Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 01:33 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 disparities: Herradura Legend vs Don Julio 1942 and decide your preferred Tequila in this comprehensive analysis.
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
Herradura Legend vs Don Julio 1942: Comparison
Herradura Legend: A tequila with bourbon-like qualities, featuring burnt caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. Smooth yet spicy, it offers a unique blend of agave and oak char. Ideal for sipping neat, especially for those who appreciate Herradura's craftsmanship.
Don Julio 1942: Combines smooth agave with hints of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate for a rich, creamy experience. Its balanced flavor and lingering warmth make it a luxurious choice for neat or on rocks sipping.
Verdict: Herradura Legend and Don Julio 1942 both offer sophisticated sipping experiences. Herradura Legend stands out for its bourbon-inspired twist on traditional tequila flavors, while Don Julio 1942 excels in smoothness and complexity. Each represents the pinnacle of their respective brands' craftsmanship, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sipping Añejo Tequilas
Herradura Legend: Tequila Meets Bourbon
- Nose: Burnt caramel, vanilla, agave, toasted oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, bell pepper, mineral, oak char
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Herradura Seleccion Suprema
Rich Aroma: Burnt caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak reminiscent of bourbon, along with agave notes.
Smooth and Spicy: Feels a bit light-bodied but offers a smooth taste with initial sweetness followed by hints of spice, bell pepper, and oak char.
Lingering Warmth: Finishes warm with oak bitterness, cinnamon, and lingering caramel.
Unique Agave-Bourbon Blend: Legend combines rich oak flavors typical of bourbon with agave notes, offering an intriguing twist.
Smooth and Balanced: Sweet, well-balanced with pleasant spice, minerals, and oak bitterness for a satisfying experience.
Recommended for Herradura Fans: Goes down smoothly with no harsh aftertaste, making it a great choice for Herradura enthusiasts.
More Than Just Packaging: Beyond its attractive bottle, Legend boasts unique flavors and is a worthy addition to any collection seeking a smooth and flavorful tequila.
Herradura Legend Facts:
- Aged 14 months in specially charred barrels for intense oak notes.
- Herradura, founded in 1870, is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Don Julio 1942: Smooth Agave with a Kick
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave, oak
- Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, chocolate
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Cincoro Añejo
Inviting Aroma: Vanilla, caramel, and roasted agave with a hint of oak greet your nose.
Smooth and Balanced: The taste is smooth and creamy, with rich caramel and a touch of smoke. A hint of chocolate adds complexity.
Lingering Warmth: The finish lingers with caramel, oak, and a pleasant warming sensation.
A Delightful Sip: Great for both tequila lovers and bourbon fans. Smooth and enjoyable neat, with no harshness.
Chilling Tips: Use large ice cubes or whiskey stones to avoid diluting the flavor.
Enjoy It Neat: The unique qualities are best appreciated on their own, without mixers.
Don Julio 1942 Facts:
- Aged for 30 months in bourbon barrels.
- Honors Don Julio Gonzalez's start in 1942.
- Owned by Diageo, a large corporation based in London.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Tequila | Price |
Herradura Legend | $130 |
Don Julio 1942 | $145 |
Specs comparison
Characteristics | Herradura Legend | Don Julio 1942 |
Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
Aging length Months | 14 | 30 |
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 | Likely | Likely |
Certified organic | No | No |
ABV | 40% | 40% |
Proof | 80 | 80 |