Clase Azul Mezcal Durango

An elegant, special occasion Mezcal produced by Arturo Lomeli, the founder of Clase Azul Distillery NOM-D291G in Durango, Mexico, made with 100% Maguey / Cenizo Agave. Cenizo Agaves require 12 to 15 years to mature. After harvesting, the agave hearts are slow-roasted for 3 days in volcanic stone prior to natural fermentation under red oak. This is a Joven Mezcal, double-distilled in alembic copper stills, and brought to proof with natural spring mineral-water. It presents an aromatic beginning with notes of herbs & hay; while an elegant progression adds notes of raw peanuts, smoke, ripe apples, red oak, vanilla, caramel & agave; leading to a long & delicate conclusion with notes of toasted oak & grass. February / May 2020

Hints of vanilla appear first, later developing into roasted agave, mild minerality, gentle smoke, and some lactic notes similar to cupreata but less pronounced. The finish contains some of that lactic note, smoke, and minerality, and it's medium in length. This mezcal wasn't mind-blowing, though I'm not familiar with the flavors of agave durangensis. Clase Azul isn't a go-to, but I'm glad to have tasted this agave species. I'm sure Bozals is just as good and reasonably priced.

Trying this, thanks to a friend who brought the bottle over. Wow, this is heavenly… assuming heaven exists. Vanilla and smoke on the aroma, with smoky deliciousness on the tongue. It's always challenging to rate when guests are present. I sampled it on a large ice cube; I must also try it neat.

Mezcal for the everyday person with money. Smells almost like sour tomato. Medium smoke presence. It's enjoyable but not worth the price.

There's a nice warmth going down. Very smooth with a burnt BBQ flavor on the finish.

Incredible Mezcal, with rich agave aromas and a smokiness like scotch.