11th July, 2019 by Nicola Carruthers

Diageo-owned Don Julio has released its second Scotch-influenced expression ­– a reposado Tequila finished in casks that previously held Lagavulin single malt.

The new release follows the launch of Don Julio Reposado Double Cask in June last year ­– the brand’s first innovation in six years. The Tequila was finished for 30 days in casks previously used to aged Scotch whisky for the Buchanan’s blend.

The new limited edition whisky is the result of a collaboration between Don Julio master distiller Enrique de Colsa and Colin Gordon, manager of the Lagavulin Distillery in Islay.

Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin Aged Edition has been finished for two weeks in the whisky casks.

Colsa took inspiration from the “innovative spirit” of Don Julio founder Don Julio González to create the new Tequila, which has been in development for two years.

Colsa experimented with a number of casks available from the Diageo portfolio, before choosing an ex-Lagavulin cask which had “pungent flavours” from Islay that blended well with Don Julio Reposado.

On the nose, the expression has “warming wood-fire smoked agave”, while the palate is described as “caramelised agave balanced with undertones of rich sherry, toasted oak, and smoky peat”. The finish has “warming hints of cinnamon spice”.

“Working in collaboration with Colin Gordon at the Lagavulin Distillery allowed me to perfect this variant, using our expertise to ensure that both spirits authentically complemented each other and balanced the core flavour of Tequila Don Julio as well as the signature flavour of Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky,” said Colsa.

“After two years of working on this variant, I’m proud to introduce it to the US as a limited edition variant created for the Tequila and whisky connoisseurs with an incredibly unique flavour profile that is excellent enjoyed responsibly neat or on the rocks.”

Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin Aged Edition is available in the US this summer “while supplies last”. It has an RRP of US$64.99.