Review: Tequila Don Julio Reposado Double Cask – Buchanan’s Barrel
We’ve been Don Julio fans since the very beginning of Drinkhacker, so when the distillery decided to release its first new expression in six years who were we to refuse?
Tequila Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Buchanan’s Barrel is a limited-edition Reposado tequila aged for 8 months in traditional (bourbon) oak barrels, then finished for 30 days in casks used to make Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky. “Inspired by Don Julio González’s innovative spirit and passion to take the art of tequila making to new heights, current Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa is continuing the legacy by producing a truly unique tequila. The latest variant to the portfolio is a rich and nuanced expression of Tequila Don Julio’s traditional Reposado with hints of whisky on the finish.”
More Double Cask editions are on the way…
Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa commented, “I spent three years experimenting with various cask options to perfect the flavor of this variant and I’m proud to introduce it to the U.S. 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 flavor of Tequila Don Julio as well as the signature flavor of Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky. It’s an incredibly unique flavor profile that is excellent enjoyed responsibly neat or on the rocks.”
Let’s give it a try.
Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Buchanan’s Barrel drinks closer to an anejo than the typical reposado bottling. Mildly green agave notes on the nose fold in elements of white pepper, tobacco leaf, and fresh-tilled earth, but the palate diverges wildly into much more evocative territory. Here, notes of torched sugar, cloves, and dark chocolate immediately dominate — all pointing to that whisky barrel finishing — with a sprinkling of both lemon and lime peel notes on top of the sweetness, adding a touch of acidity. The finish is soothing again with whiskylike hints of chocolate and coffee bean — while offering something that’s both a little herbal and floral, with lingering pepper notes spicing things up. Complex but balanced, with so much going on. I highly recommend it.
Compare to the standard reposado, reviewed in 2008 and 2016.
80 proof.
A / $60 / donjulio.com
Tequila Don Julio Reposado Double Cask - Buchanan's Barrel
$60
