Edition of Master Artisans / @claseazulofficial
Mention tequila shots at a party and watch a grimace go around the room before everyone begrudgingly agrees to take one. Clase Azul, a tequila brand from Mexico, has been slowly but surely changing that perception about this unique spirit for the last 25 years.
The brand is dedicated to not only producing high-quality tequila. Clase Azul also takes pride in its artisanship, authenticity, and the culture that goes into the spirit that is receiving high praise from tequila connoisseurs worldwide. Clase Azul tequila is made using blue agave grown in Los Altos de Jalisco, a red earth region in Mexico where the elevation, climatic conditions, and minerals from the earth lend to the unique properties of the plant.
The agave, which takes eight to ten years to mature, is harvested and its leaves removed to expose the piña, the core, which is then slow-cooked in brick ovens for two to three days. This process causes a formation of sugars which is then milled for extraction then fermented with Clase Azul’s own patented yeast, and finally distilled twice in copper stills. After the double distillation process, the tequila is then left to mature in casks made from various types of wood. When ready, the tequila is bottled into beautiful, signature decanters that are individually sculpted and hand-painted by native Mahazua artisans. Each decanter takes 11 days to complete.
Clase Azul Reposado
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This smooth and rich reposado is widely regarded as the best reposado tequila in the world.
Body: Medium
Aging: 8 months
Aroma: Agave nectar, vanilla, candied orange peel and American oak. Light notes of cinnamon and banana
Taste: Hazelnut, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon and a subtle note of agave nectar
Pairing: Grilled meats and vegetables, melon with serrano ham and dark chocolate
Clase Azul Añejo
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The Añejo and its decanter adorned in clay and gold paint is a tribute to the region’s indigenous Mahazua people and their historic heritage.
Body: Full body
Aging: 25 months
Aroma: Toffee, cinnamon, clove, roasted hazelnut, Mexican vanilla, orange and quince marmalade and toasted oak
Taste: Nutmeg, clove, orange marmalade, toasted oak with a silky mouthfeel
Pairing: Pork or duck paired with fruit reductions, earthy/creamy cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts
Clase Azul Gold
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This tequila is a unique blend of Clase Azul Plata and eight-year-old Extra Añejo.
Body: Medium
Aroma: Agave syrup, green apple, orange peel, fresh fig, raisins, light note of almond and walnut.
Taste: Toasted wood, fig, green olive, ginger, cocoa/dark chocolate
Pairing: Seafood and fish with high-fat content, Kalamata olive tapenade, brie cheese tapas, semi-bitter or white chocolate with citrus jam or citrus ice cream
Clase Azul Ultra
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The Ultra is Clase Azul’s ultimate show of premium artisanship taking 14 years to produce. Its decanter is adorned with platinum, silver, and 24-karat gold.
Body: Full body
Aging: 5 years
Aroma: Sherry, dried plums, apricot and cherries. Maple syrup, hazelnut and intense oak.
Taste: Dried plums, cinnamon, crème caramel, vanilla and crystalised ginger
Pairing: Pear tartlet and Chocolate-orange truffle
The Clase Azul Reposado, Añejo, Gold, and Ultra are available for purchase at Lavo Gallery, Lavo Restaurant, lavowine.com and at selected outlets.
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