As the holidays beckon, our thoughts naturally turn to cold-weather climes. But to elevate the season in true style, look south. In particular, to México, where Clase Azul tequilas and mezcals are created. One of the best known and most beloved tequila brands worldwide, Clase Azul is instantly recognizable not just by taste but by sight—its signature decanters are as iconic as the liquid itself. Here are two very special and very different ways to feature Clase Azul in your holiday plans.
Give the Gift of Luxury With the Master Artisans Collection
Clase Azul launched its Master Artisans collection in 2021 to celebrate Mexico’s rich artistic heritage and the artisans who are maintaining the legacy as well as pushing it forward. This year’s collaboration is with master artisan Ángel Ortiz Gabriel, from Tonalá in the state of Jalisco. Tonalá is famed for its pottery, and Ortiz has been practicing the art since childhood, when he learned from his grandparents. He later studied with legendary sculptor Jorge Wilmot. Over his 50-plus-year career, Ortiz has received numerous awards, including the Tonallan National Craft Award and the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Folk Arts and Traditions.
Photo Courtesy of Clase Azul
For the Master Artisans collection, Ortiz has created three 1-liter decanters, each one containing a different Clase Azul expression, to be sold as a set. For each decanter, Ortiz fuses his contemporary creativity with the centuries-old barro bruñido (“burnished clay”) technique, which gives ceramics their characteristic luster by burnishing them with pyrite stones. “With Clase Azul, we created this collection inspired by our culture,” Ortiz says. “We achieved something meaningful by reviving these designs. This tradition must not be forgotten; it’s a source of family pride to keep it alive.”
Unique Tequilas, Inspired by Artisanal Decanters
The three decanters—Jardín tonalteca (“Garden in Tonalá”), Coro silvestre (“Choir of the Wild”), and Paraíso nocturno (“Nocturnal Paradise”)—create a story in color, texture, and symbolism, evoking local flora and fauna as well as birds and animals seen in Tonalá. The tequilas were created by Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco specifically for this Master Artisans collection, inspired by Ortiz’s mastery and intergenerational legacy. Each one—a reposado aged more than 11 months, an añejo aged more than 25 months, and an extra añejo aged more than 41 months—has matured in American whiskey casks before being finished in Premier Cru Supérieur Sauternes wine casks from Bordeaux. The length of aging gives each tequila a distinct and unique flavor profile, which evolves with time. Each tequila is brought to proof (40% ABV) with the slow-drip dilution method, a refined process, traditionally used in brandy and cognac production, that integrates water drop by drop. This method enhances balance, clarity, and smoothness, resulting in tequilas of exceptional texture and harmony.
Photo Courtesy of Clase Azul
Only 100 of the Clase Azul Tequila Master Artisans Edición Limitada por Ángel Ortiz sets have been made. It’s the ultimate gift for lovers of luxury, fine art, and great spirits. It can be found exclusively at the brand’s Mexican boutique in Clase Azul La Terraza Los Cabos, San José del Cabo; or in the U.S. at Clase Azul’s The Loft Brooklyn, by invitation only.
Celebrate the Holidays at Home With This Clase Azul Cocktail
Whether or not the Master Artisans collection is in your sights, Clase Azul can be a part of holiday celebrations at home, whether entertaining or spending a quiet night by the fire. The Agave Negroni is an elegant and exciting twist on the classic cocktail The easy-to-make drink that employs both tequila and mezcal—specifically, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila, aged for eight months in American whiskey casks; and Clase Azul Mezcal Durango, made with cenzino agave, found in the semi-arid highlands of Northern México. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
1 oz. Clase Azul Tequila Reposado & Clase Azul Mezcal Durango
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
Garnish with orange peel.
Photo Courtesy of Clase Azul
To find out more about the Master Artisan collection, the Agave Negroni, and other ways to make Clase Azul part of your holiday season, visit claseazul.com/clase-azul-family.