Mezcal can often find itself overshadowed by its more widely recognized relative – tequila. However, this traditional Mexican spirit bares just as much history and heritage, and in some places has the potential for even greater variety. National Mezcal Day is celebrated each year on October 21 to honor the skill and craftsmanship of mezcal making, so it proves the perfect moment for those currently unacquainted with this classic Mexican spirit to give it a go. Since its inception, Clase Azul México — the Mexican luxury house — has set out to honor the traditions and craftsmanship of Mexico’s artisans. While producing some of the most treasured tequilas in the world, Clase Azul México also set out to make exceptional mezcal and currently distills three exemplary styles.
Differing from tequila — which is made solely from blue agave and can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and small areas of other states — Mezcal can be produced from over 30 different types of agave in the numerous states including Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Puebla and Zacatecas. These more lenient regulations allow distillers to get a little more creative with their liquid.
As it’s National Mezcal Day, it makes sense for those who are intrigued to dabble in some of the finest mezcals available. These three offerings from Clase Azul México, reveal the incredible depth of variety and style that can be discovered in mezcal today.
Durango
Each of the three Clase Azul México mezcals herald from different states in México and so each is named after its homeland. The first, Clase Azul Mezcal Durango, comes from Mexico’s beautiful yet rarely explored northern highlands.
It’s a joven (unaged) mezcal that is made from 100% cenizo agave, which is endemic to the semi-arid highlands of the state of Durango. The liquid itself is intriguingly crystal clear, carrying a level of mysticism and tempting samplers to see what it tastes like. On the nose, there are notes of cooked agave with a little smoke and fresh rosemary, while the palate is herbaceous with some citrus and a spicy smokey finish. It makes the ideal sip when served alongside hard Italian cheese like parmesan or even white chocolate.
Just like all Clase Azul México tequila decanters, the mezcal ones are pretty special, encouraging owners to keep them for long after the liquid is finished. The decanter’s exterior is dark and almost volcanic, a nod to how the agave cores are slow-cooked in pit ovens with firewood and volcanic rocks. The cap is bright and vibrant, crafted by hand via the individual application of colored beads.
[See also: Clase Azul Tequila Loft Brooklyn Collection Pays Homage to NYC]
Guerrero
Next, it’s time to head south to the beautiful Pacific coast state of Guerrero and home to Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero.
Guerrero is a joven mezcal that is made from 100% Papalote agave, native to the tropical humid climates of Guerrero in southern México. The agave cores are slowly roasted in pits dug by hand and filled with firewood and river stones. This is what gives this mezcal its verdant notes.
The liquid itself is crystal clear, although does bear some light straw-colored highlights. The mezcal has a full body and brings a fresh aroma of grapefruit zest, freshly cut wood, rosemary and toasted peanuts. On the palate, expect seaweed, lemon juice, pepper and even a little tobacco.
The decanter is presented in a deep teal color, while its cap is adorned with hummingbirds and has been handcrafted via the use of traditional lacquering techniques.
[See also: Inside Clase Azul México’s Exclusive Los Cabos Boutiques]
San Luis Potosí
The final mezcal offering from Clase Azul México comes from the tranquil semi-desert slopes and plains of San Luis Potosí, in north-central México and is one of Clase Azul México’s latest releases.
Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí is a joven mezcal that is made from 100% green agave, a plant native to the region. These agave cores are slow-cooked with steam in domed masonry ovens, a process that is considerably different to the pit ovens used for Durango and Guerrero.
The juices extracted are then fermented in a stainless steel tank for over 48 hours, while distillation occurs in two separate stills before the liquid is combined, resulting in Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí.
This mezcal is crystal clear with some silver highlights. There’s a full body, with notes of caramel, green chile and freshly cut grass. On the palate, the front is herby with caramel and lime zest, with a spicy mineral finish.
The decanter for this mezcal was inspired by the Huachichil people, nomads that roamed across the deserts of San Luis Potosí. It’s red coloring is a nod to the peoples’ name, which translates to ‘red painted heads.’ The cap is hand made over a period of three hours, using colored yarns to depict bright red finishes in flight.
[See also: A Clase Azul Gift for True Tequila Connoisseurs]
