There is a little known gem that sits on the shelf at Barrio Bellevue – Don Julio Real tequila. The bottle it’s contained in alone is something to behold, decanter-like and embraced with silver agave leaves, which to me look like hands holding up the bottle as if a holy golden drink from the gods, and topped with a golden agave pina. Don Julio Real is tequila that has been aged for 5 years in used bourbon barrels. It’s a product of Don Julio Gonzales, a renowned tequila maker in Mexico.
It’s classified as Extra Anejo – a tequila category that only opened up in 2006; to be classified as this, tequila must be aged for at least 3 years. Tequila comes from the agave plant; Don Julio Real comes from particular agaves that are from the Highlands region in Jalisco, Mexico. They are cooked in a brick oven and then distilled through a pot still to make the tequila.
Don Julio Real goes for $100 per shot at Barrio. Barrio Bellevue has had one bottle on hand since it opened 6 months ago, and you better believe that there’s not much left in it!
Tequila has ages, origins, and types, just like wine. Having a place like Barrio in this city creates a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to know more about this old-age Mexican alcohol. On Saturday, April 3rd from 2-4pm, bar manager Mark Sexauer will even be holding an in-depth class featuring tequila cocktails and food pairings. The cost is $40 and will sell out, so call 206.838.3853 to sign up. If you aren’t able to make the class, explore tequila yourself with ‘Half Off Tequila Mondays’ all day at Barrio with over 70 options to choose from.
