Don Julio 1942 Reserva 50ML

Don Julio 1942 Reserva 50ML is a 50ml miniature of the iconic añejo tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression has become one of the most recognized premium tequilas worldwide.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Los Altos Highlands, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Añejo (Aged 30 Months)  |  Distillery: Tequila Don Julio, S.A. de C.V. (NOM 1449)

Production & Heritage

Tequila Don Julio was founded by Don Julio González in 1942 in Atotonilco El Alto, a town in the Los Altos Highlands of Jalisco known for producing iron-rich red clay soils that yield sweeter, fruitier agave. The 1942 expression is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, slow-cooked and distilled twice using steam coil heated stainless steel pot stills. What distinguishes it from the rest of the Don Julio range is a dedicated smaller still — number 6 — reserved exclusively for the second distillation of 1942 and the ultra-premium Don Julio Real. The spirit then rests for a minimum of 30 months in recharred American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, developing its signature richness and depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm oak and roasted agave greet the nose first, followed by layers of vanilla and butterscotch. A subtle mintiness and tropical fruit emerge as the tequila opens up in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is creamy caramel reminiscent of vanilla flan, transitioning to sweet roasted agave at mid-palate. Dark chocolate and coffee grounds arrive as the flavors deepen, balanced by hints of Sauternes-like stone fruit and a whisper of smoke.

Finish: Clean and long, with echoes of mint and red apples coated in caramel. The butterscotch sweetness lingers alongside gentle oak tannins, never turning bitter or astringent.

How to Drink Don Julio 1942

The 50ml format is ideal for tasting neat at room temperature, where the full complexity of the 30-month aging emerges without dilution. A single ice cube can open up the tropical fruit and chocolate notes for those who prefer a slightly chilled sip. Three cocktails where 1942 shines: an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and oak depth substitutes beautifully for bourbon; a Tequila Sidecar, where the butterscotch sweetness pairs with orange liqueur and citrus; and a Café con Tequila, an after-dinner serve that amplifies the natural coffee and dark chocolate undertones.

Best For

• Sampling a luxury añejo before committing to a full bottle
• Gifting as part of a curated tequila tasting flight
• Celebratory toasts where a single refined pour is all that's needed
• Travel-friendly companion for a premium sipping experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Don Julio 1942 taste like? Don Julio 1942 leads with creamy caramel and vanilla flan flavors, followed by dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and a hint of mint. The roasted agave sweetness is prominent throughout, finishing clean with butterscotch and gentle oak.

How does Don Julio 1942 compare to Herradura Selección Suprema? Both are premium aged tequilas from Jalisco's Highlands, but they sit in different age categories — Don Julio 1942 is aged 30 months as an añejo, while Herradura Selección Suprema is an extra añejo aged for 49 months. Herradura tends to present darker, more tannic wood influence, whereas 1942 emphasizes creamy sweetness and a lighter oak profile.

Is Don Julio 1942 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 30 months of barrel aging produce a smooth, complex spirit at 40% ABV that rewards slow, undiluted sipping. Wine Enthusiast's 94-point rating reflects its quality as a stand-alone sipper.

Where is Don Julio 1942 made? Don Julio 1942 is produced at the Tequila Don Julio distillery (NOM 1449) in Atotonilco El Alto, located in the Los Altos Highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico. This highland area sits at roughly 2,100 meters elevation, producing agave with higher sugar content.

What foods pair well with Don Julio 1942? Dark chocolate truffles complement the coffee and cacao notes naturally present in the tequila. Grilled stone fruits like peaches echo its butterscotch sweetness. Mole negro mirrors the complexity of roasted agave and spice. Aged Manchego cheese offers a savory counterpoint to the caramel richness. Flan or crème brûlée align seamlessly with the vanilla and caramelized sugar character.

What sizes does Don Julio 1942 come in? Don Julio 1942 is available in this 50ml miniature as well as the standard 750ml bottle and a larger 1.75L format.

Is Don Julio 1942 worth the price? Don Julio 1942 positions firmly in the premium añejo tier, competing against other luxury-class aged tequilas. Its dedicated distillation process using still #6, 30 months of aging in recharred barrels, and consistent critical acclaim — including 94 points from Wine Enthusiast — support its standing at this price level.

Why Don Julio 1942?

The use of a dedicated smaller still for the second distillation is a production detail that few tequila brands can claim — still #6 is reserved for only two expressions in the entire Don Julio portfolio. That level of purpose-built distillation, combined with 30 months in recharred American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, produces a tequila that earned both a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. In the 50ml format, it serves as an accessible entry point into one of the most critically recognized añejo tequilas on the market. For anyone building a tequila education or assembling a tasting flight, this miniature delivers the full 1942 experience without requiring a full-bottle investment.