Quick answer: Don Julio and Don Londrés are both made in Atotonilco El Alto, in the Highlands of Jalisco, and both cook agave in brick ovens. Don Julio is owned by Diageo, costs about $40 to $50 for blanco and has a deeper lineup, including añejo and 1942. Don Londrés is independent, family distilled by Francisco González, and costs $49 suggested retail for Blanco.
Don Londrés vs. Don Julio at a glance
| Don Londrés | Don Julio | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Independent; founded by Dre London with master distiller Francisco González | Diageo (full control since 2014); the González family is no longer involved |
| Distillery (NOM) | NOM 1518 | Tequila Tres Magueyes, NOM 1449 |
| Town | Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (Highlands) | Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco |
| Agave | Single-estate blue Weber agave, matured 7 to 10 years | Blue Weber agave from Los Altos |
| Cooking | Brick ovens, 48+ hours | Brick ovens |
| Fermentation | Natural fermentation | Stainless steel tanks |
| Distillation | Pot still, distilled twice | Stainless pot still with copper coil, distilled twice |
| Reposado aging | Several months in American oak ex-bourbon barrels | 8 months in American white oak |
| Blanco price (750ml) | $49 suggested retail | About $40 to $50 |
| Reposado price (750ml) | $72.80 online | About $48 to $60 |
How they differ
Same town, different owners. Don Julio González began distilling in 1942, and the brand he built became one of the best known tequilas in the world. Diageo took full control in 2014, and the family no longer runs it. Don Londrés is independent, made with master distiller Francisco González, whose own family has distilled tequila since 1905.
Process. Both cook agave in brick ovens and distill twice in pot stills. Don Londrés uses single-estate agave matured 7 to 10 years and roasts it for 48+ hours.
Lineup. Don Julio wins on range: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, 70 Añejo Claro, 1942 and Real. Don Londrés makes Blanco and Reposado today, with an Añejo coming soon.
Price. Don Julio Blanco usually runs a few dollars less. Don Julio Reposado is cheaper than Don Londrés Reposado ($72.80 online).
Which should you buy?
- Buy Don Julio if you want an añejo or 1942 today, the lowest price, or a bottle you can find in any bar.
- Buy Don Londrés if you like the Highlands style but want an independent, family-distilled bottle from estate agave.
- Taste them side by side. Two blancos from the same town are the best way to learn what agave and process do.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Don Julio tequila?
Diageo owns Don Julio. It took full control in 2014 in a deal with Jose Cuervo. The tequila is made at Tequila Tres Magueyes, NOM 1449, in Atotonilco El Alto.
Are Don Julio and Don Londrés made in the same place?
They are made in the same town, Atotonilco El Alto in the Highlands of Jalisco, but at different distilleries: Don Julio at NOM 1449 and Don Londrés at NOM 1518.
Is Don Londrés a good alternative to Don Julio?
Yes, if you like the sweet, fruity Highlands style. Both use brick ovens and pot stills. Don Londrés adds single-estate agave matured 7 to 10 years and independent, family ownership.
Which is cheaper, Don Julio or Don Londrés?
Don Julio Blanco usually costs about $40 to $50, a little less than Don Londrés Blanco at $49 suggested retail. Don Julio Reposado is also cheaper than Don Londrés Reposado.
Full disclosure: we make Don Londrés. We have tried to be fair: the facts about each brand come from public sources listed below, and we say plainly where the other bottle is the better pick.
More comparisons: Don Londrés vs. Casamigos · Don Londrés vs. Clase Azul · Don Londrés vs. Lalo · Best Don Julio alternatives · Highlands vs. Lowlands tequila · Tequila by the numbers. Leer en español.
Sources
- Tequila Tres Magueyes, NOM 1449 (Difford's Guide)
- Don Julio (Wikipedia)
- Don Julio Reposado (Diageo Bar Academy)
- Don Julio Blanco production details (Agave Matchmaker)
Don Londrés facts: how Don Londrés is made · Blanco · Reposado.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the Don Londrés team. Prices are typical U.S. retail as of October 2026 and vary by state and store. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.