Clase Azul Spirits, an ultra-premium line of tequila produced in Mexico, has unveiled its latest creation – Clase Azul Gold.
The new luxury offering is a blend of Tequila Clase Azul Plata and an eight-year-old Extra Añejo that was first aged in bourbon barrels and then finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
“This is not your father’s Gold tequila – which many consider a product made with additives,” says Clase Azul Spirits President Juan Sanchez.
“Our Gold, made from 100% blue weber agave, refers to the rich colour of the liquid achieved through the blend of our expertly aged Extra Añejo with our Plata, as well as the enchanting decanter, which captures the marriage of light and dark.
“Our limited editions have become highly coveted collectable items, which require a trip to our boutique in Los Cabos, Mexico,” he explains. “We are now excited to offer our clients this superb special edition in the US.”
The US is the top market in the world for tequila, and agave-based spirit one of the fastest-growing drinks categories in the country, according to research from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
The research indicates that the consumption of tequila was up 8.5% in 2018, while the agave-based spirit category is forecast to grow by 4% CAGR through 2022, which places it within striking distance to soon overtake rum volume in the US.
“The bottle is inspired by the precise moment the sunset kisses the tops of the agaves every night, ushering in the night with the promise of a new day.” – Arturo Lomelí
Further, IWSR has revealed that, globally, tequila is forecast to grow 2.5% CAGR from 2018 to 2022. In addition to the US, the largest gains are expected in Australia, China, the UK and Russia.
The 6,000 limited-edition bottles of the luxury tequila – at US$300 for 750ml – are now available.
The tequila has a light amber colour and a medium body. It is described as “offering hazelnut, dried chamomile flowers, candied orange peel, wood, walnut, vanilla and raisin aromas on the nose and flavours of oak, ginger, green olives, chocolate, salted caramel, fig and a subtle hint of smoke”. Clase Azul Gold can be sipped neat or enjoyed in a cocktail.
Clase Azul’s new tequila comes in a collector’s decanter that’s a mix of glass and high-heat ceramic and features a 24k Gold trim along with the brand’s iconic agave medallion – also dipped in 24k Gold.
The tequila is produced in one of the highest locations in Los Altos – in the town of Jesús María in the state of Jalisco.
Founded in 1997, Clase Azul Spirits is widely recognised for its process, techniques, flavour profiles and the bottles handcrafted by artisans in Mexico.
Through its tequila, the company aims to highlight and share the historical, cultural and luxurious aspects of the spirit’s South American home.
Its portfolio of products includes Clase Azul Plata, Clase Azul Reposado, Clase Azul Anejo, Clase Azul Ultra Anejo, Clase Azul Mezcal and La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur made with tequila.
“The Mayans believed man’s nightly slumber was a welcome death that allowed your spirit to be reborn at dawn, a celestial cycle of transformation,” explains Clase Azul Founder and CEO Arturo Lomelí.
“This special edition embodies one of nature’s most celebrated masterpieces, the spectacular sunsets that paint our skies.
“The bottle is inspired by the precise moment the sunset kisses the tops of the agaves every night, ushering in the night with the promise of a new day,” he says.