Clase Azul Tequila Reposado

This bottle was a prize from a tequila drawing, and it lives up to the hype. Smelling it, I detect floral notes and some vanilla, possibly a hint of charcoal and creamy caramel candies. Maybe some wet stones. The taste is very full. I find vanilla, honey, wildflowers, caramel, barrel wood, charred barrel, citrus, lemon zest, and caramelized agave. There's also a touch of salt. It has a superb mouthfeel and a lengthy finish - I experience waves of sweet melon and honey clashing with tart citrus - a very subtle hint of anise, charcoal, and salt. It truly persists, and the flavors appear to fluctuate like the tides. It has a minimal amount of smoke, but I wouldn't call it smoky; however, my experience with heavily peated scotch might influence this assessment. There is a great deal to experience here, and it's all very enjoyable. A dream for tequila aficionados, and also a must-try for enthusiasts of other fine spirits.

I'll begin by stating that personal preference is key, and I'm not here to judge your choices. You like what you like, and that's the bottom line. That being said, I'm quite sure Clase Azul incorporates a significant amount of additives for its flavor. They'll never confirm it, but this doesn't taste like a typical 'tequila' flavored tequila. Often, when distillers add flavors or colors, it's because they're dissatisfied with their base product and need to enhance a mediocre tequila. Personally, I don't care for added flavors in my tequila; I prefer it additive-free. If you enjoy it, go ahead... I just believe you should be aware of what you're consuming and paying for. It is, however, a beautiful bottle.

A crisp, organic Agave Spirit from Clase Azul Distillery in Mexico. Tequilana Weber Blue Agave is cultivated for over 9 years before slow cooking in traditional ovens. Fermentation utilizes the company's proprietary yeast blend, followed by distillation and triple filtration. It is matured in fine oak barrels and presented in hand-painted, individually numbered decanters by local artisans. It offers an aromatic introduction with hints of roasted tomato pomelo, dry earth, and a developing note of cedar. The palate presents notes of vanilla, earthy agave, a subtle sweetness of tropical fruit, and honey. The finish is creamy with mild mineral notes and gentle oak warmth. March / May 2017 / January 2023

This is a magnificent tequila. While the bottle presentation is clearly outstanding, sometimes this can elevate expectations beyond what the liquid actually offers. Fortunately, that's not the case here. An excellent sipper with smooth characteristics and very little bite. Abundant vanilla, and I also detected a fruity sweetness, somewhat reminiscent of blueberries (others who tried my pour suggested cotton candy, and since palates vary, I can certainly understand the cotton candy note). The fruity sweetness smoothly transitions into a gentle agave, and then just a hint of sweet oak. A wonderful after-dinner dessert beverage, well worth the price.

AFTER RINGING THE BELL! Consumed neat with my friend Adam after a demanding 12-hour shift. The aroma is smooth, featuring vanilla and earthy notes. The taste is delightfully smooth, easy to drink without ice. Vanilla notes on the palate, along with Himalayan salt. I can't believe this is my first time trying this! 🤤 Edit: Added a large square ice cube to my beautiful glass, and it is very floral with flower notes.

I'm unsure how to begin with this so-called 'tequila.' Drink whatever pleases you, but I certainly won't be spending my money on this again. I detected no agave flavor, and frankly, I felt foolish for purchasing it. It genuinely tasted of alcohol, piloncillo, and a significant amount of vanilla. I have nothing further to add...