Don Julio 70 Cristalino is an añejo in the cristalino style from the Mexican state of Jalisco, regarded as the world's first cristalino tequila in this category. The brand introduced it to celebrate the 70th anniversary of tequila production by its founder, Don Julio González. It is made at the La Primavera distillery in the Jalisco highlands, with a tradition dating back to 1942.
The spirit is based entirely on blue Weber agave. The tequila is distilled twice in steel stills with copper elements and then aged for 18 months in American white oak barrels – a maturation period that classifies it in the añejo category. The matured distillate then undergoes a careful charcoal filtration process, which removes the amber colour acquired during ageing. The result is a crystal-clear liquid that retains the structure of an aged tequila.
The profile combines the characteristics of blanco and añejo. The nose reveals notes of tropical fruit, fresh agave, vanilla and toasted oak; the palate is full, with sweet agave, cinnamon, caramel and delicate oak spice, while the finish is long, with subtle sweetness and accents of oak and caramel. The spirit has a distinctive character with hints of honey and toasted oak.
It is bottled at the strength stated by the producer. The declared range is 38–40% by volume. The producer suggests serving methods: it can be enjoyed in classic cocktails, including a martini, or simply neat or on the rocks. Please note that the 35% value given in the order differs from the producer's data and requires verification against the label.
The spirit's market position is linked to its primacy in the category. Widely recognised as the world's first cristalino añejo, it won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023. It is produced at the La Primavera distillery, founded in 1942 by Don Julio González in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.