Don Julio Ultima Reserva is a landmark, ultra premium extra anejo tequila created to honor the legacy of founder Don Julio Gonzalez, released to commemorate the brand's 80th anniversary. What makes it so special is its source: the liquid is drawn from the final agave field that Don Julio and his family planted by hand in 2006, the last harvest directly tied to his personal agricultural program in the Jaliscan Highlands. Made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave grown in the region's prized red, iron rich clay soil, the tequila is matured for around 36 months using the Solera method, a layered aging system that combines and harmonizes tequilas of different characteristics to achieve remarkable depth and complexity. It is rested in oak barrels that previously held bourbon and then finished in Madeira wine seasoned casks, an unusual touch that bridges the robust character of extra anejo tequila with the refined elegance of fine wine and lends a distinctive dried fruit sweetness rarely found in the category. The result, a light amber, full bodied sipping tequila, opens with a nose of toasted oak, caramel, cooked agave, and vanilla, leads into a luxurious palate of rich agave, apricot, orange, caramel, dark chocolate, and gentle cinnamon, and closes with a long, silky finish of warm honeyed agave. Released in a strictly limited run of only about 4,000 cases and presented in a striking, tall faceted crystal bottle with an intricate diamond shaped stopper inside an elegant green box, it is an individually numbered collector's piece and an exceptional choice for life's most special occasions, best savored neat.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Don Julio |
| Distillery |
Atotonilco el Alto, Jaliscan Highlands, Mexico |
| Producer |
Don Julio (Diageo) |
| Category |
Tequila Extra Añejo |
| Expression |
Ultima Reserva (Solera Aged, limited production) |
| Agave |
100% Blue Weber agave (final 2006 González harvest) |
| Age |
Extra Añejo; approximately 36 months, Solera aged |
| Maturation |
Ex bourbon oak via the Solera method, finished in Madeira wine seasoned casks |
| Bottling |
Limited production (~4,000 cases), individually numbered |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Mexico |
| Region |
Jalisco (Highlands) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light amber.
Nose: Toasted oak, caramel, cooked agave, and vanilla with warm sweetness.
Palate: Rich cooked agave with apricot, orange, caramel, dark chocolate, and a touch of cinnamon.
Finish: Long and silky, with warm honeyed agave and dried fruit sweetness.
FAQ
What makes Ultima Reserva special? It is a limited release extra anejo drawn from the final agave harvest planted by Don Julio Gonzalez and his family in 2006, made to honor his legacy.
How is it aged? Around 36 months using the Solera method in ex bourbon oak, then finished in Madeira wine seasoned casks.
What proof is it? 80 proof, or 40 percent ABV.
How limited is it? Released in roughly 4,000 cases, with bottles individually numbered.
How does it compare to Don Julio 1942? Ultima Reserva is aged longer and finished in Madeira casks, giving a darker, fruitier, more layered profile, and unlike the permanent 1942 it is a limited release tied to a specific agave harvest.
How should I drink it? Neat, to appreciate the full complexity of the Solera aging and Madeira finish.
Where can I buy Don Julio Ultima Reserva online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
