Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Tequila, often synonymous with Mexico, boasts a hidden gem in its history: Don Julio Gonzalez, the trailblazer who transformed the tequila scene over 80 years ago. The pioneer behind Tequila Reserva de Don Julio Reposado, the world’s inaugural luxury tequila. Fast forward to today, and the legacy lives on through the charismatic Global Ambassador, Karina Sanchez. Last June 27, at the Diageo Philippines headquarters, she introduced the Philippines to the exquisite Don Julio 1942 in a special tequila tasting. “I am responsible to share the experience of drinking Don Julio Tequila,” Sanchez explains. As the brand’s Global Ambassador, Karina connects with people globally, sharing the story and educating them about the craftsmanship of Don Julio Gonzalez and introducing the unique taste profile of Don Julio Tequila. “I love getting to know more cultures and connecting with people from all over the world and understanding the flavors that are rooted in their culture. Then, together, we experience the true taste of Tequila while learning about Don Julio’s unique craftsmanship and flavor profile,” adds Karina. Don Julio 1942 commemorates Don Julio Gonzalez’s six-decade tequila odyssey. This añejo tequila ages for over two and a half years, a testament to the artistry, passion, and dedication of its creator. Añejo tequila, matured for 1 to 3 years in oak barrels, undergoes a transformative process, resulting in a deeper golden hue and nuanced flavors such as dried fruit, chocolate, and spices Crafted meticulously, Don Julio 1942 selects matured agaves, steams them in traditional brick ovens, ferments the juice with exclusive yeast, and distills twice to capture the essence—the heart of the distilled. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, each batch undergoes meticulous evaluation by the Master Blender. The result: a full-bodied flavor profile of vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and wild honey, concluding with a delightful dark chocolate aftertaste. The pandemic catalyzed a shift toward premium spirits, with people embracing a slower, more discerning approach to their libations. Tequila, once synonymous with high-energy nights out, is now savored in moments of refined appreciation. The surge in demand for higher-quality tequilas signals an era marked by a more sophisticated style of consumption, recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship and versatility of this spirit. Karina Sanchez recommends savoring Don Julio 1942—sip it, enjoy it on the rocks, or relish it chilled—tailoring the experience to individual preferences. For aficionados seeking a more complex cocktail, Sanchez suggests the Don Julio 1942 Old Fashioned, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to offering diverse choices for consumers who appreciate quality over quantity. With a portfolio comprising five ultra-premium tequila variants, including Reposado and Blanco, Don Julio’s journey, as Sanchez eloquently puts it, is a sensory voyage from agave fields to the aging process. Complex yet balanced, Don Julio 1942 is set to grace the Philippines in August 2023. Stay tuned for the unfolding of this tequila masterpiece. Cheers to the journey, the craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of Don Julio 1942. Follow Don Julio Tequila on Instagram for updates.