Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:07 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.
Discover the differences between Casamigos Añejo vs Don Julio 1942 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
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
Casamigos vs Don Julio 1942: Comparison
Casamigos Añejo Tequila: Boasts a smooth, sweet profile with vanilla and butterscotch flavors, complemented by a warm, peppery finish. Ideal for bourbon lovers exploring tequila, its sweet notes provide a familiar yet distinctive taste.
Don Julio 1942 Tequila: Offers a luxurious sipping experience with rich caramel, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. Its smoothness and complex flavor profile appeal to both tequila aficionados and bourbon enthusiasts alike.
Verdict: Casamigos Añejo and Don Julio 1942 cater to those appreciating a sweet and smooth tequila. While Casamigos Añejo is a great entry point for bourbon fans, Don Julio 1942 represents the pinnacle of premium tequila experiences, reflecting the legacy of its founder, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Tequilas with a similar taste to Don Julio 1942
Casamigos Añejo: A Smooth Tequila with a Bourbon Flair
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, leathery sweetness, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Siete Leguas Añejo
Casamigos Añejo offers a unique twist on añejo tequila, catering to those who enjoy sweeter profiles.
Sweet & Aromatic: The first impression is a delightful aroma of vanilla and caramel, hinting at the flavors to come.
Smooth & Buttery Taste: Despite the sweet nose, the taste takes a smoother turn. Expect a rich butterscotch and vanilla flavor with a pleasant touch of spice for complexity. The overall mouthfeel is smooth and inviting.
Warm & Peppery Finish: The finish is where the Añejo influence comes in, with a hint of black pepper, a subtle bitterness, and a touch of smokiness. This leaves a warm and satisfying sensation.
Añejo with a Twist: While Casamigos Añejo offers the expected smoothness of an aged tequila, it prioritizes sweeter notes like butterscotch and vanilla over the typical agave flavor found in top-rated añejos. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy bourbon and are curious about tequila.
Bourbon Fan? Try Casamigos Añejo: If you’re a bourbon drinker looking to explore tequila, Casamigos Añejo might be a good starting point. Its sweeter profile and subtle smokiness offer a familiar yet distinct taste experience.
Made in Mexico, Owned by Diageo: Casamigos Añejo is crafted at its own distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. However, the brand is currently owned by the London-based Diageo company.
Don Julio 1942: A Luxurious Tequila Experience
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave, oak
- Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, chocolate
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Patron Añejo
Don Julio 1942 is a premium añejo tequila revered for its exceptional smoothness and complex flavor profile.
Rich & Inviting Aroma: The first impression is a delightful aroma that blends vanilla, caramel, roasted agave, and oak. This creates a warm and inviting prelude to the taste.
Velvety & Smooth Palate: The taste lives up to the promise of the aroma. Expect a smooth and luxurious experience with a velvety, creamy texture.
Rich caramel flavors take center stage, complemented by a subtle smokiness that adds a touch of tequila character. A hint of chocolate further elevates the overall taste profile.
Long & Warming Finish: The finish is long and pleasing, leaving lingering notes of caramel, oak, and a comforting warmth.
A Sippable Delight: Don Julio 1942 is designed for savoring neat. The absence of harsh alcohol burn makes it ideal for enjoying on its own.
While chilling with large ice cubes or whiskey stones is an option, it’s recommended to experience it in its purest form to appreciate its full complexity.
Loved by Tequila & Bourbon Fans: This exceptional añejo is appreciated by both seasoned tequila drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts.
The rich caramel notes and subtle smokiness offer a familiar yet distinct taste experience for those accustomed to bourbon.
A Tribute to Don Julio’s Legacy: The name 1942 pays homage to the year Don Julio Gonzalez started his tequila-making journey at the young age of 17.
Aged for 30 months in bourbon barrels, this tequila embodies the Don Julio legacy of exceptional quality.
Owned by Diageo: Today, the Don Julio brand belongs to the London-based Diageo company.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD
| Tequila | Price |
| Casamigos Añejo | $63 |
| Don Julio 1942 | $180 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Casamigos | 1942 |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 14 months | 30 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |