Don Julio 1942 Tequila

I actually finished off the bottle a couple months ago and completely forgot to post a review, so this will be all from memory, but while I feel like this is a very good anejo tequila, I will say it's getting a bit too expensive for what it is in my opinion. I don't remember much of the nose, but I feel like it was pretty on point with the taste, with caramel, touch of oak and citrus peel. I remember it being a touch sweet, but I think it complimented the oak. The finish had decent length and introduced cinnamon to the mix, with no burn whatsoever. I bought this bottle a few years ago when you could still buy it for under $100, but nowadays it seems like it's hard to get it anywhere close to that. I think it's a very good tequila, but I'm not sure it's worth the price tag these days. This nearly qualifies as an extra anejo tequila (it's rested 32-35 months), but falls a couple months short, so while it would be considered one of the most expensive anejo tequilas out there, it may be appropriate to split the difference of the prices between an anejo and an extra anejo. Either way, seems a touch expensive for me, so I gave it a 4, but I can easily see why a lot of reviews have it closer to a 4.5.

Apparently this bottle is considered by many to be the gold standard for Tequila. Being a relative novice with the spirit I can only compare based on my limited experience and preference for sweeter extra anejos. Nose is defintely agave and borderline on what I enjoy. Not much else going on. First sip is fairly light to start, but brings on an almost scotch like. The initial tequila sweetness plays into a vanilla and marzipan lane. There is a somewhat sharp burn that comes on late, but fades quickly. I can see why this appeals to many scotch drinkers. The fired agave gives a somewhat smokey edge to the sweetness. For me this one is good, but not great. Would take a pour, but not likely shell out for the bottle. If you lean towards Padre and Adictivo this will probably fall short of the hype, but if you consider those to be overly sweet this will probably be right up your alley.

The aroma has warming undertones that makes it feel welcoming right from the start. There is some sweetness to the aroma, like a sweet chocolate and butterscotch. Nice amber color as well. On the palate the sweetness continues with some cinnamon and caramel, and an essence of a chocolate-dipped churro. A little bit of spice and some vegetal notes too. The biggest weakness is that it is missing flavorful punch. Wish I could taste this at cask strength, because it tastes watered down.

1942 pours lighter than most Anejos. In a Glencairn, it produces viscous legs that seem to cling to the sides of the glass. On the nose there hints of agave, vanilla and oak. On the palate the vanilla takes center stage, with the vanilla as the co-star and the oak taking a minor role. There is just enough tequila heat to let you know this is an adult beverage. It is very good, but I‘m not sure the high price is completely justified. I purchased a 50 ml “mini“, priced at $14.99.

Nose: a classic sweet and vanilla nose. It’s subtle, sweet with a slight burn. Body: it has a traditional roasted agave body. Sweet and simple. Smoother than most, but average. Finish: short and sweet. Doesnt last long. Final thoughts: 1942 is the epitome if a classically aged tequila. If a traditional profile is what you are after, then 1942 is it. The major drawback is the price. There are definitly other more affordable and interesting tequilas on the market.

Let sit for about 5 minutes. 👀: Light honey with sunlight flecks, can't tell if there are legs (was given in a shot glass); 👃: Slight smoky notes with lots of sappy sweetness and honey, pecan pie, reminds me of the 818; 👅: Hardly any of the typical tequila taste but lots of sweet sugary goodness!, beautiful, at a loss for words; 🏁: Taste lingers, long finish, like you licked a sugar cube, this is the tequila version of JW Blue!, Definitely not overrated.