Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The state of Durango is a source of high-quality agaves that are great for mezcal spirits. The makers of Clase Azul spirits pay homage to this small community and promote a piece of their culture.
Let us find out about Clase Azul mezcal and the story behind this luxury piece.
What is Clase Azul Mezcal?
Clase Azul mezcal is one of the premium products from Clase Azul spirits. It is the first luxury mezcal that uses agaves from the state of Guerrero and the mountainous state of Durango.
Both regions have mineral-rich soil and extreme climate conditions that contribute a particular force that helps with the complexity and flavor of the agaves. The Mazahua artisans make the decanter, while the Wixárika artisans [1] make the equally unique caps.
2 Variants of Clase Azul Mezcal
1. Durango Mezcal
Production Process
Durango mezcal uses Cenizo agave from the state of Durango. These agaves are processed using traditional Artisanal methods similar to their tequila variants. They use the Tahona method to extract the juices that have complex flavors brought by a particular force and rich minerals from the soil in the area.
Base Materials
Clase Azul uses a Cenizo Agave that grows wild in the State of Durango, Mexico. The extreme climate of Durango contributes highly to the growth of these agaves together with the rich minerals and develops its full flavors. The water from the natural springs also adds more savor to the mixture.
Flavor Profile
- Nose: It has an herbal scent with green olive and cloves notes. It also has an unmistakable scent of cooked agave.
- Palate: The tasting notes are honey, peanuts, brown sugar, and wood with a subtle taste of chocolate and fruits. You will also taste a touch of smoke and wood.
- Color: Bright and crystal clear
- Finish: It has long and lingering notes of grass and wood similar to the Clase Azul tequila.
2. Guerrero Mezcal
Production Process
The Guerrero variant is made in the Mexican state of Guerrero using papalote agave. They use the traditional artisanal methods in processing the cooked agaves harvested from the state of Guerrero.
They use Tahona stones to extract juices from the cooked piñas. They went through a fermentation and distillation process before storing them inside a special decanter.
Base Materials
This mezcal uses Maguey Papalote agave that grows wild in the mountain state of Mexico. They add water from the natural springs in the area, making it more authentic. A particular force influenced the complexity of the flavors. It is produced by the rich minerals in the soil and the natural springs around the area.
Flavor Profile
- Nose: The smell of seaweed, pepper, peanut, lemon juice, chocolate, and hints of tobacco greets the nose.
- Palate: You can taste notes of fresh agave, chocolate, brown sugar, grapefruit skin, and peanut oil.
- Color: Clear and bright straw-colored liquid
- Finish: Sweet and long with lingering notes of agave.
How To Drink Clase Azul Mezcal
You will enjoy Clase Azul’s tasting notes if you drink it straight. It is produced by the source of unique and luxury tequila, making it smooth and ideal for sipping. The complexity of its flavors is best drank without any mix to it. If you must add ice, choose bigger chunks to avoid dilution.
Where To Buy This Mezcal
Clase Azul is not very easy to find in physical stores. These can be purchased from distributors or online stores selling authentic spirits. The decanter itself is a collectible piece that artisans from a small community in Mexico design by hand.
Common Clase Azul Mezcal Prices
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Guerrero | 750ml | 42% | Around $726 |
| Durango | 750ml | 42% | Around $380 |
Compared to Other Mezcal Brands
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
Del Maguey Vida mezcal is one of the favorite mezcal brands in the market. This is from Espadin agave with a very clear color. Like Clase Azul’s, its flavor profile denotes hints of honey and vanilla with agave notes.
However, this is more affordable, sold at around $38 per 750ml bottle.
Casamigos Joven Mezcal
Casamigos Joven mezcal offers a different blend than Clase Azul’s, although they are made in the same distillery. It offers more tropical and citrusy flavors blended with herbal mint scent and spices. A bottle of Casamigos is roughly $66 per 750ml.
Banhez Mezcal
Banhez mezcal is another popular brand but uses a different type of agave. It uses 90% Maguey Espadin, and the remaining 10% is Maguey Barril. The distillation process used is similar to Clase Azul’s.
Banhez is priced at around $33 per 750ml bottle.
Read: Clase Azul vs Don Julio 1942 Tequila
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Clase Azul mezcal smooth?
Yes, Clase Azul mezcal is smooth. This spirit’s smoothness is accompanied by the unique flavors that spread as soon as it touches the palate.
Is Clase Azul mezcal worth the money?
Yes, Clase Azul mezcal is worth the money because of its impeccable taste and smoothness. This mezcal is one of the best products in Mexico.
Why is Clase Azul Mezcal so expensive?
Clase Azul Mezcal’s premium price tag is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the brand focuses on high-quality, artisanal production methods.
The mezcal is crafted in small batches using traditional techniques, including hand-harvesting agave and slow-roasting the piñas (the heart of the agave plant) in earthen pits.
This labor-intensive process, combined with the use of premium agave varieties, contributes to the elevated cost.
Additionally, Clase Azul is known for its distinctive handcrafted ceramic bottles, each of which is meticulously hand-painted and signed by skilled artisans. The unique and artistic presentation adds to the overall luxurious experience, contributing to the higher price point.
Furthermore, the brand emphasizes sustainable and ethical practices, supporting local communities and ensuring fair wages for workers. This commitment to social responsibility may contribute to the higher production costs.
Is Azul a Mezcal?
While “azul” translates to “blue” in Spanish, it is not a specific type of mezcal.
Clase Azul is a brand that produces premium spirits, including both tequila and mezcal. Their mezcal line, like their tequila, is crafted with a focus on artisanal methods and high-quality ingredients.
How long is Clase Azul Mezcal aged?
Clase Azul Mezcal is typically aged for eight months in a combination of American oak and Sherry casks. This aging process imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the mezcal, contributing to its complexity and smoothness.
The careful aging period is another factor that adds to the brand’s reputation for producing refined and sophisticated spirits.
Why is Tequila called Mezcal?
Tequila is a specific type of mezcal that is produced in designated regions of Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco. The distinction lies in the type of agave used and the geographical origin. While all tequilas are mezcals, not all mezcals are tequilas.
Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant and is typically produced in Jalisco, while mezcal can be made from various agave species and can be produced in several Mexican states.
The name “mezcal” is a broad term encompassing various agave spirits, with tequila being a subset of this category.
What type of tequila is mezcal?
Mezcal and tequila are distinct types of agave spirits, each with its own unique characteristics. While all tequilas are technically a type of mezcal, not all mezcals are tequilas. Tequila is a specific variety of mezcal that is produced in designated regions of Mexico, primarily in Jalisco.
The key difference lies in the type of agave used and the geographical origin. Tequila is exclusively made from the blue agave plant, while mezcal can be produced from various agave species and in different Mexican states.
Which Azul is the most expensive?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Clase Azul offers a range of premium tequilas and mezcals, each with its own pricing. The most expensive Clase Azul product can vary based on factors such as the specific type (tequila or mezcal) and any limited-edition releases.
It is recommended to check the latest offerings and prices directly from Clase Azul or authorized retailers for the most up-to-date information.
What is the most expensive tequila?
The title of the most expensive tequila can change over time as new limited editions and luxury releases enter the market.
In the past, some of the most expensive tequilas have been associated with rare and aged expressions, often presented in unique packaging or crystal decanters.
Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a bottle.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the latest releases and market trends to identify the current most expensive tequila.
Is mezcal cheap tequila?
Mezcal and tequila encompass a wide range of qualities and price points. While there are certainly affordable options for both, it’s inaccurate to categorize mezcal as inherently cheap tequila. Mezcal is known for its diverse flavor profiles, artisanal production methods, and the use of various agave species.
Premium and aged mezcals can be priced similarly to high-quality tequilas.
The cost is influenced by factors such as production techniques, agave variety, aging processes, and branding. It’s advisable to explore different brands and expressions within both categories to discover options that suit personal preferences and budget constraints.
What does Clase Azul Mezcal taste like?
Clase Azul Mezcal is known for its complex and refined flavor profile. Tasting notes often highlight the rich, smoky character derived from the slow-roasting of agave piñas in earthen pits.
The mezcal also exhibits fruity and herbal notes, with a subtle sweetness and a touch of spiciness. The careful aging process, typically eight months in a combination of American oak and Sherry casks, contributes to its smoothness and depth.
Expect a well-balanced and sophisticated palate, making it an enjoyable sipping experience.
What is Mezcal vs Tequila?
Mezcal and tequila are both agave-based spirits but with distinct differences. Tequila is a type of mezcal that originates from specific regions of Mexico, primarily Jalisco. The key distinction lies in the type of agave used and the geographical origin.
Tequila is exclusively made from the blue agave plant, whereas mezcal can be produced from various agave species and in different Mexican states.
Mezcal is often characterized by a smokier flavor profile, attributed to the traditional underground pit roasting of agave piñas, a method less commonly used in tequila production.
Why is Mezcal not Tequila?
The primary reason mezcal is not tequila lies in the specific regulations governing each spirit. Tequila must be produced using only blue agave and within designated regions, primarily Jalisco.
Mezcal, on the other hand, encompasses a broader category of agave spirits that can be made from different agave species and produced in various Mexican states.
While tequila is a subset of mezcal, the terms are not interchangeable due to the specific agave variety and geographical distinctions outlined in their respective regulatory frameworks.
Does Clase Azul expire?
Generally, spirits like Clase Azul Mezcal do not have a strict expiration date if stored properly. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative, preventing the growth of bacteria or spoilage.
However, the flavor and quality of the mezcal may evolve over time, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight. It’s advisable to store Clase Azul Mezcal in a cool, dark place and tightly seal the bottle to maintain its optimal flavor.
While there’s no expiration in the traditional sense, for the best drinking experience, it’s recommended to consume the mezcal within a reasonable timeframe after opening.
Key Takeaways
Clase Azul mezcals were nurtured completely from how nature prepared the mineral-rich soil to the extreme climate down to the natural springs. Like the tequila from this brand, the complexity in its flavors denotes luxury. It has a special and collectible decanter that artisans from a small community in Mexico design by hand.
The price may be high but making quality-produced mezcals also requires a lot. Clase Azul is indeed a source of special liquors, and this mezcal is an additional piece to their collection.
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