Traditional tequila in artisan bottles

Spirit Cartelis is bringing Tequila Clase Azul into the UK market. The 100% organic Weber Blue Agave-made spirit is presented in bottles hand-made and hand-painted by artisans in the Mexican village of Jesús María in the State of Jalisco.

The Agave for Tequila Clase Azul is hand-selected and then slow cooked in traditional stone ovens for 72 hours—steamed for 24 hours, left to rest with the oven doors closed for 24 hours and cooled naturally for 24 hours. A unique strain of yeast is used in fermentation and the liquid is then distilled in pot stills to ensure the highest quality spirit and diluted with natural spring water. Tequila Clase Azul is aged in the finest quality barrels, which are hand-selected by the master distiller.

“Clase Azul is more than just tequila—it’s a religion. This range sits in a class of its own, based purely on quality and pedigree and steeped in ancient Mexican tradition. It has a clear point of difference,” says Spirit Cartel Consiglieri, Charles Marshall. “With its breathtakingly beautiful bottles, Clase Azul gives retailers and operators the opportunity to take tequila connoisseurs on a unique experiential journey.”

Produced in one of the highest points in Los Altos, Tequila Clase Azul has a unique flavour profile across its range of four tequilas—Plata, Reposado, Añejo and Ultra Extra Añejo.

Tequila Clase Azul Ultra Extra Añejo
RSP £2,399, ABV 40%
Quite literally in a league of its own, Clase Azul Ultra Extra Añejo is the world’s most luxurious tequila aged for five years in small sherry casks, which gives it its unique refined character. This tequila is only produced in numbered batches of 100 bottles. Each decanter takes two weeks to create, hand-painted with pure liquid platinum by Mexico’s most talented artisans, featuring a 24 carat gold label and carrying the signature Clase Azul agave medallion in sterling silver.

Tequila Clase Azul Añejo
RSP £599, ABV 40%
The distinctive decanter is moulded and decorated by the Mazahua, a small indigenous community from the village of Santa María Canchesda. The spiral appliqué on unfired clay symbolises the earth’s fertility and the neck is adorned with a 24 carat gold vermeil charm medallion. This ultra-premium Añejo tequila is intense amber in colour and has layered aromas resulting from 25 months of aging.

Tequila Clase Azul Reposado
RSP £132.99, ABV 40%
The Clase Azul Reposado ceramic decanter is hand-crafted and individually hand-painted. This ultra-premium, Reposado tequila is aged for eight months giving this sipping tequila amazing balance, body and flavour profile.

Tequila Clase Azul Plata
RSP £94.99, ABV 40%
Tequila Clase Azul Plata is bottled in a modern, crystal clear glass decanter in the iconic Clase Azul shape. Each decanter features a stunning blue base and silver Agave medallion. This silver tequila offers a surprising hint of sweetness and completely smooth flavour profile that makes it perfect to drink neat or in premium cocktails.

La Pinta
RSP £59, ABV 40%
La Pinta is a distinctive, flavoured tequila with a surprisingly fresh and complete taste profile. The combination of Clase Azul Plata tequila and the complex taste of pomegranate create a vibrant, crimson liqueur with a seductively sweet, yet crisp and tart flavour. Always served chilled as a shot or mixed into a cocktail – a great twist on a Martini, Bellini or Sangria, La Pinta is inspired by the desire to share the spirit of infusion from the magical Tapalpa community in Mexico.

10 December 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor