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

The first release of Don Julio Real. NOM 1118. Presented in a display case and personally signed by Don Julio González Jr. — son of Don Julio González, who founded the brand in 1942 and transformed the premium tequila category.

Don Julio Real is the pinnacle expression of the Don Julio lineup — an extra añejo aged longer than any other standard Don Julio expression, produced in extremely limited quantities as a collector's and connoisseur's tequila. The first release carries additional historical significance: it represents the brand's initial statement of what "Real" could achieve at the top of the Don Julio range.

NOM 1118 designates the specific distillery of origin — in this case, the Don Julio González estate in the Highlands (Los Altos) of Jalisco, where the volcanic clay soil and higher altitude produce Blue Weber agave with a sweeter, more complex flavor profile than Lowland-grown agave. The signature of Don Julio Jr. makes this specific bottle a documented piece of the González family's tequila heritage — direct provenance from the family that created the brand.

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, signed by Don Julio Jr.
• Release: First release
• Size: 750ml

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Don Julio González? Don Julio González founded his distillery in 1942 in Los Altos de Jalisco at the age of 17. He pioneered the tall, distinctive Don Julio bottle shape (designed so the bottles could be placed on a table without blocking the view of the people sharing the tequila) and is widely credited with transforming tequila from a commodity spirit into a premium category. He is considered the father of modern premium tequila.
• What does NOM 1118 signify? NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) numbers identify the specific distillery where a tequila was produced. NOM 1118 designates the Don Julio González estate in Los Altos, Jalisco. Each bottle bearing NOM 1118 can be traced directly to this specific production facility.
• Why is the first release significant? The first release of Don Julio Real establishes the expression's production standard and character. For collectors, inaugural releases of prestige expressions carry additional historical significance as the origin point of a product line. This display case and signed bottle makes it a complete provenance document.
• Is this Don Julio Real still available? In extremely limited quantities. The first release with a Don Julio Jr. signature and display case is irreplaceable.