There’s something about tequila that just makes sense to me. Maybe it’s the way it carries a story in every sip, the way it’s bold yet smooth, strong yet inviting. So when Don Julio Rosado arrived in South Africa, I knew I had to experience it properly—no half-measures, no rushing through it. And let me tell you, from the very first taste, I knew I was in for something special.

The Leonardo set the perfect stage—an atmosphere dripping in understated luxury, where every glass felt like it belonged in a slow-motion film scene. The kind of place where Rosado wasn’t just being poured; it was being introduced, like a VIP guest at an exclusive gathering. I started the night the only way a true tequila lover would—straight up, no distractions, just to fully understand what was in my glass.

One sip and it was clear: this was unlike any tequila I’d had before. The Ruby Port wine cask finish? A game changer. The first thing that hits is the soft sweetness—dried red fruits, a hint of caramel, a whisper of oak from the aging process. It’s smooth, but not in a way that disappears too quickly. It lingers, leaving behind warmth and just the right touch of complexity.

Of course, I wasn’t stopping there. Tequila deserves to be explored, and Rosado was no exception. I had to see what it could do in a Paloma, my go-to cocktail. The slight sweetness of the tequila with the tartness of grapefruit juice? Perfection.

I took one sip and knew—I was never looking back. Rosado was made for this. It blended so effortlessly into the drink, adding depth while still keeping that signature tequila bite. And yet, I wasn’t done. Because what’s a tequila experience without at least one proper shot? Not the rushed, lime-and-salt routine, but a smooth, indulgent one—letting the warmth spread, catching all the layers of flavor, appreciating the craftsmanship in every drop.

Rosado is not just a drink. It’s a moment, a feeling, an experience wrapped in a pink-hued glow. It’s tequila elevated, made for those who understand that true luxury is in the details. Now that it’s finally available in South Africa, let’s just say my bar cart has a new favourite. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why.