“Barperrrrrson….. ggggive us all smm shots bro, hookssssup. Whadduya got?”
The besuited bartender pauses with a rag in one hand and Delmonico glass in the other. He looks over the group of inebriated university students staggering about - a scene which presented itself far too often. But alas, it was he who opened the bar and a paying customer was a paying customer.
“Givvvus that fansssy one, the Classsse wudever.”
“Sir, each 2oz glass of that Clase Azul will cost you $45. Are you certain that’s the one you want to shoot?”
“Wutthefuk?? $45?! Oooookay givusss the Jose Cuervo, thankzzz man. APpprecittte it.”
It’s true, Clase Azul is by no means a budget tequila. So what makes it so special? Let’s take a look at the history, their process of creating their products, and of course, some recommendations!
The History
More than two decades ago, Arturo Lomeli, a 23-year-old bar owner in Guadalajara, had a dream – to spread the charm of his Mexican hometown and heritage worldwide. His first attempt at making and selling tequila with a friend didn't quite pan out, so Arturo decided to hit the books and study marketing. That's when the idea struck him – put their top-notch ingredients in a swanky ceramic decanter.
Inspired by their roots, the iconic Clase Azul decanter was born, a creation lovingly crafted by Mexican artisans. The name "Clase Azul" naturally emerged, nodding to the blue agave and the paint of their inaugural Reposado decanter.
The journey wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The decanter was too big for most bar shelves, and the concept of a $100 tequila seemed alien when most were priced under $20. Undeterred, they persevered and, in 2007, founded Tradición Mazahua – a ceramic workshop dedicated to perfecting their decanters. The breakthrough came when Tao Group Hospitality picked up the brand, and sales soared.
Now proudly known as Clase Azul México, they've taken the magic of Mexico to over 85 countries. Through the ups and downs, they've remained true to their roots, preserving the spirit of sharing their vibrant culture. Today, Clase Azul is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the enduring passion for bringing a taste of Mexico to the world.
The Process
The heart of Clase Azul lies in the mineral-rich mountains of Jalisco, Mexico, where the family cultivates their blue agave plants. When harvest time arrives, the agave leaves are carefully removed, revealing the prized core, or piña, of the plant. These piñas undergo a patient slow-cooking process in traditional brick ovens, and once tender, they are milled to extract the sweet juice born during this culinary alchemy.
Moving on to fermentation, the extracted juices undergo a transformation in Clase Azul's patented yeast imparts, creating a flavor profile that stands alone. The elixir then journeys through copper stills, each step contributing to the creation of this distinctive tequila.
Time becomes the master craftsman for the more intricate Clase Azul spirits. Some tequilas are aged in various oak barrels, maturing for months to years, adding layers of complexity to tantalize the palate. The final touch? Bottling these liquid treasures in the brand's signature artisan-made decanters – the lime wedge on top.
Tthose fancy blue and white bottles that Clase Azul is known for are actually pretty darn practical too. These decanters aren't just about looking good on your shelf – they're like pieces of art, each one carefully handmade.
Every brushstroke on those decanters tells a story that's deeply rooted in Mexican culture and traditions. It's not just a bottle; it's a little piece of history, crafted with love and a nod to where it all began.
Now, let's dive into the background behind these beauties:
The Recommendations
Clase Azul Tequila Plata:
For those who appreciate the crisp taste of silver tequila, we present Clase Azul Tequila Plata. It's a lively, unaged blend boasting sweet notes of citrus, mint, guava, and vanilla. Encased in a sleek glass decanter, this tequila lets its crystal-clear beauty shine through.
Clase Azul Tequila Reposado:
In the iconic decanter that started it all, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is a true masterpiece. Each stroke on the cobalt blue ceramic decanter is hand-painted by skilled Mexican artisans. A symbol of Mexican heritage, this tequila is aged in American whiskey casks, offering delightful hints of vanilla and hazelnut.
Clase Azul Gold Tequila:
Inspired by the magical moment just before dusk, Clase Azul Gold Tequila captures nature's beauty. Six years in the making, the bottle fuses glass to a black ceramic base, combining plata with a specially aged reposado and extra añejo. The result? Sweet and savory notes of fig, toasted wood, and green olives.
Clase Azul Añejo Tequila:
Patience pays off with Clase Azul Añejo Tequila. Aged for 25 months in American whiskey casks, this tequila boasts notes of nutmeg, clove, and toasted oak. The unique decanter design pays homage to Mazahua indigenous culture, symbolizing the earth's fertility, water's life-giving force, and the tequila's heart and soul.
Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra Tequila:
For tequila enthusiasts and collectors, Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra is a 14-year labor of love. Crafted with platinum, silver, and 24-karat gold, the bottle is a work of art. Meticulously painted without seeing the metallic hues until firing, it's a masterpiece that takes years of skill to perfect.
Clase Azul Mezcal Durango:
Sourced from Durango in Northern Mexico, Clase Azul Mezcal Durango features a unique agave plant variation. The decanter, hand-crafted by the Mazahua people, uses raw black clay symbolizing the smoky taste of this top-notch mezcal.
Clase Azul Mezcal Papalote Guerrero Tequila:
In homage to the rich culture of Guerrero, Clase Azul Mezcal Papalote features a jade green decanter adorned with a four-petaled flower. Representing ancestral wisdom and the warrior spirit of Mexican women, this mezcal is a tribute to a lesser-known region abundant in landscapes and strong female leadership.
Feel free to browse our selection of Clase Azul here. We have bundles for sale to give your home bar that top-shelf (a tall one) touch!
