Don Julio 1942 vs Don Julio 70

Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:37 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.

Uncover the differences between Don Julio 1942 and Don Julio 70 in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which Tequila better suits your preference!

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

Don Julio 70 vs Don Julio 1942: Comparison

Don Julio 70 offers a unique Cristalino experience, blending aged Añejo flavors with the clarity of a Blanco. Its floral, vanilla, and oak notes make it a smooth choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. Celebrating the distillery's 70th anniversary, it's a premium tequila that's smooth enough for beginners yet rich for connoisseurs.

Don Julio 1942 stands out with its velvety texture and rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. Designed for sipping neat, it appeals to tequila lovers and bourbon enthusiasts alike. Aged for 30 months, it honors the brand's founding year, offering a luxurious tequila experience.

Comparison: Both Don Julio 70 and Don Julio 1942 are premium Añejos, with the former offering a unique Cristalino clarity and the latter a more traditional, richly flavored experience. While 70 provides a bridge between Añejo and Blanco, 1942 delivers a more decadent, complex taste. Each represents a pinnacle of tequila craftsmanship, catering to different preferences within the premium tequila market, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Tasting Añejo Tequilas

Don Julio 70: A Smooth Tequila with Añejo Flavor

• Nose: Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat or rocks
• Similar to: Maestro Dobel

Aroma: Enjoy a refreshing bouquet of floral notes, honey, and hints of blue agave and vanilla.

Taste: Don Julio 70 impresses with its exceptional smoothness. It delivers rich flavors of vanilla, oak, and caramel, with a subtle touch of agave. The finish is smooth and pleasant, leaving lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of pepper.

Enjoyment: This Tequila is exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, making it a great choice for Tequila beginners and seasoned drinkers alike. It's especially delicious neat or on the rocks, allowing you to fully appreciate its refined taste. While it can be used in cocktails, its premium quality might make mixing less practical.

Unique Features:

• Cristalino Tequila: This Tequila bridges the gap between Añejo and Blanco with its aged flavor profile and clear appearance achieved through charcoal filtration.
• Aged for 18 months: Don Julio 70 gets its depth of flavor from spending 18 months maturing in oak barrels.
• Triple-distilled: This process adds to the overall smoothness of the Tequila.

Bonus Fact: Don Julio 70 celebrates the 70th anniversary of Julio Gonzalez opening his 1942 distillery.

Don Julio 1942: A Treat for Tequila Lovers

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave, oak
• Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, chocolate
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: 1800 Milenio

Aroma: Sweet notes of vanilla and caramel mingle with hints of roasted agave and oak, creating a delightful fragrance.

Taste: Sip and savor the velvety smooth texture of 1942. Rich caramel flavors dominate the palate, balanced by a subtle smokiness that adds a touch of Tequila character. A hint of chocolate adds a surprising and delightful twist.

Enjoyment: Whether you're a seasoned Tequila drinker or a bourbon fan, 1942 offers a satisfying sipping experience. It's smooth and balanced, with no harshness or alcohol burn, making it perfect to enjoy neat.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of luxury, chill your 1942 slightly using large ice cubes or whiskey stones. These slow down the melting process, preventing dilution and preserving the full flavor profile.

Note: While 1942 can be enjoyed in cocktails, its complex flavors are best appreciated neat.

Bonus Fact: Did you know? 1942 pays homage to the year Don Julio Gonzalez, at the young age of 17, began his journey of crafting exceptional Tequilas. The Añejo expression is aged for 30 months in ex-bourbon casks, contributing to its unique character.

What do Don Julio 70 and 1942 have in common?

Both Don Julio 70 and Don Julio 1942 fall under the Añejo Tequila category, with DJ 70 aged 18 months and DJ 1942 aged 30 months.

Añejos are aged between 12 and 36 months.

Don Julio 70 is essentially Don Julio Añejo that has been triple-distilled and filtered through activated charcoal before bottling.

This process removes the typical amber color and smooths out any rough edges, resulting in a smooth taste.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Specs comparison