Clase Azul Reposado vs Tears of Llorona

Last Updated on: 20th May 2024, 02:00 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Explore the differences between Clase Azul Reposado and Tears of Llorona through a detailed comparison to determine your preferred Tequila.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Clase Azul Reposado vs Tears of Llorona: Comparison

Clase Azul Reposado: A visually stunning tequila that offers a smooth, sweet experience with dominant vanilla and caramel notes, but may lack the agave depth some purists seek.

Tears of Llorona: An extraordinary Extra Añejo tequila, rich in complexity and depth, with a balance of smoky, oaky notes, and a unique aging process in three types of casks.

Verdict: Clase Azul Reposado and Tears of Llorona cater to different tastes: Clase Azul for those appreciating smooth sweetness and aesthetic appeal, and Tears of Llorona for enthusiasts seeking complex, aged flavors, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Mexican Tequila Picks

Clase Azul Reposado: Smooth and Sweet, But Lacks Agave Depth

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, agave, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Clase Azul Plata

Subtle Aroma: The nose offers light hints of vanilla, butterscotch, and oak, creating a gentle introduction.

Creamy & Smooth: Expect a creamy and smooth mouthfeel without any noticeable heat, making it easy to sip.

Sweet & Vanilla-Forward: The flavor is primarily dominated by vanilla and caramel, with subtle traces of brown sugar, oak, and agave.

Sweet Finish: The finish is sweet with a hint of pepper and minimal warmth, reminiscent of bourbon.

Appealing to Some: This smooth and sweet profile, presented in a beautiful hand-painted decanter, makes Clase Azul a good option for those who prefer a mild and non-harsh tequila experience.

Lacks Agave Depth: However, the strong focus on sweetness may mask the distinct agave flavor characteristic of high-quality tequilas, potentially due to the use of artificial sweeteners.

Price Focus: The high price point is primarily associated with the unique decanter design, rather than the tequila itself.

Clase Azul Facts:

• Aged for eight months in ex-bourbon barrels.
• Presented in a beautiful, handcrafted decanter.
• Crafted at its own distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.

Key Points:

• Smooth and sweet with a creamy mouthfeel.
• Lacks the depth of agave flavor found in high-quality tequilas.
• Sweetness potentially comes from artificial sources.
• High price due to the unique decanter.

Tears of Llorona: A Luxurious Tequila Experience

• Taste: Agave, dark fruit, dark chocolate
• Palate: Agave, faint smoke, chocolate, charred oak
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Clase Azul Reposado

Deep Color, Complex Flavor: The rich, dark color hints at Tears of Llorona's exceptional quality and intriguing complexity.

Light & Smooth: Despite the dark color, it boasts a light mouthfeel with a subtle warmth, allowing the multifaceted flavors to take center stage.

Balanced & Smoky: Expect a perfect balance of smoky and oaky notes, complemented with hints of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for sipping.

Shorter Finish, Higher Proof: The finish may be slightly shorter than some, but the 86 proof adds a touch of extra depth compared to standard 80 proof tequilas.

Exceptional Añejo: Tears of Llorona stands out as an exceptional Extra Añejo Tequila, widely considered one of the best available.

Aged in Multiple Casks: Its unique flavor profile is achieved through 54 months of aging in three different casks: Scotch, sherry, and cognac, each contributing its own layer of complexity.

Crafted by a Legacy: This masterpiece comes from Tequileña Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, under the guidance of Maestro Tequilero German Gonzalez, whose family has a rich history in tequila production, dating back to the first fine tequila exported to the U.S.

A Must-Try for Tequila Enthusiasts: Tears of Llorona lives up to its name (meaning "The Weeping Woman") - not with tears of sadness, but with tears of pure enjoyment, making it a must-try for any serious tequila enthusiast.

Key Points:

• Deep color, complex flavor profile.
• Light mouthfeel with a subtle warmth.
• Balanced smoky and oaky notes with hints of sweetness and spice.
• Shorter finish, higher proof (86 proof).
• Exceptional Extra Añejo Tequila, considered one of the best.
• Aged for 54 months in 3 different casks (Scotch, sherry, cognac).
• Crafted by a legacy family in the tequila industry.

How do these Tequila differ?

There is one main difference between these drams:

• Clase Azul is a Reposado Tequila. This type of tequila is barely aged between 2 and 12 months.

• Tears of Llorona is an extra añejo or Tequila's first class. This type of Tequila is aged beyond 36 months.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Specs comparison