Don Julio is a legendary name in the tequila world, with a story that helped shape the category.
In 1942, a young Don Julio González received a loan to open his first distillery, La Primavera, and the rest is history. Often credited as Mexico’s original luxury tequila brand, Don Julio set a new standard for premium tequila.
Although the brand wasn’t introduced to the United States until 1987, it quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading luxury tequilas on the market.
Don Julio 1942 was created to honor the year Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey. Today, it is produced at Diageo México Operaciones (NOM 1449).
Don Julio 1942 is one of the most recognizable bottles in the spirits industry. Its tall, elegant shape is inspired by a penca, the leaf of the agave plant, making it instantly recognizable on retail shelves, back bars, and in nightclub bottle service.
Don Julio uses 100% Blue Weber agave sourced from the Highlands of Jalisco. This 1942 expression is aged for a minimum of 24 months in ex-bourbon American white oak barrels, making it an añejo.
Nose: oak, vanilla, honey, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, and burnt brown sugar
Palate: oak, cinnamon, vanilla, barrel spice, clove, toffee, black pepper, and a rich, creamy mouthfeel
Finish: long and warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, oak, baking spices, and sweet caramel.
Beyond the liquid itself, the cultural impact of Don Julio is undeniable. From movies and music to nightlife and celebrations, few tequila brands have had the same influence on popular culture.
Whether you’re a longtime tequila enthusiast or just getting started, Don Julio 1942 remains one of the category’s most iconic bottles.
NOM | 1449 |
|---|---|
Agave | Jalisco (Los Altos) |
Cooking | Stone or brick ovens |
Extraction | Roller mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Stainless steel tanks |
Still | Stainless pot with copper coil |
Age | 24+ months in American white oak bourbon barrels |
ABV | 40% |
