Don Julio 1942

Probably the most iconic tequila bottle in the world, the sleek long neck of Don Julio 1942 (750ml) is ubiquitous in high-end bars and nightclubs. Renowned as the original premium tequila, it is celebrated for its smooth, rich character, enjoyed neat or adding a touch of class to exclusive cocktails.

Why Don Julio 1942 Stands Out

Aged for at least two and a half years, it exceeds typical Añejo standards. Its smooth finish and intricate flavours attract tequila enthusiasts worldwide. Connoisseurs choose it for its warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave notes.

As a symbol of refinement and sophistication, Don Julio 1942 is a 38% ABV (alcohol by volume) tequila that transforms any occasion into a celebration.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Inhale rich caramel and chocolate aromas with a hint of oak.

Palate

Savour warm oak, creamy vanilla, and roasted agave, balanced with subtle
spice.

Finish

Enjoy a lingering oak and rich vanilla aftertaste, smooth and elegant.

Serving and Presentation

Don Julio 1942 shines when sipped neat in a snifter or served on the rocks to enhance its complex flavours. For the more adventurous, try it in a premium Margarita or a tequila Old Fashioned.

Cocktail Suggestions

Try it in a premium Margarita or a tequila Old Fashioned. Serve on the rocks to enhance its complex flavours.

Bottling and Packaging

Don Julio 1942 arrives in a sleek, agave-leaf-shaped bottle. Its frosted glass and etched 1942 logo exude elegance. The tall, tapered design, paired with a wood-cork stopper, adds a touch of sophistication and stands proudly in any bar.

Product Heritage

In 1942, 17-year-old Don Julio González founded his distillery, La Primavera, in the highlands of Jalisco. His passion revolutionised tequila production. Passionate about quality, he planted the agaves further apart to achieve optimal growth. Each plant matured over six to seven years.

Don Julio 1942, launched to honour his legacy, became a global icon. Variations like Don Julio Blanco and Ultima Reserva complement the range. Crafted at 6500 feet, the Highlands’ microclimate enhances its flavour. This tequila embodies Mexico’s spirit.

How Don Julio 1942 is Made

The process behind Don Julio 1942 begins with hand-picked Blue Weber agave, which takes between 7 and 10 years to fully mature. Skilled jimadors carefully select the largest and sweetest piñas, trimming away the leaves by hand.

The piñas are then cut into pieces and slowly steamed in traditional masonry ovens for 48 hours, allowing the natural sugars to break down and develop Don Julio 1942’s signature depth and smoothness.

The extracted agave juice, known as mosto, is fermented for over 26 hours using a proprietary yeast strain. The spirit is then double distilled in copper pot stills to refine its character before being aged for two and a half years in American white oak barrels. The result is a rich, deep amber tequila with exceptional depth and complexity.

Awards and Accolades

• Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, recognising its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
• Named one of the Top Trending Tequilas at the 2020 Drinks International Awards, highlighting its global popularity.
• Served as the official tequila partner of the Governors Ball — the Oscars after-party — for seven consecutive years.
• Featured at the 2024 Academy Awards, where host Jimmy Kimmel highlighted Don Julio 1942 by sharing margaritas with guests, with mini bottles gifted to attendees.
• Honoured with the ‘Best of 2025’ award at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards EXPO.
• Widely celebrated as a go-to tequila at high-profile events and international film festivals around the world.

Community and Social Impact

• Don Julio supports community initiatives in Mexico with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural heritage.
• In 2023, Diageo invested around £4.6 million in water preservation and sanitation projects in Jalisco, helping improve access to clean water and environmental quality for local communities.
• The Tequila Don Julio Fund was established with a $1 million commitment (£800k+) over four years to charities supporting bartenders, chefs, and agave harvesters, administered by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.
• During Hispanic Heritage Month, the fund partners with the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) to award $20,000 grants to Hispanic entrepreneurs.
• For Cinco de Mayo, Don Julio has supported initiatives benefiting hospitality workers with a $125,000 donation to organisations such as the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

Experience Don Julio 1942

Raise a glass with Don Julio 1942 and celebrate one of life’s finest moments. Crafted from hand-selected Blue Weber agave and aged to perfection, this iconic añejo tequila delivers timeless elegance in every sip. Order Don Julio 1942 online today and discover one of the world’s most celebrated luxury tequilas.