Don Julio 1942 is technically an añejo as it is aged for only 2 1/2 years in used American oak barrels, though it misses the extra añejo qualification by only 6 months. 1942 is the year that Don Julio Gonzáles established his distillery, Tequila Tres Magueyes. This Highland tequila, along with their Real bottling, is distilled a 2nd time in a smaller stainless steel pot still that has a maximum capacity of 3 barrels per distillation.
The aromas are a combination of butterscotch, dried grass, and old wood. On the palate, the tequila is full and creamy with white pepper, mint, and cinnamon joining in on the sweet caramels. There’s a slickness that stays with you and helps to cushion the alcohol. The finish is long with a taste reminiscent of churros (fritters) dipped in Mexican chocolate.