Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:28 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 Cincoro Añejo and Don Julio 1942 in my comprehensive analysis to determine your preferred Tequila.
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
Cincoro vs Don Julio 1942: Comparison
Cincoro Añejo: Sweet and artificially flavored, this tequila surprises with vanilla, caramel, and chocolate notes. Best on rocks. A visually appealing choice that might be too sweet for some.
Don Julio 1942: Luxurious with a smooth blend of agave, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. Neat or on rocks, it offers a premium, balanced tequila experience.
Verdict: Both Cincoro Añejo and Don Julio 1942 bring unique qualities to the table. Cincoro Añejo delights with its sweetness, while Don Julio 1942 provides a smooth, luxurious sip. Each has its charm, catering to different tastes, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Añejo Tequila Picks
Cincoro Añejo: Questionable Sweetness Overshadows Añejo Experience
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, chocolate, dried fruit, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, chocolate, caramel, alcohol, orange
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Clase Azul Reposado
Aroma: Cincoro Añejo presents a smooth and sweet nose, hinting at vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
Taste: It offers a pleasant body and lacks the expected warmth of an Añejo tequila. The flavor profile is heavily influenced by artificial vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
Finish: The finish is smooth, with mild warmth and a touch of oak spice.
Thoughts: The dominance of vanilla raises a red flag, suggesting a potential overreliance on artificial flavors. While visually appealing, Cincoro Añejo leans heavily towards an excessively sweet and artificial taste, resembling a sweet tequila cocktail rather than a refined Añejo expression.
Permitted Enhancements: It's important to remember that regulations allow for adding sweeteners as long as they constitute less than 1% of the total volume. However, Cincoro seems to use a more liberal hand with artificial vanilla, leading to a taste reminiscent of Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila, which comes at a significantly lower price point.
Production: Aged for 28 months in ex-bourbon casks, Cincoro is currently produced by Casa Maestri, a distillery known for crafting over 150 other tequila brands, including Elon Musk's Tesla Tequila.
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: Avion Reserva 44
Aroma: Don Julio 1942 opens with an inviting scent of vanilla, caramel, roasted agave, and a touch of oak.
Taste: It boasts a smooth and balanced palate, offering a velvety texture and rich caramel flavors. A subtle smokiness adds a touch of tequila character, while a hint of chocolate elevates the overall taste.
Verdict: Don Julio 1942 is a premium tequila that caters to both seasoned drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts. It delivers a delightful sipping experience, free of harshness and alcohol burn, allowing you to savor its nuances neat.
Chilling it slightly with large ice cubes or whiskey stones can further enhance the experience without diluting the flavor. Ultimately, this tequila is best enjoyed on its own, as its unique qualities are most appreciated solo.
Facts: Don Julio 1942 celebrates the year Don Julio Gonzalez started making tequila and is aged for 30 months in bourbon barrels. The brand is owned by the London-based beverage giant Diageo.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Tequila | Price |
Cincoro Añejo | $130 |
Don Julio 1942 | $140 |
Specs comparison
Characteristics | Don Julio 1942 | Cincoro |
Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
Aging length Months | 30 | 28 |
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 |
Triple-distilled | No | No |
Additives | Very Likely | Very Likely |
Certified organic | No | No |
ABV | 40% | 40% |
Proof | 80 | 80 |