Clase Azul Mezcal Durango

Clase Azul Mezcal Durango promises an unforgettable drinking experience. It's a journey through the flavours and traditions from the Mexican state of Durango, encapsulated in a bottle of unrivalled beauty and craftsmanship.

What makes Clase Azul Mezcal Durango special?

Clase Azul Mezcal Durango is made from 100% wild agave durangensis, also known as cenizo. This agave is native to the state of Durango in Mexico and is known for its unique flavor profile. It takes around 12 years for the agave to mature before it is harvested for mezcal production.

The agave plants are cooked in underground pits for several days. These pits are lined with volcanic rocks and filled with wood and charcoal. The wood is set on fire, and the agave plants are placed on top, covered with a layer of earth. This process allows the agave to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavours from the fire before being crushed by a tahona (a large stone wheel) to squeeze out the juices. The juice is then fermented in wooden vats for 8-10 days before being distilled in copper stills.

The smokiness from the fire adds depth to the mezcal, while the agave plants used are known for their sweet and earthy flavours, all beautifully gathered together in the gorgeous matt black bottle topped off with an intricate beaded cap.

Clase Azul Mezcal Durango review

Complex is the most common descriptor for Clase Azul Durango’s flavour. It's strong notes of sweetness and smokiness plus hints of salt and herbs. These flavours all reveal themselves, one after the other, with each sip.

Nose

To enjoy to the max the rich aroma of this mezcal ideally use a wide glass so as to reveal its piquant smells of vanilla, salt and burnt wood.

Taste

Slowly savour the wide array of rich flavours in this mezcal that reveal themselves on the palate with each sip. You will taste a sweetness some describe as like brown sugar, honey or chocolate. This sweetness is formed in the caramelisation of the Cenizo agave, plus an added gentle wisp of campfire wood. There are also hints of citrus, herbal notes and salt.

Aftertaste

Enjoy a lingering smooth and also smoky aftertaste.

Appearance

Clear colour with a sparkly ‘crystal-like’ appearance.

Presentation

One of the first things you will notice about Clase Azul Mezcal Durango is its striking black bottle. There are two indigenous Mexican groups involved with the design, the Mazahaus make the ornate black decanter while the Wixárika make the colourful beaded cap.

The black bottle, made by the indigenous Mazahaus, is designed to represent the dark, smoky flavours of the mezcal inside. The bottle design is finished off with a beaded cap fitted onto the closure lid. Each cap is individually handcrafted by the indigenous Wixárika artisans, the colourful intricate beadwork reflects the rich and vibrant culture of Mexico.

Each bottle of Durango contains 700ml of liquid.

How to enjoy Clase Azul Durango Mezcal

This mezcal is best enjoyed neat and served at room temperature in a wide glass to appreciate the full complexity of aromas.

Enhance your experience by pairing this mezcal with fish such as salmon, tuna, lobster, shrimp, scallops and calamari. Also recommended are avocado and aged cheeses such as grana padano, parmesan, or pecorino romano.

What is the strength of Clase Azul Durango Mezcal?

The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 44% which is equivalent to 88 proof.

Clase Azul Mezcal Durango cocktail idea

This audacious Mezcal is best left untouched and enjoyed for its purity, but for fans of Margaritas who might be intrigued by a smokier take, then follow this tempting recipe! Simply prepared in a cocktail shaker with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass.

• 50ml Clase Azul Durango Mezcal
• 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 20ml triple sec
• A slice of lime, for garnish