March 23, 2007 I was hesitant about Cabo Wabo tequila, after all what does Sammy Hagar know about making tequila, so I just ordered a shot at a restaurant to try it. Wow, was I surprised. The aroma hit me hard with agave, and the taste and feel came along to support the nose. I was drinking tequila and eating crow at the same time. After a bit of research, I found that Sammy had fallen in love with an artesanal tequila that was out of business by the time he was ready to invest. He took a sample around to a dozen or more small tequilerias to find someone who made or could make something similar. The plan was to serve it in his cantina in Cabo, but he ended up liking it enough to bottle and gain wider distribution. I have not tried the repo or anejo versions, but the silver is great and a good buy in the $35 to $40 range. I plan to buy a bottle soon.

Con mucho gusto, Buzz

 March 23, 2007 I was somewhat disappointed in CN Crystal after the glowing reviews. The aroma particularly fell short of that noted in other reviews. CN Crystal is a good blanco, but to my taste it is not an outstanding one. These things are personal, but I prefer the blancos from Herradura, Cabo Wabo, and Don Julio over Crystal. I don't know if it is possible to get a bad bottle or if the new version referred to in March 2006 just does not measure up, but my impressions were certainly different from the earlier reviewers.

Con much gusto, Buzz

 January 26, 2007 Don Julio 1942 was the tequila that started my interest in premium tequilas. I had drunk loads of margaritas and shots. I had bought bottles of Perseverancia and Gran Centenario 100% de agave while in Mexico, and I had enjoyed them all on a casual when I'm in the mood basis. My first taste of DJ 1942 made me feel like I had really never tasted tequila before. The nose has very appealing notes of vanilla and butter. The initial taste has a strong roasted agave flavor with many complex subtle flavors edging around. There is some oak present, but it is not as strong as in most anejos, and perhaps that is what allows the agave to shine through. If I let the tequila roll under my tounge, I get a noticeable smoky flavor. It has a very smooth mouth feel with almost the consistency of honey on the tounge. As I swallow, I get a burst of vapor up my throat into the nasal passages that brings the vanilla and butter back into play. It has a pleasant finish with just enough black pepper to remind you that this is tequila. The bottle is tall with agave leaf shapes formed into it and a bulbous wooden screw cap.

Overall, this is the best tequila I have ever tasted. The price is high at around $100 for a 750 ml bottle, but I would rather have one bottle of Don Julio 1942 than two bottles of most of the $50 premium tequilas I have tasted.