Review Detail

Don Julio 1942 was the tequila that started my interest in premium tequilas. I had drunk loads of margaritas and shots. I had bought bottles of Perseverancia and Gran Centenario 100% de agave while in Mexico, and I had enjoyed them all on a casual when I'm in the mood basis. My first taste of DJ 1942 made me feel like I had really never tasted tequila before. The nose has very appealing notes of vanilla and butter. The initial taste has a strong roasted agave flavor with many complex subtle flavors edging around. There is some oak present, but it is not as strong as in most anejos, and perhaps that is what allows the agave to shine through. If I let the tequila roll under my tounge, I get a noticeable smoky flavor. It has a very smooth mouth feel with almost the consistency of honey on the tounge. As I swallow, I get a burst of vapor up my throat into the nasal passages that brings the vanilla and butter back into play. It has a pleasant finish with just enough black pepper to remind you that this is tequila. The bottle is tall with agave leaf shapes formed into it and a bulbous wooden screw cap.

Overall, this is the best tequila I have ever tasted. The price is high at around $100 for a 750 ml bottle, but I would rather have one bottle of Don Julio 1942 than two bottles of most of the $50 premium tequilas I have tasted.