Don Jose distillery

Introduction to Don Jose

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Don Jose is a renowned Mexican tequila distillery that beautifully marries centuries-old traditions with meticulous attention to detail. Located in the heart of Jalisco’s highlands, this distillery has established itself as a purveyor of exceptional tequila – created with profound respect for the agave plant, authentic production techniques, and the rich terroir of the region.

Each bottle from Don Jose captures the essence of Mexico’s tequila-making heritage, offering enthusiasts an authentic taste experience that speaks to both tradition and innovation.

Why we have a soft spot for Don Jose

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something truly distinctive in both flavor and identity. Don Jose stands out for its commitment to traditional production methods, including slow-cooking agave in brick ovens, utilizing a tahona stone wheel for crushing, and employing copper pot stills for distillation.

We’re particularly drawn to their unwavering dedication to quality over quantity, allowing each batch of tequila to develop naturally without rushing the process – a philosophy that resonates with our own values.

The History Behind Don Jose

Origin and development

Don Jose was established in 1942 by Don Jose Gonzalez, a third-generation agave farmer with a vision to create tequila that celebrated the true character of the blue weber agave. Beginning as a small family operation in the highlands of Jalisco, the distillery gradually earned recognition for its exceptional quality and traditional methods.

Through decades of political and economic challenges in Mexico, the Gonzalez family maintained their commitment to craftsmanship, refusing to compromise on quality even as industrial tequila production became more common. This dedication has helped Don Jose evolve from a local treasure to an internationally respected tequila producer.

The people behind the spirit

Today, the distillery is led by the third and fourth generations of the Gonzalez family, with Master Distiller Carlos Gonzalez at the helm. The team includes jimadores (agave harvesters) with decades of experience who can identify the perfect moment to harvest each plant.

Every person involved in production shares a deep reverence for tequila making as both an art and science. The careful decisions made during each production stage reflect their collective dedication to preserving authentic tequila tradition while embracing subtle innovations.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Don Jose begins with blue weber agave grown in the mineral-rich red soil of the Jalisco highlands. These plants mature for 7-10 years before being harvested by expert jimadores who carefully remove the leaves to extract the piña (the heart of the agave).

The piñas are slow-roasted in traditional brick ovens for up to 72 hours, allowing complex flavors to develop without the bitterness that can come from faster cooking methods. After roasting, the tahona process – a stone wheel that crushes the baked agave – is used to extract the sweet juices.

Fermentation occurs naturally with ambient yeasts in wooden vats, taking up to five days to complete – significantly longer than industrial methods. Distillation takes place in small copper pot stills that preserve the agave’s essential character and subtle flavor nuances.

Aging and maturation

Don Jose produces a range of tequilas with varying aging periods. Their Blanco remains unaged, capturing the pure essence of the agave. The Reposado rests in American oak barrels for 6-11 months, developing a gentle complexity.

The Añejo matures for 1-3 years, absorbing rich character from the wood, while their Extra Añejo expressions spend up to 5 years in barrel, creating exceptional depth and sophistication. The aging warehouse experiences significant temperature fluctuations, causing the tequila to move in and out of the wood more actively, enhancing flavor development.

Selected Products from Don Jose

Don Jose Blanco – An introduction to the house style

This unaged expression is the perfect starting point to understand the distillery’s character. Vibrant notes of fresh agave, citrus, and pepper, coupled with a clean, crisp mouthfeel, make it a favorite among both newcomers and experienced tequila enthusiasts.

The Blanco showcases the quality of Don Jose’s raw materials and production process in its purest form, with nothing to hide behind.

Don Jose Añejo Reserve – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, aged for two years in carefully selected oak barrels previously used for bourbon. Expect a rich interplay of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit notes balanced with subtle agave sweetness and a velvety texture – a bottle for those who truly wish to explore the depth and complexity that properly aged tequila can offer.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Don Jose offers guided tours that provide intimate access to their traditional production methods – from agave field to glass. The tasting experience typically includes 4-6 expressions, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of their range and the impact of different aging periods on the spirit’s character.

Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to observe the tahona stone in operation and to compare tequilas at different stages of the aging process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Don Jose?

Don Jose is a traditional tequila distillery that produces premium tequila with an emphasis on authentic production methods, sustainability, and respect for the agave plant. Their approach combines time-honored techniques with careful attention to detail to create distinguished, character-driven spirits.

Where is Don Jose located?

The distillery is situated in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, approximately 6,200 feet above sea level. This elevation and the region’s red volcanic soil contribute significantly to the flavor profile of their tequilas, creating a terroir-driven spirit with distinctive minerality and sweetness.

What characterizes Don Jose tequila?

Don Jose is particularly known for its traditional production methods, including brick oven cooking, tahona crushing, and copper pot distillation. Their tequilas are celebrated for their exceptional agave expression, balanced sweetness, complex minerality, and remarkable smoothness without additives – a true representation of highland tequila craftsmanship.

Where can I buy tequila from Don Jose?

You can find selected bottles from Don Jose at Vault of Spirits. We hand-select the finest expressions – from their core range to limited special releases – ensuring you have access to something truly exceptional from this celebrated distillery.