Crafted from 100% organic blue agaves and encased in handcrafted decanters, everything about Clase Azul is an embodiment of artisanship. It takes over 8 to 10 years to mature for the agave plants to mature before they are ready for harvest. Then the tequila is made by undergoing a meticulous process, including cooking in brick ovens for over 72 hours, then a double-distillation where a ‘discontinuous distillation’ is used. Clase Azul tequilas are then aged in selective chosen barrels.
The vessel it comes in is also thoughtfully created, ensuring each decanter is unique and special. Originating from Santa Maria Canchesda, each decanter is crafted from unfired ceramic and sculpted and painted by native Mazahua artisans over 11 days. The vessels bears the iconic agave emblem and feather ornaments, making the bottles more than just liquor bottles but exquisite decorative pieces.
We had the chance to taste all 5 Clase Azul tequilas at Annabell KL. Each tequila has a different colour, aroma and palate due to its ageing process. Put away all you knew about tequila – Clase Azul will make you a convert to this excellent drink of choice. Before you know it, you’ll be exclusively drinking only tequila.
Clase Azul Plata: A faithful portrayal of agave
Bright, crisp and always refreshing, this tequila is bottled straight after distillation without aging making it the base for all of Clase Azul tequilas. It has a light to medium body with hints of vanilla, green apple and lemongrass. The Clase Azul Plata has a touch of sweetness with fresh aromas of orange, lemon and mint.
Colour: Clear, bright with silver highlights.
Taste: Vanilla, meyer lemon, fresh mint and a hint of green guava.
Best paired with: seafood in citrus dressings, sashimi, fresh fruits and mild cheeses.
Clase Azul Reposado: The artisanal signature
As the essence and heritage of Clase Azul, this tequila carries the iconic design on its decanter where it is recognised worldwide. Aged in American oak barrels for 8 months, the smooth and rich palate of the Reposado is widely regarded as the best reposado tequila in the world. It has a medium body with light notes of cinnamon and banana with aromas of Agave, vanilla, candied orange peel and American oak.
Colour: Gold with bright yellow highlights.
Taste: Hazelnut, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon and a subtle note of agave nectar.
Best paired with: grilled meats and vegetables, melon with Serrano ham and dark chocolate.
Clase Azul Gold: Taste the sunset
Inspired by Mexican sunsets, this tequila is a unique blend of Clase Azul Plata and an 8-year-old Extra Añejo, a special reposado tequila aged in first-use French oak casks, then in American whisky casks then finished in sherry casks. Even the decanter it comes in reflects this blend, with a glistening glass decanter and dark ceramic base. This medium-bodied tequila has aromas of Agave, green apple, orange peel, fresh fig, raising and light notes of almond and walnut.
Colour: Soft amber with golden sparkles.
Taste: Toasted wood, fig, green olive, ginger, cocoa (or dark chocolate)
Best paired with: seafood and fatty fish, Kalamata olive tapenade, Brie cheese, semi-bitter or white chocolate with citrus jam or citrus sorbet.
Clase Azul Añejo: The exquisite tale of Agave
A loving tribute to the indigenous Mazahua people and their historic heritage in both palate and presentation, this tequila’s amber hue and strong aroma is the result of a 25-month long ageing process in American oak barrels. This full-bodied tequila has strong aromas of toffee, cinnamon, clove, roasted hazelnuts, Mexican vanilla, orange and quince marmalade and toasted oak.
Colour: Amber with copper highlights
Taste: Nutmeg, clove, orange marmalade, toasted oak with a silky mouthfeel.
Best paired with: pork or duck with fruit reduction sauces, earthy or creamy cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts.
Clase Azul Ultra: Exquisiteness of time
Literally the physical embodiment of premium artisanship, this tequila takes a lengthy 14 years to produce, where 5 years is spent in American whiskey and Spanish sherry casks. This contributes to the Ultra’s unique flavour profile. The intense oak aromas also has sherry, dried plums, apricot, cherries, maple syrup and hazelnut – all contributing to the textures and complex flavours of the full-bodied tequila. The decanter is also a work of art made exclusively for collectors as it is gracefully adorned with precious metals such as platinum, silver and 24-karat gold – all lovingly made by the most skilled of artisans who spent years mastering their craft.
Colour: Dark amber with copper highlights
Taste: Dried plums, cinnamon, crème caramel, vanilla and crystallized ginger.
Best paired with: a decadent pear tartlet and chocolate-orange truffle.
Images by Clase Azul.