Don Julio 1942 Tequila Bottle Review (2023 Edition)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Añejo tequilas are best for drinking neat because they have aged over a year. Depending on the brand, it can cost around $20 to a few hundred.

Don Julio 1942 is already famous among celebrities, but recently, its cost surged to almost $200.

In this Don Julio 1942 review, we’ll see if a bottle of this tequila is worth buying despite being expensive.

Don Julio 1942 Tequila: Is It Worth It?

A bottle of Don Julio 1942 is worth buying despite being pricey. The tequila has sweet vanilla and caramel notes, perfectly suitable for special occasions. 

“However, it’s the aging process for Don Julio 1942 Añejo that makes it truly stand out.”

– Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore, Writer

It has 40% ABV and is an excellent sipping tequila. This one has been distilled in the smallest stills of the company, producing only three barrels every cycle [1].

Quick Facts

NOM	1449
Distillery & Owner	Tequila Tres Magueyes S.A. de C.V./ Diageo
Classification & Region	Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
Alcohol Proof	40% ABV
Mash Bill	100% Blue Weber Agave
Cask & Still Type	Used American bourbon barrels, small stainless steel pot still
Age Statement	Minimum of 2 years and six months
Rating	5-star rating
Average Price	Around $195 per 750ml (Drizly)

What’s Don Julio 1942 Tequila?

In 1942, Don Julio started to enter the world of tequila making and discovered that planting the agave at some distance would result in a sweeter and smoother spirit [2]. 

Don Julio 1942 is an iconic tequila and the choice of many connoisseurs worldwide.

The tequila is handcrafted to celebrate the year when Don Julio González started his tequila-making journey.

It is made in small batches, matured for at least two and a half years, and available at almost any bar and restaurant. 

What Does The Don Julio 1942 Tequila Taste Like?

Nose 

The nose is very sweet and mellow, with notes of caramel and vanilla. There is some roasted agave present, but it is not overwhelming.

Butterscotch, oak, grass, and dark chocolate notes would also play while smelling this tequila.

The aroma is on the side of floral flavor and sweet fruit notes, which reminds us of cognac.

Palate

This tequila has a full and creamy palate with notes of vanilla, caramel, cooked agave, and oak. It is smooth with notes of chocolate, brown sugar, and mint.

The rich sweet flavor might make you forget that you are drinking an aged tequila, but there are white pepper hints to remind you of the spirit.

Our team can also trace some toffee, baking spice, and an orange hint.

Finish

For an aged tequila, this one has a very long finish. The cooked agave is not very strong here, but the vanilla and caramel linger long after swallowing the tequila.

The sweetness of those two flavors is very strong, even in the finish. 

We can still taste the oak, cinnamon, toffee, tropical fruit, and spices. It is a satisfying finish for an aged and premium tequila.

Our Thoughts

First Sip

This tequila would be a perfect crowd-pleaser with its sweetness level. There is a balance between oak and agave flavors, but we expect a bit more agave and less sweet for a tequila. 

It would be perfect for a whiskey drinker who’s planning to dive into the world of tequila.

But for seasoned tequila drinkers, it may not be as satisfying as it may be too sweet.

Second Chance

There’s little to expect in the second drink. It is a little too sweet with a vanilla and caramel finish that may be good for beginners but bad for some tequila enthusiasts.

The oak barrel is much stronger than agave this time, and the palate is a bit oily in the mouth.

Although it is not satisfying, considering the high price, it is still enough for you to want more shots.

Why We Like It

• It is a high-end tequila with tropical fruit notes, pineapple, caramel, vanilla, clean agave, and lingering oak flavors. 
• It is meant to be enjoyed neat instead of mixing it in cocktails. 
• It is a well-known tequila, presented in a unique and elegant bottle you can give as a luxury gift for special occasions.

Drawbacks

• The taste could be too sweet and light for Añejo aficionados. And it may not also be too appealing compared to an aged brown spirit like whiskey. 
• High price point where the agave is not so dominant compared to the oak flavors.

Rating On Don Julio 1942 Tequila

For our team, we have given a 5-star rating for the Don Julio 1942 Tequila.

Despite some of the listed drawbacks, this tequila is a refreshing drink with an elegant presentation. 

The price is high, but high-quality, making any special occasion more exciting.

Matured for a minimum of two and a half years, Don Julio 1942 has matured longer than other Añejo tequilas.

To Sip Or Skip?

Don Julio 1942 remains good stuff despite the high price and sweet-tasting notes. It is smooth and rich with vanilla notes, brown sugar, and caramel.

The nose has the butterscotch, grass, and floral hint. 

Here are some cheaper substitutes for Don Julio 1942 with similar tasting notes:

• San Matias Gran Reserva XA (76 or 80 proof))
• Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia (80 proof)
• Casamigos Añejo (80 proof)
• Artenom 1146 (80 proof)

FAQs

Is the Don Julio 1942 tequila sippable?

Yes, Don Julio 1942 is an excellent sipping tequila because it is smooth and tastes sweet but not overwhelming. 

How is the Don Julio 1942 tequila made?

Don Julio 1942 is made of distilled agave using the company’s smallest pot still. After distillation, this liquor would be matured for a minimum of two and half years before bottling.

Why is the Don Julio 1942 tequila so expensive?

Don Julio 1942 is expensive because it is a premium tequila made of rare blue agave and aged longer than a typical Añejo. 

Final Thoughts

Don Julio 1942 is slightly more expensive than other tequila bottles in the market, making us question its worth.

We have tasted chocolate, vanilla, spice, and fruit notes in the drink, while the nose is mellow and sweet. 

It is best to be served for special gatherings or family celebrations.

Since the tequila has been aged for about two and half years, we recommend sipping it neat rather than adding ice or mixing it in cocktail drinks. 

You can buy a bottle at any bar or restaurant or order this tequila online.

References:

1. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-expensive-tequilas-worth-splurging-091400513.html 
2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-anejo-tequila-4844199