Don Julio 1942 Tequila

I actually finished the bottle a couple of months back and completely neglected to post a review, so this recollection is entirely from memory. While I consider this a very good anejo tequila, I must say it's becoming excessively pricey for what it offers, in my view. My memory of the aroma is faint, but I believe it was quite consistent with the taste, featuring caramel, a hint of oak, and citrus peel. It struck me as slightly sweet, but I felt it complemented the oak well. The finish had a reasonable duration and incorporated cinnamon, with absolutely no harshness. I acquired this bottle some years ago when it was still possible to purchase it for under $100, but these days it seems difficult to find it anywhere near that price. I think it's a very good tequila, but I question if it's worth the current price tag. This is close to qualifying as an extra anejo tequila (it was aged for 32-35 months), but it falls just a couple of months short. Therefore, while it would be positioned as one of the most expensive anejo tequilas available, it might be reasonable to find a price point between an anejo and an extra anejo. Regardless, it seems a bit too costly for me, which is why I rated it a 4, but I can easily understand why many reviews place it closer to a 4.5.

Many apparently regard this bottle as the benchmark for Tequila. As a relative newcomer to the spirit, my assessment is based solely on my limited experience and a preference for sweeter extra anejos. The aroma is definitely agave and borders on what I find appealing. Not much else is present. The initial taste is fairly light, but develops into something almost scotch-like. The inherent tequila sweetness transitions into notes of vanilla and marzipan. There's a somewhat sharp burn that emerges late but dissipates quickly. I can see the appeal to many scotch enthusiasts. The fire-roasted agave imparts a slightly smoky quality to the sweetness. For my palate, this one is good, but not exceptional. I'd enjoy a serving, but I likely wouldn't purchase the bottle. If your preference leans towards certain other brands, this might not live up to the hype, but if you find those brands excessively sweet, this might be perfectly suited to your taste.

The scent has warming undertones, creating an inviting initial impression. There's a certain sweetness in the aroma, reminiscent of sweet chocolate and butterscotch. It also has an attractive amber color. On the palate, the sweetness persists with hints of cinnamon and caramel, and an essence of a chocolate-dipped churro. There's a touch of spice and some vegetal notes as well. Its main drawback is a lack of flavorful intensity. I wish I could taste this at cask strength, as it seems diluted.

1942 presents lighter than most Añejos. Poured into a Glencairn, it develops thick legs that appear to adhere to the glass's sides. The aroma offers hints of agave, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, the vanilla is the primary focus, with the vanilla as the secondary note and the oak playing a supporting part. There's just enough tequila warmth to signal it's an alcoholic beverage. It's very good, but I'm uncertain if the steep price is entirely warranted. I acquired a 50 ml sample size, which cost $14.99.

Nose: A classic sweet and vanilla aroma. It's delicate, sweet with a mild sting. Body: It possesses a traditional roasted agave body. Sweet and straightforward. Smoother than many, but average. Finish: Short and sweet. Doesn't linger. Final thoughts: 1942 represents the peak of a traditionally aged tequila. If you seek a classic profile, 1942 is it. The significant downside is the cost. There are certainly more affordable and intriguing tequilas available.

Left to sit for approximately 5 minutes. Appearance: Light honey with flecks of sunlight, difficult to discern legs (served in a shot glass); Nose: Faint smoky notes with abundant sappy sweetness and honey, resembling pecan pie; it reminds me of the 818; Palate: Barely any of the typical tequila taste, but abundant sweet sugary richness! Exquisite, I'm at a loss for words; Finish: The taste lingers, a long finish, similar to licking a sugar cube. This is the tequila equivalent of JW Blue! Definitely not overrated.