Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila 375 ml

Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada began distilling tequila in 1942 at just 17 years old, founding a small distillery called "La Primavera" in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco — the same corner of the Highlands where Don Julio's main facility still stands today. By 1951, his tequila carried the name Tres Magueyes; the brand that eventually became Tequila Don Julio grew from there. This bottling, released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that original 1942 distillery, has become one of the most recognizable and most talked-about names in premium tequila — often called, without much exaggeration, "tequila's first unicorn."

Made from 100% mature Blue Weber agave, produced at NOM 1449 in the Highlands (Ciénega region), the agave is oven-roasted for over 70 hours in traditional horno ovens, extracted using a shredder/roller method, and distilled twice in a small stainless steel pot still with a maximum capacity of just three barrels per run — genuinely small-batch production, using deep well water throughout. The finished spirit ages a minimum of 24 months (2.5 years) in hand-selected, ex-bourbon American white oak barrels — considerably longer than the category's typical añejo minimum, which the brand credits directly with the depth and richness that defines the finished tequila.

Wine Enthusiast awarded a remarkable 98 Points, describing "the golden color and caramel scent" hinting "at what's to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch." The official tasting notes describe rich caramel and chocolate on the nose, developing into warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave on the palate, closing on a lingering oak and rich vanilla finish. Booze.Blog's independent review, written by a self-described bourbon lover skeptical of tequilas that "try too hard to be like Bourbon," ultimately conceded: "let's not mince words: Don Julio 1942 may be expensive, but oh man is it fantastic!" Worth knowing for full honesty, though: Long Island Lou Tequila's more critical, detailed blind-tasting review found it "overpriced and over hyped" when compared side by side against considerably less expensive añejos — T1 Estelar and Dos Armadillos — which he personally preferred in two separate blind tastings, describing 1942's own profile as leaning toward "cotton candy, creamy, vanilla, candy/toffee" character that isn't to every serious tequila drinker's taste. Both perspectives are worth knowing: this is unmistakably a rich, sweet, dessert-adjacent style of añejo, beloved by many and considered overhyped by some — a genuine matter of personal preference at the top of the category. This 375ml format offers a more accessible way to experience one of tequila's most iconic names.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila is produced by Tequila Don Julio, owned by Diageo, at the company's facility in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, under NOM 1449. The brand takes its name from founder Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada, born January 7, 1925, in Atotonilco, who began distilling tequila at just 17 years old in 1942, founding a small distillery called "La Primavera." By 1951, his tequila was marketed under the name Tres Magueyes, eventually growing into the modern Don Julio brand. This 1942 expression was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that founding distillery.

The tequila is crafted from 100% mature Blue Weber agave, harvested in the Highlands (Ciénega region) of Jalisco, roasted in traditional brick or stone ovens for more than 70 hours, then extracted using a shredder/roller mill method. The mash is fermented and distilled twice, the second distillation taking place in a small stainless steel pot still with copper coil, limited to a maximum capacity of three barrels per run — a deliberately small-batch approach. Deep well water is used throughout production. The finished spirit ages a minimum of 24 months in hand-selected, ex-bourbon American white oak casks. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof.

Critics Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 98 Points:
"A stunning limited-edition añejo. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what's to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch."

Booze.Blog (extended independent review):
"Let's not mince words: Don Julio 1942 may be expensive, but oh man is it fantastic! There aren't too many tequilas that sit in Don Julio 1942's price point. There are several just below and a few just above, and they are all truly awesome... And seriously, at its price point, it better be fantastic."

Long Island Lou Tequila (extended independent review, blind-tasting comparison):
"It has a nice light caramel taste, but I don't care for the cotton candy, creamy, vanilla, candy/toffee like flavor... I blindly compared 1942 with T1 Estelar Añejo and Dos Armadillos Añejo, and although they all have different tastes and profiles, I picked T1 Estelar for considerably less money and Dos Armadillos for considerably less money — both times. These two Añejos were superior tasting, for a lot less money. You could easily say 1942 is overpriced and over hyped, but if you like drinking an... Añejo that tastes like candy and is overly sweet, then try Don Julio 1942 by all means."

Distiller.com (aggregator tasting note):
"The aromas are a combination of butterscotch, dried grass, and old wood. On the palate, the tequila is full and creamy with white pepper, mint, and cinnamon joining in on the sweet caramels."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Golden color, with rich caramel and chocolate leading, joined by oak, vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. Butterscotch and dried grass add further complexity in some tastings, alongside citrus and mild vanilla.

Palate
Cooked agave and toasty oak carry the entry, joined by vanilla and dark chocolate. Full and creamy, with white pepper, mint, and cinnamon meeting sweet caramels, alongside tropical fruit and a Sauternes-like character.

Finish
Long, warming, and lingering, closing with rich vanilla and oak, and a lasting whisper of smoke. Smooth and sweet, genuinely dessert-like — a signature of the brand's rich, indulgent house style.

Quick Overview

Serving Note

Best served in a snifter, neat or over a single large ice cube, to fully appreciate the tequila's rich, layered character.