Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 10:41 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.
With the assistance of Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, I have reviewed and ranked every Clase Azul release and determined which is the best.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Clase Azul Tequila
Do you enjoy a sweeter tequila? Then Clase Azul might be the perfect brand for you, with all their expressions leaning towards sweeter profiles. Here's a breakdown to find your ideal bottle:
- Clase Azul Plata: Ideal for those who enjoy a blanco tequila with a distinctly sweet taste. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and mint make it a great choice for a smooth and refreshing sipper.
- Clase Azul Reposado: Perfect for those who prefer a mellower spirit with a dominant sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar. Hints of oak and agave add complexity, making it a good option for those who want a sweeter alternative to a traditional tequila.
- Clase Azul Añejo: Another great choice for those who love a sweet sipping tequila. This expression offers a smooth taste with prominent vanilla and hints of cinnamon.
- Clase Azul Ultra: While less pronounced than their younger tequilas, Clase Azul Ultra still boasts a touch of sweetness with butterscotch notes. This is the ultimate choice for those seeking a luxurious and exceptionally smooth tequila experience.
- Selection Criteria: 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 from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
Clase Azul Plata: A Delightfully Sweet Tequila
Clase Azul Plata offers a unique taste profile for Blanco Tequila. Its aroma is rich with vanilla, caramel, and subtle hints of agave, while the palate is smooth and velvety. The sweetness, complemented by refreshing notes of mint, lingers with a touch of black pepper for a well-balanced finish. This tequila caters to those who enjoy a sweeter spirit, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Clase Azul Reposado: A Smooth Tequila with Sweet Notes
Clase Azul Reposado boasts a smooth and creamy texture, perfect for those who prefer a mellow spirit. The aroma is inviting, with whispers of vanilla, butterscotch, and a touch of oak. The flavor profile is dominated by sweet notes of vanilla and brown sugar, complemented by subtle hints of wood and agave. The finish is pleasant, lingering with a touch of pepper and minimal warmth.
This tequila leans towards a sweeter profile, reminiscent of bourbon. While some may prefer a more pronounced agave taste, Clase Azul Reposado offers a delightful alternative for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Clase Azul Añejo: A Smooth and Sweet Tequila
Clase Azul Añejo presents a captivating aroma, rich with vanilla and caramel balanced by subtle oaky hints. The palate is undeniably smooth, offering a delightful initial impression. The flavor profile leans towards the sweeter side, showcasing prominent vanilla alongside hints of cinnamon and oak. While the finish is short and maintains the sweetness, it ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. This tequila caters perfectly to those who appreciate a sweeter sipping spirit.
Clase Azul Ultra: A Luxurious Tequila Experience
Clase Azul Ultra represents the pinnacle of their tequila craftsmanship. Aged for five years in a meticulous process, it first graces American whiskey casks, then graduates to sherry-seasoned Spanish ones. This unique aging imparts a notable sweetness, less pronounced than their younger tequilas, with a delightful touch of butterscotch emerging from the extended maturation.
But the experience transcends the liquid itself. Ultra arrives in a stunning black decanter, adorned with platinum, silver, and 24-carat gold, making it a true collector's piece. Whether its exceptional quality and presentation warrant the near $2,000 USD price tag is a question to be explored further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing Guide
- Plata: $120
- Reposado: $165
- Añejo: $550
- Ultra: $1,900
Where Can You Purchase Clase Azul Tequilas?
- Buying Guide: Available at retailers like Drizly, TotalWine, Caskers, and Old Town Tequila, with varying prices among these sellers.
How is Clase Azul Perceived in Mexico?
- Popularity in Mexico: Clase Azul is not as widely recognized in Mexico and targets affluent markets like the USA, Canada, and the UK, maintaining similar price levels even in Mexico.