Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin Finish

Don Julios classic Reposado Tequila rested in Islay Single Malt casks, bringing smoky back.

Don Julio Gonzalez started making his own Tequila in 1942 when he was only seventeen years old. Within five years he opened his own distillery, naming it “Primavera” (meaning “Springtime”). He spent the next forty years refining his process and improving the quality of his brands. Seagrams came along and invested in 1990s, and Diageo acquired the entire operation in 2014. Today, they make their namesake Don Julio brand of fine Jalisco Tequilas and several other Spirits brands in the Diageo portfolio.

Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin Finish has been called “the return of smoky Tequila.” Lagavulin is a famous Islay Single Malt Whisky known for its rich, smoky palate and aroma. Don Julio master Distiller Enrique de Colsa collaborated with Lagavulin distillery manager Colin Gordon to get some of their used aging casks. Don Julio takes their signature Tequila rested for eight months in ex-Bourbon casks and finishes it in those Lagavulin casks — resulting in a deep, earthy, herbal smokiness.

Smartass corner:
Barrels are a big part of the magic of any aged Spirit. Lagavulin uses ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. So the finishing casks in this expression are living their third life via four Spirits — touching Bourbon, Sherry, Single Malt, and Tequila.