One of the world's most well-known Tequila makers finishing their Tequila in wine casks infused with oranges? You best believe the excitement was real when Don Julio had first announced the release of the Don Julio Primavera.

Named in honour of Don Julio Gonzalez's La Primavera Distillery, which was established in 1942 as the eponymous founder was to settle down in Atotonilco El Alto, Mexico, the release would see Don Julio's Reposado finished in European casks which previously held wine infused with macerated orange peel.

Now, there were some initial confusions (the labelling on the bottle certainly didn't help!) about whether the Don Julio Primavera was aged in orange wine casks (white wine that has undergone long maceration with its white grape skins), which would certainly make for something likely much wilder and even more unusual than it already was, but to be clear it is in fact aged in barrels that previously held orange peel infused wine. It's a specific style of wine known as Vino de Naranja, which is a traditional Andalusian (Spanish) sweet, aromatic aperitif that is made by crushing (or macerating) dried bitter orange peels in a white wine base that is typically from Condado de Huelva or Moscatel. The wine is then usually aged in a Sherry style Solera system of multiple layers of barrels, with each layer more aged than the one above, where younger wines are filled in to barrels of older wines as a way of marrying and blending the wines seamlessly. The result is an intensely aromatic, dark orange fortified wine. And given that being the case, I'd say this only makes this release that much more interesting and cooler, given that it's showcasing a traditional wine style that is not often seen!

Regardless, given the really pretty bottle, with also this uniqueness (even we've only ever seen it once with a whisky, an Indian single malt from the Amrut Distillery, the Amrut Naarangi, which is for that matter the first and only of its kind!), it was quite the Tequila unicorn, and folks were in a mad rush to get a hold of one, with prices even going up multiple folds in said heat of passion.

Thankfully, it's been some time now and things have come back down to earth, and as such we were able to try some!

Let's see if this unicorn is just unique or in fact tastes the part!

Let's go!

Tequila Review: Don Julio Primavera Tequila Reposado, 40% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark Honey

Aroma: It opens immediately big and aromatic, almost bursting forth with an intense fruity aroma that's also closely followed by that classic vegetal agave scent of grilled succulents, zucchini and aubergines. It's lightly roasty, with also a touch of brown sugar to it. The fruitiness carries a tint of citrus, yet not nearly as much as it might seem, with shades of blood oranges and grapefruits, but also more so green grapes, apples and pears. There's also a subtle but prominent bit of a funky and somewhat sour, fermented quality of fruit kombucha that blends in with the rest of the scents.

Taste: Lighter-bodied, the classic agave notes come through, of grilled vegetal notes, with also some vanilla cream, a touch of smokiness, mixed in also with some honey and a light ashiness. There's also alittle bit of faint cacao and toffee as well, with then an accent of orange peels. Texturally smooth, it's pretty easygoing, although with a fair bit of pepperiness. It treads down the line of the classic Don Julio Reposado for the most part, with perhaps a wedge of orange added in.

Finish: Pretty seamless, still really smooth, almost creamy, although not particularly rich or heavy. It's a medium length finish, with the agave carrying through mostly, along with some baking spice, and some of that pepperiness that lingers.

My Thoughts

This is a pretty enjoyable Tequila, certainly well-made, and something that I could see myself enjoying in the afternoon or into the evening as a refreshment. It feels for the most part much like a glass of Don Julio Reposado, with then a wedge of blood orange that's then twisted and tossed in - where that whole bit of work is done for you and it's now in a single expression that's readymade to pour and enjoy, almost an RTD of sorts! I think the choice of using the Reposado here also makes proper sense, as the citrus influence is pretty light, and would probably be overpowered by an Anejo, but at the same time needs some darker tones to hold it down that a Blanco probably can't provide.

That said, I think perhaps that initial fervour for it (as well as the premium pricing) probably packed in too high of an expectation for it to deliver something out of this world, which might have skewed how well it's been received - it's pretty clear that it's well made and a very enjoyable and refreshing Tequila, that also subtly provides a new flavour profile beyond the core range of Don Julio Tequilas. And so if you're a curious Tequila drinker or someone just looking for a refreshing pour for a summer party, I'd say this is worth the bet, but if you're a hardcore, serious Tequila person, then you're probably better off walking by it.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot