Don Julio 1942 Tequila Anejo

Don Julio Anejo NOM 1449 Tasted 12/5/2007:
Color golden khaki with lemon chiffon reflections. Legs fragmented with slow oily drop. Spotty finish with constant yet hesitant drops. Agave roots from the bottom rising to an increasingly subtle sweet vanilla top rim. Refreshingly light on first touch with honey oak start, slight pepper middle that fades in taste but not in warmth, through a thick and lasting sweet honey vanilla finish.

Aroma of sweet straw a hint of butterscotch. Colour similar to a German Reisling or light pale gold. First taste was not full of alcohol (that comes moments later) but smooth agave flavour for sure. Hints of Vanilla & honey, very long alcohol finish (tingles the toungue for a time after it gone). I'm going to use this as a first in a Tequila tasting as its a good drink and should hook the non Tequila drinkers into trying another, the experienced drinkers will wonder what I can do to top this.

I find Don Julio 1942 a totally different experience from many "top-end" anejos. Don Julio is very light, and very sweet, with only moderate agave flavor and an incredibly smooth finish. I would go so far as to recommend this as a "starter tequila" for non-tequila lovers (are there such people?) as a way to introduce them to the joy of aged tequilas.

I could talk about the vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon notes, but it's all been said. This is just a very refreshing tequila.

The bottle is attractive but doesn't really catch the eye like some others. And the price is right around what you would expect for a good anejo. It's also available in just about any bar that boasts an "extensive tequila menu" for about $20.

This has always been a favorite of mine, Don Julio really did a nice job on this selection,and price well i can get a bottle of this for $75.99 at my trusted Beverage Depot, and is well worth the price,compared to the Real, you get what you pay for, now of course the difference between the 1942 and Anejo are slim, but make for a totally different comparison. The nose contains a real rich aroma of caramel and toffee,compared to the anejos citrusy notes,once in your mouth you can sense the silky smooth characteristics of agave flavors fruits, and spicey undertones, with a rich smooth sweet finish if oak and and vanilla. Excellent tequila one of my favorites.

A classic that's great in all categories, just on the expensive side.