Handmade and individually painted, each bottle of Clase Azul is a unique and charming work of ceramic art. In the small Mexican town of Santa Maria Canchesda, over 100 artisans are employed just to produce these trade-mark bottles. The beautifully handcrafted flasks of Clase Azul are statuesque and are indeed meant to be kept and reused. This particular bottle presents garlands of vibrant blue leaves, has a silver agave medallion and a domed metal stopper. A striking introduction to a rather fine Reposado tequila.
Clase Azul tequila is made using only 100% organic Tequilana Weber Blue agaves. This is, in fact, the only kind of agave out of 200 varieties that is permitted in the production of traditional tequila. These spikey plants take years to mature and are harvested when inulin, the agave carbohydrate, is at its most characterful. Once harvested, the agaves are cooked in old-fashioned brick ovens for 72 hours.
After they are cooked, the piñas, the core of the agave plants, are crushed to extract the juices, which are then mixed with a yeast. The fermentation follows, which converts the sugary liquid to alcohol which is then distilled to create this distinctive spirit.
Deep, complex flavour
This ultra-premium brand of tequila is produced in one of the highest areas in Los Altos, or the Highlands. The town of Jesus Maria in the region of Jalisco is celebrated for its production of traditional tequila.
Clase Azul Reposado, or ‘rested’ tequila, is a spirit with a deep, complex flavour. Once the tequila is distilled, it is aged for 8 months in oak barrels which adds smoothness and even more layers of flavour.
Clase Azul is perfect for sipping neat and I enjoy it with a large chunk of ice and a log fire, although a purist might blanch at the thought of such a prime product being in any way diluted. Try it with or without ice, but DO try it!
Appearance: clear, medium amber
Nose: caramel, cedar, nuts, raisins
Palate: texture – rich and mouth-filling, smooth
Flavour: agave, dried fruit, vanilla, almonds and delicious caramel
Finish: warming, medium length
A well-balanced and well-crafted tequila of character.
Where to find Clase Azul tequila: Spirit Cartel – gabrielle@spiritcartel.com