Tequila Brand To Know- Clase Azul

FINE FooD, SPIRIT & WINE

Tequila brand to know-
Clase Azul

A tequila drawn out of the handmade legacy of Mexican culture

SEPTEMBER 2022

- team luxe List

A tequila dedicated to its traditions, Clase Azul is the home of Mexican traditions. Clase Azul celebrates and honours the rich cultural traditions of Mexico's historical past and those very much alive in the present. The brand takes pride in sharing its passion for the craft and customs of the country. The name, Clase Azul, was born from the inherent nature as the name translates to "blue class", a celebratory reference to the shades of blue agave the spirits are made from.

The iconic decanter, a unique creation in the world made by the hands of Mexican artisans, began the dream. Made by founder and tequilero Arturo Lomeli, Clase was crafted to symbolise Mexican luxury 25 years ago and thus the journey began. Clase Azul’s range of tequilas and mezcals are made from quality agave plants found throughout Mexico. Made with Blue Weber agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco and rare agave species found in the mountains, each of Clase’s spirits is meant to showcase the characteristics of the country.

In 2007 the investors at Clase Azul launched the Tradición Mazahua—a ceramic workshop in which Clase Azul artisans commit themselves to create decanters, tributes to Mexican culture. Showing its dedication to local artisans, Clase Azul developed Fundación con Causa Azul, a non-profit organisation that protects and elevates Mexican folk art. The foundation collaborates with artisan communities throughout Mexico and works to preserve traditional artist techniques like pottery and basalt stone carving.

A Taste of Culture

In 2021, Clase Azul ventured into a unique dining and tequila tasting experience called A Taste of Culture. Boarded at Clase Azul Boutique in Los Cabos, Mexico, the tasting enables attendees to explore the history behind tequila while enjoying traditionally prepared Mexican cuisine. The exclusive event is held for eight people and lasts about two hours. This vibrant event, designed with professional collectors in mind, will introduce you to five of the icons and will provide you with a new and memorable perspective on the complex, rich and tasteful cuisine and traditions of Mexico.

To transcend and represent the traditional Mexican culture around the world with creations and spaces that reveal the heart of Mexico, today Clase Azul shares and flourishes the magic of Mexico with more than 55 countries.

Clase Azul Tequila Gold

"Taste the Sunset", as the Clase Azul Tequila Gold speaks, "Before dusk, there is a delightful moment when darkness embraces the light. This precious moment inspired this combination of spirits, pouring into a shimmering glass decanter fused to a night-coloured ceramic base."Clase Azul Tequila Gold is an incomparable tequila Joven, a blend that connects Clase Azul Tequila Plata with a special reposado tequila matured in French oak casks and an Extra Añejo aged in American whiskey casks and finished in sherry casks.

Decanter- The Clase Azul Tequila Gold decanter challenges the impossible: its shimmering glass is fused against a black ceramic base, a technique that took our experts 6 years to develop.

Pairing- Recommended with seafood and fish with a high-fat content (tuna, salmon, octopus, lobster, shrimp, mussels, and clams) cooked with butter and yellow lemon (avoid limes). Kalamata olive tapenade and brie cheese tapas. Semi-bitter or white chocolate with citrus jam or citrus ice cream.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Soft amber with golden sparkles.

Body: Medium body.

Aroma: Agave syrup, green apple, orange peel, fresh fig, raisins, light note of almond and walnut.

Taste: Toasted wood, fig, green olive, ginger, cocoa/dark chocolate.

Master Artisan

Decanter- The striking artwork on the handcrafted decanter was inspired by the beauty of long-plumed pheasants. These birds symbolise light, prosperity, the sun, and wealth in various cultures. The blue colour used for these illustrations represents the sky, air, and water. The decanter also portrays five and six-petalled flowers–symbols that are traditionally used in artisanal clay techniques in Tonalá, a small town in Jalisco renowned as the “cradle of ceramics” in Mexico.

Blend - Master Distiller, Viridiana Tinoco, created the longest-aged blend in Clase Azul’s history. This extraordinary 8-year-old extra añejo tequila began its journey in casks previously used for American whiskey, where it was aged for 64 months. For the following 41 months of ageing, the tequila was distributed into three different types of sherry casks: amontillado, oloroso, and Pedro ximénez, resulting in a blend with incomparable complexity.

Tasting Notes

Master Artisan is the first limited edition of the Clase Azul Master Artisans collection. It is the embodiment of Mexican artisanal tradition since it combines the knowledge of their Master Distiller, Viridiana Tinoco, with the virtuosity of Ángel Santos, one of the most influential Mexican artisans in Mexico.

Colour: Copper with light greenish highlights.

Body: Full body.

Aroma: Sweet plum, fresh grapes, orange, red berries, sweet pear, and toasted oak.

Taste: Orange peel, berries, and notes of toasted wood.

After Taste: Long, toasted oak and tobacco.

Exquisite Serve

This extraordinary tequila should be enjoyed neat in a tasting glass (two are included in the decanter's case).

Aniversario

Aniversario signifies Clase Azul's journey as in the past 25 years, the brand has come a long way. It is also a way for them to thank all the individuals who have been part of this journey.

Colour: brilliant golden amber.

Body: medium.

Aroma: agave syrup, banana, woody notes, toasted coconut, soft vanilla, a hint of caramel, semi-bitter chocolate, apple and malted grain.

Palate: notes of caramel, vanilla, almond, agave syrup and banana; toasted oak finish, cocoa, slight earthy mineral character

Tasting Notes

Decanter- To celebrate the Mexican legacy, Clase Azul created the first decanter completely painted in a distinctive cobalt blue colour. Inspired by dandelion seeds being carried by the wind, its feathered motifs embody Clase Azul México's expansion across the world.