1800 Milenio vs Don Julio 1942

Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:39 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Explore the differences between 1800 Milenio and Don Julio 1942 in this thorough comparison, and choose your next sip!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

1800 Milenio vs Don Julio 1942: Comparison

1800 Milenio: This Extra Añejo offers a smooth, Cognac-like experience with dominant oak, caramel, and chocolate flavors, making it unique among tequilas. Its profile may lean too far from traditional agave notes for purists, but it remains an enjoyable sip for those appreciating a rich, oak-forward character. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Don Julio 1942: A favorite among bourbon drinkers, this Añejo tequila blends the traditional agave taste with vanilla, caramel, and a smooth, smoky oak finish. While its sweetness might hint at additives, it delivers a velvety sipping experience, appealing especially to those with a preference for bourbon's richness.

Verdict: 1800 Milenio and Don Julio 1942 cater to distinct tastes, with Milenio offering a more Cognac-like sipping experience and 1942 appealing to bourbon lovers with its sweet, oak-rich profile. Each provides a luxurious tequila experience, suitable for different preferences in flavor and complexity, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Sipping Añejo Tequila Picks

1800 Milenio: Smooth Tequila with a Cognac Twist

• Nose: Agave, butterscotch, vanilla, oak
• Palate: Oak, raisin, caramel, agave, chocolate
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Avion Reserva 44

Aroma: 1800 Milenio greets you with a warm and inviting aroma, offering notes of agave alongside butterscotch, vanilla, and oak.

Palate: This tequila boasts a smooth, Cognac-like taste. Oak flavors take center stage, followed by hints of raisins, chocolate, caramel, and spice. Agave notes are subtle compared to the oak influence.

Finish: The dry finish is pleasantly warm, lingering with rich caramel and oak flavors and minimal burn.

A Smooth Sip with a Caveat: While Milenio delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience, lacking harshness or off-flavors, its strong oak presence overshadows other taste notes. This creates an unbalanced profile that leans more towards Cognac than Tequila.

Lost Agave Character: Unlike exceptional Extra Añejos, Milenio loses its distinct agave character due to the dominant oak influence. This might disappoint those seeking a tequila-forward experience even with extended aging.

Alternatives for Agave Fans: If preserving the agave essence is your priority, other Extra Añejos might be a better choice.

Still a Enjoyable Option: Despite its leaning towards Cognac-like notes, 1800 Milenio remains a smooth and pleasant option, particularly for sipping neat or on the rocks. Its warmth is balanced with minimal burn, offering a relaxing experience.

Price vs. Value: However, considering the price point, other tequilas might deliver a more pronounced agave character and better value for your money.

1800 Milenio Facts: An Extra Añejo Tequila aged in American oak barrels for 36 months, followed by a finishing touch in French oak Cognac barrels for 4-6 months. Crafted by Jose Cuervo at the Riojeña Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.

Don Julio 1942: A Treat for Bourbon Lovers

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave, oak
• Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, chocolate
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Clase Azul Reposado

Nose: Don Julio 1942 boasts a unique aroma profile, featuring roasted agave, oak, and enticing caramel notes alongside hints of vanilla that some may perceive as artificial.

Palate: This tequila offers an exceptionally smooth and velvety texture, indulging your taste buds with notes of caramel, chocolate, agave, and oak. A well-balanced smokiness adds a delightful touch without overpowering the palate.

Finish: Savor a long and satisfying finish that lingers with flavors of agave, oak, and a touch of cinnamon.

A Bourbon Lover's Delight: Don Julio 1942 caters particularly well to bourbon drinkers due to its shared flavor characteristics. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a sweeter taste profile.

Sweetness and Potential Additives: While undeniably high-quality, some might find the sweetness exceeding expectations for a tequila aged only 30 months, potentially indicating the use of additives.

Smooth Sipping Experience: Regardless, this tequila delivers a smooth and enjoyable sipping experience without the harshness of alcohol burn or an unpleasant aftertaste.

Enjoyment Tips: To fully appreciate its unique character, savor it neat or with a slight chill using large ice cubes or whiskey stones to avoid diluting its distinct flavors.

1942 Facts: Aged for 30 months in ex-bourbon barrels, this tequila celebrates the year Don Julio Gonzalez, at the age of 17, embarked on his journey of creating high-quality spirits. His innovative touch extended to the bottle design, opting for a lower, square shape to facilitate connection across tables.

What's the difference between 1800 Milenio and 1942?

These Tequilas live in different segments: Milenio is an Extra Añejo while 1942 is an Añejo Tequila.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Specs comparison