose: Crisp with traditional hints of Añejo. Taste: Smooth in character with highlights of vanilla, honey and toasted oak. Finish: Lingering hints of oak followed by a clean, warm finish.”
Nose
Crystal clear. Crisp agave with traditional añejo hints: vanilla cream, cinnamon, and caramel popcorn, with a touch of green herbs and minerality.
Palate
Smooth, rich, and soft, with vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, with citrus from the agave.
Finish
Warm and clean, with lingering oak and a spicy, herbal edge.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Añejo Claro (Clear Añejo) Tequila |
| ABV / Proof | 40% ABV / 80 Proof |
| Agave | 100% blue Weber, highland family estate, Atotonilco el Alto |
| Aging | 18 months in used American white oak, then charcoal filtered |
| Producer | Tequila Don Julio, S.A. de C.V. — NOM 1449 |
| Introduced | 2012, for the 70th anniversary of Don Julio González’s first tequila (1942) |
| Significance | The world’s first Añejo Claro |
| Critics | Distiller expert score 91; community 4.25/5 |
| Style / Identity | A clear tequila with an añejo’s vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, and a blanco’s crisp agave |
| Aromas & Flavors | Vanilla, honey, toasted oak, crisp agave, cinnamon, caramel popcorn |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Neat or over a large cube — the best way to taste the añejo character in a clear tequila.
Margarita or Paloma — adds depth and oak sweetness without coloring the drink.
Tequila Soda with lime — a clean, simple highball.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
Your cart is empty
Start shopping
