In a class of its own...Clase Azul Tequila

I am not a Tequila fan. Which might sound strange given I'm about to write an entire blog post about a Tequila, but that's because this one was a real game changer for me. Clase Azul Tequila is the sole reason I have now found a love for Margaritas and Tequila. But a bit less about my tastebuds for a minute, and a bit more about Clase Azul...

Whilst the Tequila is made in a town called Jesús María in the state of Jalisco, the striking signature bottles are crafted in the even smaller town of Santa María Canchesda, over 300km away from the distillery.

And why this added logistical element? When the founder, Arturo Lomeli, created Clase Azul over 20 years ago, he wanted to craft an exceptional Tequila, whilst also investing in Mexican artisan culture. In the town of Santa María Canchesda, Lomeli found masters in the art of ceramics and, from there, the now iconic Clase Azul design was born. Each decanter is sculpted with the utmost care and hand-painted, which means any bottle of Clase Azul on your drinks trolley is totally unique and completely stunning.

The decanters may take days to make, but the spirit inside takes years. Clase Azul is produced from 100% Blue Agave, grown for 6 to 8 years at one of the highest points in Jalisco. Once harvested, the agave is baked for around 3 days, and then fermented for several days further to extract all of the juices. After this, it’s distilled twice and then, depending on the final product, it’s aged for different amounts of time. The Reposado, which literally means 'rested', is aged for 8 months in American whiskey casks, imparting notes of vanilla and creating an exceptionally smooth Tequila, that’s renowned for its rich flavour profile.

With its distinctive cobalt blue design, Clase Azul is a beautiful vessel in and out, with an amazing purpose behind the liquid. Of the 180 employees in Santa María Canchesda, around 80% are women who grew-up in poverty. Through their work with Clase Azul, they’re provided with meals, transport, tuition and, as such, the local economy has been totally revitalised.

I received a bottle as a gift from my parents when they visited Mexico a few years ago. They loved rediscovering Tequila in its homeland and learning how to drink it the way the locals do - sipped slowly and appreciated. Which is really where my relationship turned with this much loved spirit.

Having spent many years confused about why my friends enjoyed shot-ing Tequila smothered in salt and lime in dark bars, I never understood the appeal. And that's where Clase Azul cuts through - it is made to be enjoyed with food and friends around the table. It is absolutely delicious in a Margarita. And it's a beautiful bottle to have on your table or drinks trolley. The craft and heritage that goes into making Tequila is now back in the spotlight as the revival of craft spirits has rocketed around the world.

Bottles of Clase Azul aren't the cheapest, but you're paying for an experience and investing in a brand that's genuinely put social purpose and community at the heart of its development.

And to that, I say salud!