Fortaleza Tequila. 1942 offers a delightful aroma of vanilla, caramel, roasted agave, and a touch of oak. But. A classic among tequila lovers. Part of that reputation comes from Don Julio the company, as they were very well known and highly regarded. And theyre already a drinking a lot to begin withas much as 20 million 9-liter cases in 2019, alone according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Not a bad sip as it drinks nicely with no harsh notes, but it does not WOW me, and much less when I see the price tag. Theres plenty of fantastic spirits that will build great ones, typically blancos and reposados. Drinks Are On Us . Tequila zealots will invariably decry the industrialization of the spirit, so enter Siembre Valles Ancestral, for which even a donkey pulling a stone is too efficient. 1942 is nearly identical to the regular aejo except for the complex aroma. So, if you are looking for a gluten-free and/or keto-friendly option, 100% agave tequila is a great choice. Comedian Kevin Hart has joined forces with 11th generation tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann, CEO of Casa Cuervo, to create one of the few reposado cristalinos on the market, with an unusual twist of first being aged in Eastern European oak casks for six months before being finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels for up to four additional months. Required fields are marked *. And Casa Dragonesis the name of the most exclusive joven tequila in the world. However, as a more accessible alternative, we prefer the 80 proof Tequila Ocho Plata 2017 Single Estate Los Patos 80 proof blanco. These are our favorite easy road trips from London. Don Julio 1942 vs Don Julio 70: (Which Tequila Wins?) Handcrafted and distilled at La Primavera Distillery still today, Don Julio tequilas are made from 100% blue agave, which is harvested after 7-10 years by expert jimadores. . Because they spend their rest in a warmer environment than most whiskeys do (in, say, Kentucky or Scotland), aged tequilas generally sit for just one to three years, often in second-, third- and fourth-use bourbon barrels, resulting in a lighter, clearer color than most whiskeys or rums. While there are dozens of master tequila producers in the world, these are our five favorite luxury tequilas. From vineyards to big game, there is something for everyone in South Africa. I second the Don Julio 1942 (which I've never drank but hear is great). Subscribe to RR1 Live+ for exclusive virtual events all year long (at least 1 per month), conversations with Robb Report editors, special perks, and more. The cross-marketing strategy may be effective, but it doesnt necessarily result in a great-tasting product. And just as wineries have long heralded sustainability and estate vintages, many tequila fbricas are now replanting agaves to replace the plants they have harvested, and some are cultivating agaves exclusively from their own farms; both of these relatively new practices are precautions against a projected agave shortage in a few years, which is already causing prices to rise, all due to our insatiable thirst for Mexicos national spirit. Which is the best Don Julio for Margaritas and cocktails? Be sure to try our list of the most expensive tequila cocktails in the world. On the palate, it is initially warm with a distinct cinnamon note that persists throughout the experience. One of the more evocative spirits youll ever encounter south of the border. Prior to bottling it was filtered throughactivated charcoalremoving rough edges. Tequila Ocho Extra Aejo Single Barrel ($375). 40 Best Cocktail Recipes; 30 Best Virgin Drinks; Spirits. Color: Deep straw gold, which is comparable to many aejos, though lighter than some. 1942 is one of the smoothest tequila on the market. Don Julio 1942 Review & Rating | VinePair Don Julio 1942 Aejo Tequila or Don Julio 70th Anniversary Cristalino "This aejo tequila is. Launched in Australia in 2015, Sesin arrived in the U.S. in late 2018. Don Julio 1942, on the other hand, has a higher price on the market, which is roughly $182 for each 750ml bottle. The spirit at the heart of Reserva De La Familia is aged a minimum of three years, then married with reserve tequilas that have been around as long as three decades. There are four officially sanctioned styles of top shelf tequila authorized by the government agency CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila), which regulates the spirit: blanco, sometimes called silver or plata, it is bottled clear and unaged; reposado, barrel aged from two to 11 months, giving it a tannish hue; aejo, deeper in color and aged from one to three years; extra aejo, rich, brownish-golden tequilas that have been aged longer than three years. The flavor hits with oak up-front, followed by agave, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak spice. Once tasted, it is easy on the mouth when sipped and easy to mix with other liquors or on the rocks. It has a rich and creamy texture that delivers a delightful combination of chocolate notes with the taste of agave while providing a pleasant warmth that gives you the classic tequila kick without any harsh burn. This results in a high concentration of agave flavors, while still experiencing the essences of the Single Estate Los Patos 80 proof blanco, which is extremely smooth and worthy of savoring neat. Tequila prices vary according to aging length of every release. Rose, pear, vanilla and brown sugar hit up front, with agave and a rich wet oak note following. Patron How Are They Made? The 1942 Don Julio is better based on our research and taste tests. The finish has a decent length with more oak to it, which is the main note from nose to finish, with caramel and vanilla. Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 15: A general view of the, atmosphere as Gold Medalist Bode Miller celebrates Father's Day with Jose Cuervo's Reserva De La Familia on June 15, 2015 in New York City. However, its not recommended to store Don Julio 1942 and Real Extra Aejo in the freezer since they have delicate aromas that can be affected by cold temperatures. Patrns first new addition to its core range in 25 years, this amber-hued treasure is aged for over 36 months in a variety of cooperage. As you might suspect, fifth generation tequilero Carlos Camarena is a lover of agave. Does Squirt Really Make or Break a Paloma? However, in my opinion, the additional aging has not done justice to the tequila as it has added a bitter flavor that does not complement the existing flavor profile of Don Julio Reposado. In celebration of the brands 80th anniversary in 2022, Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva has been released, representing the final agave harvest planted by Gonzlez and his family in 2006 and set aside for this special distillation. As an added bonus, the collectible packaging is graced with the artwork of well-known Mexican artists (this editions artist is Mario Garcia Torres). Cheers! If youre here to drink quality over quantity, youve clicked on the right link. As a result, the earthy taste of the Scotch is infused into the tequila, giving it a subtle peaty note. The brand thats perhaps most responsible for elevating the reputation of tequila first partnered with one of the finest French crystal design houses starting in 2015. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, sales of super-premium tequilas have increased by more than 700 percent since 2002, after having emerged from the 19th and 20th century veils of dusty backbar bottles and shooters and into the 21st centurys spotlight of hand-blown decanters and limited editions. Good news for our Jewish friends: Don Julio is a Kosher Tequila as they are labeled with a K. In 2014, Diageo acquired Don Julio as part of a trend in which large Mexican alcohol producers were being sold to foreign corporations. Under the wax dipped seal is one of the smoothest sipping tequilas on the market; offering rich oak and roasted nut tonalities in a sustained finish. The 21 Best Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now - Robb Report - The Best Don Julio Vs Patron - DrinkStack - The Online Beverage Magazine This is something to keep in mind when making a purchasing decision. But this particular bottle is here to show you how misguided those stereotypes are. Find Don Julio Patrn Extra Aejo ($90) . Enrique De Colsa, the brands former head distiller, says that the eponymous label started because Don Julio would store his familys reserve tequila (the good stuff) in barrels in his office, at a time when no one was storing tequila in barrels. The brand was one of the earliest to adopt the aejo category. Don Julio vs Patron Tequila (2023 UPDATED) Don't Miss Out No more guessing. The primary difference is in the aging (the core aejo is aged between 18 and 24 months) and the distillation: 1942 is exclusively distilled in the brands smallest still, Pot Still 6, which produces three barrels per cycle. Tequila Ocho Puntas comes off the still at roughly 128 proof, and is then reduced to 101 proof, using deep well-extracted water from the nearby Tequila Ocho distillery in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. Tres Generaciones Reposado. So, bring out the Bacardi, make your own Fireball cocktail, and throw in that flair to impress your guests!At Liquor Laboratory, we provide updated liquor price estimates. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol. Don Julio 1942 Review - Home - Lui Fernandes Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. And thus, Tequila was born. Our favorite luxury tequilas include Don Julio and Gran Patron. Review our top picks for places to stay in Tokyo before you plan your next vacation. Home Recent Articles From Don Julio to Gran Patron: Our Favorite Luxury Tequilas. Truthfully, Don Julio 1942 is delicious. Its a remarkable blend by Patrn Master Distiller David Rodriguez and his team, of 14 different extra aejo tequilas, each aged for up to eight years in French and American oak casks. It is a great buy if you enjoy drinks on the rocks as it has a sweet palate. He and his family produced a popular label in Mexico called Tres Magueyes before releasing the "good stuff": his familys reserve under the Don Julio label. But no matter what amount of time it has spent in oak, to produce a superior aged tequila, you must start with a superior blanco. Skip to content. The slow cooking reduces caramelization and prevents the juices from turning bitter, thus maintaining the flavor of the agave. As a general guideline, its usually better to opt for cheap Tequilas for mixed drinks. The bottle itself is striking. Aroma is fresh and floral with notes of citrus and sweet roasted agave. In 2015, the label was fully acquired by Diageo. When it comes to cocktails, its often more practical to opt for more affordable options. This tequila brand has proven so many times that it can provide great-tasting drinks, and the Don Julio 70 and 1942 variants are no exception. The initial taste is smooth and sweet, but perhaps a bit too sweet, with prominent flavors of vanilla, caramel, ripe fruit, and a slightly artificial cake batter note. Don Julio 1942 is a tribute to master distiller and company founder Don Julio Gonzlez, who began his craft in 1942. Indeed, this is like no other tequila youve ever tasted before. There really was a Don Julio Gonzles, who began his tequila making journey in 1942. Its a rewarding and satisfying drink that everyone should try at least once. The result, after 14 months of aging, is a tequila for whiskey lovers, with lots of vanilla, caramel and black pepper on the palate, in addition to roasted agave and cinnamon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It has bourbon-like flavors of vanilla and oak, with sweet butterscotch notes complemented by smoky and oaky undertones. The family (along with then-head-distiller Enrique de Colsa) released Don Julio 1942 in 2002, commemorating Gonzles 60 years in the industry. This distillers blanco, reposadoand aejo expressions are each contained in captivating skull-inspired sculptures representing the Mayan, Peruvian and Nicaraguan cultures, and fashioned by local artists. 7 Black Label Tennessee Whiskey Review, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review. Don Julio 70 is an aejo Tequila aged for 18 months in oak barrels. San Matias Reposado 1. Skip to content. Floral, candy and fruit notes accompany the expected grassy agave, oak, and brown sugar flavors. On the palate, this Tequila impresses with its incredible smoothness, delivering rich flavors of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle touch of agave. This benefit also extends to other agave spirits. Ready to escape the city and explore more of England? That third distillation refines the finished product without dulling it down. Bear with me. After four years aging in barrels, theres the expected battery of oak, vanilla, toffee and caramel, but what makes Villa Lobos special is those flavors travel hand in hand with roasted agave that somehow still tastes fresh, alongside pepper and a bit of earth. While I enjoyed the unique flavors of Primavera for a Reposado, I would not purchase it due to its high price point. Don Julio 1942 is an aejo Tequila aged for 30 months in ex-bourbon barrels. Don Julio 1942 is better for sipping than the 70 because of its complex flavor and aroma. As for the Coramino name, It is a made-up word, Beckman admits, combining corazn, which means heart and is also Kevins last name, and camino, which is road, thus making this tequila a heartfelt journey down a smooth and winding road, which is further represented by the bottles design.. Don Julio Reposado offers a well-balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and oaky notes that whiskey drinkers who are curious about agave spirits would appreciate. Nose: Roasted agave, caramel, oak, vanilla, Palate: Agave, vanilla, citrus, caramel, oak. This flavor may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy peaty whisky are likely to appreciate it. With hints of spices, dried fruits, sherry and intense wood. Its distilled twice in copper pot stills, using the centuries-old Charentais method traditionally used to make cognac, before aging in American oak barrels for 36 months. Don Julio vs. Patron Tequila: What's the Difference? The finish is short and overly sweet, lacking in warmth or complexity. 22 Best Tequilas 2023 - Recipes, Party Food, Cooking Guides, Dinner Ideas The aroma of Don Julio Rosado is rich in vanilla, with a hint of honey and a barely perceptible agave note. . Brandy; Gin; Hennessy; Rum; Tequila; Vodka; . His Reposado is a sterling example. Don Julio 1942 is indeed a nice enough anejo tequila, housed in an admittedly beautiful bottle. Herradura celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020 by debuting Legend, which takes advantage of the brands affiliation with spirits behemoth Brown-Forman. You can find me at the confluence of food, beverage and travel. hand-sculpted, hand-painted ceramic decanters.