It started with a dream, one dreamt over a quarter of a century ago. The goal was obvious, bring the magic and rich traditions of Mexican culture to the world. To do so would require a blend of exquisite and beautifully crafted artisanship combined with premium quality tequila. Thus, Clase Azul was born and since its inception all those years ago, it has remained consistent in its focus on quality.
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Rich history of artisanship
One of the few brands known as much for its intricately crafted decanters as it is for the liquid inside, each decanter speaks a different tale of Mexico. From the exquisite designs to the splashes of colour, each bottle tells a story. A story that is meticulously crafted over seven long detailed days. On day one, clay powder is mixed with water and other components before being poured into molds creating the decanter’s silhouette. On day two, the artisans will spend hours unmolding the decanters (each!). They are then polished further by the artisans. This process is done completely by hand.
On day three, the decanters are placed into a device that exposes them to hot temperatures in order to firm the clay allowing artisans to handle them without breaking. By day four, the artisans apply, by hand, a glaze on the exterior and interior of the decanters to ensure no liquids penetrate the ceramic. On the fifth day, each decanter is hand brushed giving it an original touch. The recognizable feather patterns are initially added in a pink colour and each decanter is worked on by five different artisans.
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On day six, each piece is heated for a second time. The glaze vitrifies and the pink paint applied the day before takes on an intense blue giving it the iconic colour the decanter is known for. On the final day, each decanter is carefully inspected both on the exterior and interior to check for any scars or cracks. From there, the Clase Azul symbol is applied by hand to the center of the decanter.
The many faces of Clase Azul
Clase Azul carries with each bottle a distinct and unique feature. No two bottles are the same, a result of the fact they are each handcrafted. Some come with stories honouring celebrations of Mexico like the stunning Clase Azul Tequila Día de Muertos Edición Limitada Aromas. Others display the elegant decor of the earthenware traditions of Jalisco. Whichever decanter you come across, you usually have to take a moment to take it all in.
Clase Azul tequila Reposado
The Clase Azul Tequila Reposado is a symbol of Mexican tradition and culture. This ultra-premium reposado is made with slow-cooked 100% Blue Weber Agave. With a nice vanilla and candied orange peel aroma, the flavour profile includes hazelnuts, vanilla and cinnamon. The reposado pairs well with tendorloin or aged cheese. Desert lovers will want something chocolate-flavoured with this.
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Clase Azul Tequila Día de Muertos Edición Limitada
In celebration of Día de Muertos, Clase Azul released a limited edition bottle with an aromatic añejo tequila that was aged for 25 months in American whiskey casks and finished in Armagnac casks. Made by the Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco, this tequila gives whiffs of peach, pear, raisins and more. The front of the decanter is adorned with an ornament bathed in 24-karat gold with a fine patina finish featuring bas-relief representations of the legends related to Día de Muertos and an arrangement of encapsulated cempasúchil petals.
Clase Azul Tequila Ultra
Dubbed the crown jewel of the Clase Azul portfolio, the Tequila Ultra is designed for the collector at heart. A gorgeous decanter (personal favourite) with a liquid aged for five years in American whiskey casks and then followed by Spanish casks that previously contained sherry. Pair this with smoked meats or semi-mature cheeses and your palate will thank you.
Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero
The Clase Azul Mescal Guerrero reveals one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets: the little-explored region of Guerrero. From the landscape to the gastronomy, the inspiration behind this decanter is plenty. The flavour comes from a very rare variety of agave known as the papalote agave. Pair it with a semi-fatty fish and shellfish or some tapas and you’re golden. White chocolate lovers will enjoy pairing this one.
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Clase Azul Tequila Gold
From dusk till dawn is the saying and this bottle embodies that transition from darkness to light. The Tequila Gold is a blend that combines 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. A seafood lovers delight, pair this with high-fatty seafood such as tuna, salmon or lobster.
The trio
Of course there are other bottles absolutely worth consideration including the Clase Azul Mezcal Durango, the Tequila Plata and the Tequila Añejo. But among some of the limited edition options include the Clase Azule Cobalto, Canela and Guirnalda.
Whether you’re a collector, a tequila enthusiast or looking for that ideal gift for the connoisseur on your list, Clase Azul has plenty of options to choose from.
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