Last Updated on: 7th April 2024, 08:43 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.
This post presents a short list of alternatives to Clase Azul Reposado assembled with the expert advice of Tequila expert, Neil Coleman and customer feedback.
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
Key Takeaways
- Avion Reserva 44: Extra Añejo, sweet flavor, slightly lower price than Clase Azul.
- San Matias Gran Reserva Extra Añejo: Budget-friendly, similar taste profile.
- Other Alternatives: The article lists various Tequilas selected by Tequila expert Neil Coleman with profiles similar to Clase Azul, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Quick Look at Clase Azul Alternatives
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Clase Azul Reposado | $160 |
| Asombroso Extra Añejo 5 Year | $140 |
| Adictivo Cristalino Extra Añejo | $110 |
| Riazul Añejo | $63 |
| San Matias Gran Reserva | $50 |
| Avion Reserva 44 | $115 |
| Dame Mas Extra Añejo | $150 |
| Abandonado Añejo | $54 |
1. Asombroso Extra Añejo 5 Year
Initially skeptical due to its unique, penis-shaped bottle, this Tequila surprised me with commendable quality.
It offers a sweet and distinctive presentation, with a nose featuring prominent vanilla, and hints of caramel and oak.
The palate maintains this sweetness in a creamy body, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
The finish lingers with caramel notes and minimal warmth. Impressively, this Extra Añejo Tequila has aged for five years in new French oak barrels, resembling French Cognac.
It stands out for its affordability in the Extra Añejo category, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
2. Abandonado Añejo
Abandonado Tequila presents agave and caramel on the nose, accompanied by vanilla and a hint of caramel.
The palate features the same notes, with the addition of oak and a touch of baking spice.
The finish, although of decent length, lacks significant warmth.
It shares similarities with Clase Azul Reposado, particularly in the pronounced vanilla and caramel flavors.
Some may speculate about artificial enhancements due to the intensity of these notes, but Abandonado Añejo remains a pleasant and smooth sipping Tequila.
Its sweet and smooth profile makes it approachable for various palates.
3. Riazul Añejo
Riazul Añejo Tequila undergoes a 24-month aging process in French oak barrels with medium toasting from Citeaux forests in Burgundy, France.
Its aroma is defined by prominent vanilla notes, complemented by subtle hints of caramel and cinnamon.
The Tequila offers an exceptionally smooth and velvety texture, with a flavor profile led by cinnamon, followed by nuances of vanilla, caramel, and a delicate touch of toasty oak.
The finish is gentle, with minimal heat and a touch of oak spice, along with lingering notes of cinnamon.
Despite minimal agave flavor, Riazul Añejo is sweet, smooth, full-bodied, and enjoyable.
4. Adictivo Cristalino Extra Añejo
Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino is a fine example of Cristalino Tequila, known for its exceptional smoothness achieved through specialized charcoal filtration.
While its aroma is subtle with hints of agave, oak, cherry, vanilla, and a touch of alcohol, its taste stands out for its remarkable smoothness and sweetness, featuring prominent notes of vanilla and apple.
However, the body may be considered thin for its price range.
Overall, Adictivo Cristalino offers an enjoyable and easy-sipping experience, ideal for those who appreciate smooth spirits.
5. Dame Mas Extra Añejo
Dame Mas Tequila presents a nose with initial hints of caramel, followed by vanilla and subtle oak notes.
The taste is characterized by an excessively sweet profile dominated by caramel and vanilla.
Some baking spices attempt to balance the sweetness.
The finish is short, with minimal warmth, leaving behind lingering caramel and oak notes.
Dame Mas Extra Añejo Tequila is remarkably sweet and smooth, perfect for those who enjoy sweetness and a unique bottle design that adds to its appeal.
6. San Matias Gran Reserva – Cheap Alternative
San Matias Gran Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila, priced at around $50, stands out as a remarkable value offering.
To my surprise, it exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting impression.
The nose initially presents distinctive agave aromas, joined by subtle hints of cinnamon, oak, and ripe fruit.
The medium-bodied Tequila offers a satisfying mouthfeel. It starts sweet and smooth, featuring notable flavors of caramel and vanilla, followed by subtle oak and leather notes.
The finish introduces a touch of black pepper, adding a subtle spice while maintaining a balanced sweetness from the caramel.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for those new to this category.
7. Avion Reserva 44 – Great Alternative to Clase Azul Reposado
Reserva 44, an Avion Tequila expression, distinguishes itself with a balanced flavor profile achieved through its 44-month aging process.
Despite its extended aging, it remains affordable, offering excellent value among Extra Añejo Tequilas.
This bottle maintains refreshing agave flavors with hints of vanilla and lime, avoiding excessive oak influence.
While the finish is slightly shorter, the lingering sweetness ensures an enjoyable sip, appealing to bourbon enthusiasts.
Reserva 44 competes favorably with Clase Azul Reposado and Don Julio 1942 in complexity and depth of flavors.
Clase Azul Reposado
Clase Azul Reposado undergoes an 8-month aging process in bourbon barrels, resulting in an amber hue and enhanced sweetness with vanilla and oak notes.
Reposado signifies a period of aging, shorter than Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas.
The premium price is attributed to the artisanal decanter, meticulously handcrafted in Santa María Canchesda, showcasing ancient Mazahua techniques and the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship.