Don Julio Real First Release in Display Case (NOM 1118)

The first release of Don Julio Real. NOM 1118. Presented in a display case — the inaugural expression of Don Julio's ultra-premium extra añejo from the Highland estate of Don Julio González himself.

Don Julio Real is the pinnacle of the Don Julio lineup — an extra añejo aged longer than any other standard Don Julio expression, produced in extremely limited quantities. The first release carries additional historical significance as the founding statement of what "Real" could achieve at the top of the range.

NOM 1118 designates the Don Julio González estate distillery in Los Altos (the Highlands) of Jalisco — where volcanic clay soil and higher altitude produce Blue Weber agave with a sweeter, more complex flavor profile than Lowland-grown agave. Don Julio González founded his distillery in 1942 at age 17 and is widely credited as the father of modern premium tequila — pioneering the tall bottle design specifically so bottles could be placed on a table without blocking the view between friends sharing the drink.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Gentle citrus and honey, accented by cooked agave and mild herbs — the Highland agave character coming through cleanly.
• Palate: Smooth and graceful — caramel, chocolate, and toffee with the long barrel aging adding depth to the Highland agave base.
• Finish: Long and sweet with the slightest hint of wood — the extra añejo character revealing itself at the close.

Specs

• Category: Extra Añejo Tequila
• NOM: 1118 (Don Julio González estate, Los Altos, Jalisco)
• ABV: 38%
• Presentation: Display case
• Release: First release
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Don Julio collection or browse all tequila at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does this differ from the signed Don Julio Real first release? Both are first releases of Don Julio Real in a display case at NOM 1118. The separately listed edition was personally signed by Don Julio Jr. — this edition is the same presentation without the personal signature.
• Who was Don Julio González? Don Julio González founded his distillery in Los Altos de Jalisco in 1942 at age 17. He pioneered the tall, distinctive Don Julio bottle shape (designed so bottles wouldn't block the view of friends sharing the drink) and is widely credited with transforming tequila from a commodity spirit into a premium category.
• What does NOM 1118 signify? NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) numbers identify the specific production distillery. NOM 1118 is the Don Julio González estate in Los Altos, Jalisco — directly tracing every bottle to the founding family's own facility.
• Is this Don Julio Real still available? 1 unit in current stock.