Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
There is no question about the quality of tequila spirits from Don Julio. But you probably asked about the difference between the two commemorative bottles, 1942 and 70. 1942 is one of the smoothest tequila on the market. Is the 70 even close?
Let’s find out in this in-depth Don Julio 70 vs 1942 as we compare two of the best tequilas in the world.
Don Julio 70 & 1942 In-Depth Comparison
Don Julio 70 and 1942 are special tequila blends coming from Tequila Tres Magueyes S.A. de C.V. distillery in Mexico.
The 70 tequila was rested for over a year and went through filtration. It has the full flavor of an añejo, but it appears like a Blanco. On the other hand, Don Julio 1942 tequila is a typical añejo variant but owns a plethora of flavors.
Take A Closer Look At Their Differences
History
Don Julio 70 is an Añejo tequila released in 2012 to commemorate its 70th year in the tequila industry. It is a charcoal-filtered drink, a rarity when it was first created.
Don Julio 1942 is another Añejo tequila released in 2002 for the 60th anniversary of Don Julio Gonzales in the industry.
Production & Aging Process
Don Julio 70 was a rare añejo as it went through charcoal filtration [1] after aging for 18 months in ex-bourbon American White oak barrels.
1942 is nearly identical to the regular añejo except for the complex aroma. These are rested between 32 and 35 months using their smallest still, Pot Still 6.
Tequila Type
The 70 tequila is a filtered añejo that appears like a Blanco. However, you can savor a rested spirit because this is aged inside an American White oak barrel.
The 1942 variant appears similar to Don Julio’s regular Añejo, but the flavor of 1942 tequila is smoother since it is aged much longer.
Read: Most Recommended Don Julio Tequilas
Flavor Profile
Taste
Don Julio 70 tastes differently from the Blanco made by this distillery. The cooked agave from Mexico and the notes of pepper are very flavorful. The texture is smooth and easy, making it a good choice for sipping.
Don Julio 1942 can offer the full sweetness of cooked agave, sweet spices, vanilla, black pepper, and wood. Mid-palate has chocolate, fruity flavors, and vanilla influenced by the whiskey barrels. This is a must on your bar. But is Don Julio 1942 tequila available at Costco?
Aroma
The 70 tequila has rich aromas of cooked agave and fruity flavors. It is followed by the sweetness of vanilla and a very faint oak flavor.
Don Julio 1942 perfectly represents the flavors of the ex-bourbon casks it was aged with. The sweet mixed notes of sugar, agave, rose, and wet wood touches the nose almost as soon as you open the bottle.
Color
The 70 tequila has a colorless shade like a Blanco tequila, but with apparent viscosity, making it a great mixing base. This drink also exceeds the flavors and aromas of the Blanco and Don Julio Reposado.
Don Julio 1942 has a deep straw gold color similar to what a regular rested tequila looks like. It went through a long aging process, making the color darker. It can offer way more complex flavors, making it great to drink neat.
Finish
The 70 tequila has an easy medium finish with sweet white chocolate and agave notes. It is a great buy if you enjoy drinks on the rocks as it has a sweet palate.
1942 is what others call “acquired liking.” It finishes strong, long, and woody with a fruity-minty taste and a rich, spicy piña taste. The flavor tasted like the most complex in the world but very easy to swallow.
Price
Although the 70 variant is a limited edition drink, this tequila variant costs less than 1942. You can buy a 750 ml bottle of this variant for around $72.
Don Julio 1942, on the other hand, has a higher price on the market, which is roughly $182 for each 750ml bottle. This tequila had a long time during the aging process, influencing its market price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better for sipping, Don Julio 70 or 1942?
Don Julio 1942 is better for sipping than the 70 because of its complex flavor and aroma. Manufacturers had these spirits rest longer, making them perfectly smooth and flavorful.
Is Don Julio 1942 smoother than Don Julio 70?
Yes, Don Julio 1942 is smoother than Don Julio 70. The longer the tequila rest, the smoother it gets. Some are stored in whiskey barrels, and these tequilas acquire the sweet flavors, making them a great drink to enjoy neat.
What’s so special about Don Julio 70?
Don Julio 70 is a unique tequila because it combines the characteristics of an añejo tequila with the freshness of a blanco. It is a clear tequila, aged for 18 months in American white oak barrels and then charcoal filtered to remove the color. This innovative aging process imparts the complexity and smoothness of an aged tequila while maintaining the clarity of a blanco. Don Julio 70 is celebrated for its balance, subtle oak notes, and the marriage of flavors from both blanco and añejo expressions, offering a distinctive and enjoyable sipping experience.
What is the difference between Don Julio and Don Julio 1942?
While both Don Julio and Don Julio 1942 are premium tequilas produced by the same distillery, there are key differences. Don Julio 1942 is an extra añejo tequila, meaning it is aged for a minimum of three years, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile with pronounced oak and vanilla notes. Regular Don Julio tequilas include blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions, each with its aging characteristics. Don Julio 1942 is often considered a more luxurious and aged offering compared to the standard lineup.
Why is Don Julio 1942 so special?
Don Julio 1942 is considered special for several reasons. Firstly, it falls into the category of extra añejo, indicating a minimum aging period of three years. This extended aging imparts a high level of complexity, smoothness, and depth to the tequila. Additionally, Don Julio 1942 is crafted in honor of the founder, Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada, and the year 1942 marks his birth. The tequila is known for its rich, caramel, and vanilla notes, making it a sought-after and premium choice for tequila enthusiasts.
Is Don Julio 1942 high end?
Yes, Don Julio 1942 is considered a high-end tequila. As an extra añejo, it undergoes an extended aging process, resulting in a more refined and complex flavor profile. The craftsmanship, quality, and the brand’s dedication to producing premium tequilas contribute to the high-end status of Don Julio 1942. Its reputation for exceptional taste and the use of premium ingredients make it a sought-after choice among connoisseurs and those seeking a luxurious tequila experience.
Why is 1942 so expensive?
Don Julio 1942 is considered expensive for several reasons. Firstly, it falls into the category of extra añejo tequila, which requires a minimum aging period of three years. The extended aging process in oak barrels imparts complexity, depth, and a smooth character to the tequila, contributing to its premium quality. Additionally, the production of Don Julio 1942 involves careful craftsmanship, the use of high-quality agave, and a dedication to creating a top-tier tequila. The brand’s reputation for excellence, limited production, and the luxurious experience it provides all contribute to the higher price point.
Is Don Julio 70 a good tequila?
Yes, Don Julio 70 is highly regarded as a good tequila. It is unique in that it combines characteristics of both blanco and añejo tequilas. Aged for 18 months in American white oak barrels and then charcoal filtered to remove the color, Don Julio 70 offers the complexity and smoothness of an aged tequila while retaining the crispness of a blanco. Its innovative aging process and well-balanced flavor profile make it a favorite among tequila enthusiasts, suitable for sipping or as a key ingredient in cocktails.
Is Don Julio higher quality than Patron?
Determining whether Don Julio is of higher quality than Patron is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both Don Julio and Patron are respected tequila brands known for producing high-quality spirits. Each brand offers a range of expressions, including blanco, reposado, and añejo, with distinct flavor profiles. Some may prefer the smoothness and complexity of Don Julio, while others may enjoy the character and taste of Patron. Ultimately, the choice between Don Julio and Patron comes down to personal taste preferences.
Which Don Julio is the best?
Determining the “best” Don Julio tequila is subjective and depends on individual preferences. The Don Julio lineup includes various expressions, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular choices among tequila enthusiasts include Don Julio 1942, an extra añejo known for its rich and complex flavor profile, and Don Julio Reposado, celebrated for its balance and smoothness. The best Don Julio tequila for an individual depends on their taste preferences, whether they prefer the crispness of blanco, the mellow notes of reposado, or the richness of extra añejo. Exploring the different expressions allows individuals to find the Don Julio tequila that suits their palate best.
Is Don Julio 1942 worth the price?
Whether Don Julio 1942 is worth the price depends on individual preferences and priorities. Don Julio 1942 is considered a premium tequila, falling into the extra añejo category with a minimum aging period of three years. Its extended aging imparts complex flavors, and the tequila is often praised for its rich, caramel, and vanilla notes. The craftsmanship, reputation of the brand, and the luxurious experience it provides contribute to the higher price point. For those who appreciate the unique qualities of an extra añejo tequila and seek a top-tier sipping experience, Don Julio 1942 may be worth the investment.
How should you drink Don Julio 70?
Don Julio 70 is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It is recommended for sipping due to its unique combination of characteristics from both blanco and añejo tequilas. Serve it neat or on the rocks to appreciate the complexity and balance of flavors. Don Julio 70 also works well in cocktails, offering a distinctive twist to classics like the Margarita or Tequila Sunrise. Experimenting with different serving styles allows individuals to discover the nuances and versatility of Don Julio 70.
Is Don Julio high quality?
Yes, Don Julio is widely recognized for producing high-quality tequilas. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, the use of premium agave, and meticulous production processes contribute to the overall quality of its tequilas. Don Julio offers a range of expressions, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo, each with its unique characteristics. Don Julio’s reputation for excellence and its status as a premium tequila brand further affirm its high-quality standards.
What is the difference between Don Julio Anejo and 70?
The primary difference between Don Julio Añejo and Don Julio 70 lies in their aging processes. Don Julio Añejo is aged for a minimum of one year in small oak barrels, resulting in a tequila with a mellower taste, notes of oak, and a smoother finish. On the other hand, Don Julio 70 is a clear tequila that undergoes an innovative aging process. It is aged for 18 months in American white oak barrels and then charcoal filtered to remove the color. This unique method imparts the complexity of an añejo while maintaining the clarity of a blanco. Don Julio 70 offers a balance between the fresh agave notes of blanco and the subtle oak influence of añejo. The choice between the two depends on personal taste preferences, with Don Julio Añejo providing a more traditional aged tequila experience and Don Julio 70 offering a distinctive and innovative option.
Final Thoughts: Don julio 70 vs 1942
The 1942 Don Julio is better based on our research and taste tests. Don Julio 1942 may not be the most ordered at the bar, but it is easy to swallow. Once tasted, it is easy on the mouth when sipped and easy to mix with other liquors or on the rocks. You can open a bottle any time.
We asked ourselves if Don Julio 70 tequila is far behind, and the answer is no. It is even a way better mixing base. This tequila brand has proven so many times that it can provide great-tasting drinks, and the Don Julio 70 and 1942 variants are no exception.
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