Celebrate the Holidays with Clase Azul Mexico

When we think of tequila, we often think of warm weather, whether it’s the climate in Mexico where agave is grown or the cocktails that brighten up pool or beach parties. But as any enthusiast can tell you, agave libations are a year-round affair; It is delicious and enjoyable in cold climates as well as in summer. With that in mind, tequila and its sister spirit, mezcal, are excellent additions to the holiday season, both as gifts and as the stars of festive cocktails.

Which one should you buy? There’s tequila and then there’s the Tequila is something that seems tailor-made for the holidays. This would be Clase Azul, the most valued, coveted and prized of all tequilas for over a quarter of a century. Their iconic ceramic decanters, which are as distinctive as the liquid itself, have become a status symbol for tequila fans around the world and a trademark of quality for the bars that display them, are no less a statement of tequila. Good thing. Now that you’ve found your talent, it’s time to narrow it down by reviewing specific expressions of Clase Azul’s tequilas and mezcals, finding which ones are best suited for everyone from the agave enthusiast to the seasoned connoisseur in your life.

Clase Azul Tequilas: Great Gift Ideas for Beginners and Experts

Also known as unaged tequila white or plataIt was widely accepted for mixing only. But today, true enthusiasts know that this is the best way to taste the full flavor of agave and fully appreciate its taste. tekilierotheir skills unspoiled by barrel aging. Certainly, Clase Azul PlataThe base spirit of all Clase Azul tequilas, it’s also great in cocktails. With its striking clear glass decanter, Plata makes the perfect gift for novices, sophisticated individuals and home bartenders.

Reposado is the most versatile of tequilas, ideal for both sipping and mixing. Aged for eight months in American whiskey barrels, Clase Azul Reposado It is a signature expression that is a perfect combination of agave and oak influences. Reposado’s slightly sweet flavors, citrus and hazelnut scent make it great to pair with food, drink neat, or use in a cocktail (see below for a holiday-themed drink recipe using Reposado). Its distinctive ceramic jug, decorated with cobalt blue feathery brushstrokes, is indelibly associated with the brand. It is the perfect introduction to Clase Azul for gift givers.

Clase Azul Gold gift for tequila connoisseurs to think They tried them all. This unique expression is a blend of Clase Azul Plata, a special reposado tequila matured in French oak barrels, and extra añejo finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels. A great sipping tequila, it features notes of cooked agave, almond and fig marmalade, and a long cocoa and prune finish. A sunset-inspired glass/ceramic combination, the decanter is as eye-catching as the liquid, adorned with two hand-painted 24-carat gold stripes on a ceramic base.

Clase Azul Añejo Aged in ex-American whiskey barrels for over two years. This is añejo tequila at its best, with a perfect balance between agave and barrel influence. It is the perfect gift to convert those who love whiskey, cognac and other brown spirits. The striking ceramic decanter evokes the transformation of agave into tequila with brush strokes painted in 24 carat gold. But for the true tequila connoisseur, Clase Azul Ultra is the ultimate gift. It is first aged in American whiskey barrels for five years, then separated into amontillado, oloroso and pedro ximénez sherry barrels. In the final step of the process, all of the barrels are reassembled. The result is unlike any other tequila, with notes of dried plums, cinnamon, cocoa and clove, as well as notes of tobacco and a long finish of dried plums and caramelized walnuts. The pitcher is equally dazzling; The pure black ceramic surface is painted with silver, 24-karat gold and platinum brushstrokes. Only the best craftsmen are used to create this jug because the platinum brush strokes are not visible until the ceramic is fired. A true work of art both inside and out.

Clase Azul Mezcals: Elegant Gifts for Adventurous Spirits

Mezcal shows another side of agave spirits and the Mexican region. While tequila is made from a single type of agave (Blue Weber) and grown mostly in one location (Jalisco), mezcal uses many varieties of agave grown all over the country. Agave is also cooked differently, which can impart more smoky and herbal notes than a typical tequila. If Tequila arrives at your door in a tuxedo, Mezcal can arrive in a motorcycle jacket. Accordingly, these all make great gifts for your more adventurous friends and loved ones. Clase Azul’s trio of mezcals, all ageless, come from three different regions of Mexico and together demonstrate the breadth of agave spirits. Clase Azul Mezcal DurangoDistilled from cenizo agave found in semi-arid plateaus, it has an agave-like flavor with hints of smoke and fresh rosemary. It comes packaged in an elegant black decanter with individually applied colorful beads on the lid creating beautiful floral and geometric designs.

Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero It comes from a wetter part of the highlands and is made from papalot agave, which is native to the region. This full-bodied mezcal delivers flavors of freshly cut wood, seaweed, lemon juice, pepper and light tobacco notes; almost the agave equivalent of peated whiskey. His jug is perhaps the most technically complex of the Clase Azul series, each taking up to 10 days to create. The vibrant title includes representations of hummingbirds applied using traditional polishing techniques. Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosi It is made from green agave, native to the deserts in the state of San Luis Potosí. It exhibits herbal and mineral notes with caramel, lemon zest, cloves and a spicy finish. The striking red jug, handmade using the colorful thread applique technique, features a headpiece depicting a desert landscape of mountains and valleys overflowing with bright red finches.

Mix a Mint Holiday Cocktail with Clase Azul

A pitcher of Clase Azul is a great gift, as we’ve established, but you won’t want to be without it yourself, especially if you’re hosting holiday parties or get-togethers. Adding to the holiday classics (tequila eggnog, anyone?), Minted Mirth is a fun and festive cocktail that’s easy to make. Here’s how:

Contents:

Method:

Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain twice into a coupe glass. Add a pinch of grated coconut and garnish with a sprig of mint.

To learn more about Clase Azul, including its limited-edition agave spirits and its Mexican destination and boutiques, visit: claseazul.com.