Don Julio 1942 Tequila Anejo

Tasted in a caballito on Christmas Eve, 2013. I bought it at Bev Mo for $100. They finally got the message and matched Costco on the price. This is my second premium anejo this month. That's a big change for me since I've been specializing in cheap ($20 or less) tequila for the last couple of years. So I'm not an expert in more expensive tequila and I've heard about the "holy" nature of this tequila for years. I tasted it once before, but was half drunk, so I certainly didn't remember it well. This time I did it right. It was smooth in the mouth and tasted heavy with vanilla and caramel with hints of wood. The after taste is very pleasant and doesn't burn of course. My ratings are a little lower than some here because I didn't think it was far and away better than the Casa Noble Anejo I reviewed last week, which is half the price. The Don Julio bottle is simple and elegant, but not outstanding. Overall, this was another very good experience and if the money doesn't bother you, I'd recommend it any time.

The majestic Don Julio 1942 - to many the undisputed King of Tequilas. A very beautiful nose: agave, caramel, vanilla, a bit of toffee, some fruit, a kiss of brandy from the wood. And the nose just gets bigger and better as it rests in the glass. Pretty thin mouthfeel but taste is rich agave, caramel, vanilla, a nice nutty bitterness, some more soft brandy smoothness - it's pretty fabulous. Spicy-smooth going down, with a nice lasting finish; vanilla and light spice continue in the aftertaste. This anejo is no slouch in the complexity department. It might be the best tequila you're going to get without stepping too much out of the box. But the question is this: Do I like it enough to spend another 100-plus dollars when this bottle is finished? Hmmm...

Hands down one of the best tequilas out. Great aroma! Taste is gentle, subtle hints of vanilla, and some other fruits.

Tasted in a Riedel glass. This was my first "premium" anejo, and as I am such a fan of the reposado I was eager to try it.

The agave comes through nicely, and I got definite hints of caramel and wood. Perhaps a bit more wood than I find ideal in a drink, but I suppose that's a common characteristic of the anejos.

A nice long, smooth finish.

A top 5 tequila for me in all categories.

Aroma - The smell is simply wonderful. Agave, butterscotch, vanilla and fruit. Maybe the best nose of any tequila out there.

Taste - All of the flavors mix together with the sweetness, fruit and wood with a mild alcohol burn.

Finish - Wonderful taste long after it's gone and SO smooth.

Anyone who wants to sip a tequila, this is the one. It's pricey at around $100 a bottle, but if you're looking for something that is truly great, do yourself a favor and get a bottle of this.