Did you know that tequila was the second-fastest growing spirits category in 2021? As the tequila and mezcal craze rages on, there’s one tequila in particular that you’ll want to get to know: Clase Azul. Not only does Clase Azul tequila come with a silky smooth flavor with hints of hazelnut and vanilla, but the tequila comes in an eye-catching blue and white decanter that’s handmade by Mexican artisans.
There’s a lot to know about this fascinating and tasty tequila so buckle up and prepare for the ride as we take you all the way down to Guadalajara, Mexico, to explore the origins of Clase Azul tequila and its current impact on the tequila industry.
What Is Clase Azul Tequila?
Clase Azul tequila is typically distilled twice and has a smooth, mellow taste. It is often served neat or on the rocks. Then, when you finish a bottle, display the beautifully handcrafted decanter on your bar shelf. Clase Azul tequila is a premium brand of tequila that originated in Mexico in 1997. The goal? Create a tequila brand that personifies and celebrates Mexican culture. The process? The agave plants used to make the tequila are grown in the highlands of Los Altos de Jalisco. We’ll get into the production process in just a bit, but first, let’s talk about the origin of this tequila brand.
The founder, Arturo Lomeli, created the Clase Azul tequila brand in the late 1990s. Since then, the company has become known for its high-quality tequilas, which are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of eight months. You can also enjoy two Clase Azul mezcal varieties. Clase Azul tequila is currently available in three different varieties: Plata, Reposado, and Añejo. The Plata variety is the most popular and available for online alcohol delivery (and honestly, the cheapest!). The Reposado variety is aged for eight months in oak barrels, while the Añejo variety is aged for at least one year.
Clase Azul Tequila Production
How is tequila from Clase Azul produced and what makes it so different from other tequilas on the market? When it comes to Clase Azul Reposado, the difference lies in the fact that it’s made with 100% Blue Weber Agave. Not only that but the premium agave is slow-cooked to lend a bit of a smoother, more uniform taste. The result is unlike any other reposado tequila you’ve tasted.
While this tequila from Clase Azul is the signature tequila they make and sell, other popular tequilas include Clase Azul Plata, Clase Azul Añejo, and the most recent Clase Azul 25th Anniversary Edition. Each comes with its own unique and handmade decanter. However, the production process is similar in that they all come from the agave grown in a particular area of Jalisco. This area has somewhat of a higher altitude. This gives the plans a bit of a fruiter, sweeter taste.
What Does Clase Azul Tequila Taste Like?
Regardless of which Clase Azul tequila you try, you can expect a super smooth taste. This is what really sets this tequila brand apart. It’s also what justifies the price tag. However, each tequila does come with slightly different tasting notes. While we briefly discussed the flavor profile of Clase Azul Reposado above, let’s dive into the flavors of their other varieties of tequila.
Añejo
If you love sweeter tequilas then you’ll definitely be into the Clase Azul Añejo Tequila. Upon opening the bottle your senses are tritest to a mixture of sweet yet somehow familiar smells of Mexican vanilla, cloves and cinnamon, toffee, and roasted hazelnut. If you smell it long enough you’ll likely pick up on a hint of toasted oak, too.
The taste is similar in that it’s heavy on the clove and nutmeg. It’s mixed with a slight taste of silky sweet orange marmalade, though.
Ultra Añejo
It’s important to note that the Ultra Tequila is aged for five whole years in casks that contained sherry. So it comes as no surprise that this tequila features tasting notes of dried plums and sherry. However, you might also get hints of cinnamon in the taste along with candied ginger. In terms of the aroma, expect to smell the same dried oak that is present in the taste along with a hint of cherries and even intense oak and hazelnut.
Gold
More than the taste of the Clase Azul Gold Tequila is the aroma. The rich amber color of the tequila looks, well, actually gold. However, as soon as you open the bottle, it smells slightly of almond and walnut. Then you get a whiff of fresh figs and orange peels. In terms of flavors, expect a strong taste of toasted wood (due to the aging methods mentioned above), fig, ginger, and cocoa. Overall, it’s a medium-bodied tequila displayed in a beautiful decanter. In fact, it took the brand six years to perfect the look of the Clase Azul Gold Tequila bottle!
How to Drink Clase Azul Tequila
This smooth, full-bodied tequila has a complex flavor profile that makes it a versatile choice for pairing with food. Clase Azul pairs especially well with fish and seafood dishes, thanks to its delicate citrus notes. A Brie cheese platter and crackers are the perfect pairings as an appetizer.
When it comes down to it, whether you’re looking for simple sipping tequila or something to pair with your favorite food, Clase Azul is a great option. The sweetness of the tequila also pairs well with fruit-based desserts or even chocolate. So, don’t be afraid to serve this tequila with dessert instead of the main course!
What Are the Different Types of Clase Azul Tequila?
What are your options when it comes to tequila from Clase Azul? Currently, you’ve got more than a few:
- Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
- Clase Azul Plata Tequila
- Clase Azul Añejo Tequila
- Clase Azul Ultra Extra Añejo Tequila
And, of course, you have the brand’s two mezcals you can also choose from (note, the mezcals tend to have even more intricate bottles than the Clase Azul tequila bottles!):
Not sure which to try first? If you’re new to tequila, we recommend starting with their signature reposado. However, if you’re a more experienced tequila drinker then you can’t miss the Clase Azul Tequila Gold. This is a mix of Clase Azul Tequila Plata with a special version of their reposado. They take that mix and let it age in French oak casks. Then, they age their Extra Añejo Tequila in American whiskey casks. The final result gets aged in sherry casks and voila…you’ve got the Gold.
It’s an exquisite mix of flavors that taste of toasted wood, cocoa, and slight hints of ginger. Pair it with some white chocolate and citrus jam and you’re golden.
