Clase Azul México, the iconic Mexican luxury house that’s highly regarded for both its exquisite spirits and hospitality, has revealed a new addition to its mezcal lineup. Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí joins Clase Azul Mezcal Durango and Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero as the house’s mezcal offering.
Clase Azul México mezcals always draw inspiration from a specific Mexican state – this time it’s the naturally stunning and culturally rich state of San Luis Potosí, which sits in México’s Central Plateau. Here, the tradition of mezcal runs deep with communities of mezcal producers harnessing methods that have been passed down through the generations over the last two centuries.
In naming its mezcals after Mexican states, Clase Azul México has continued its legacy by shedding light on lesser-known regions of the country. Since its foundation in 1997 by Arturo Lomelí, the goal of Clase Azul México has been to create a product as exquisite as the land it comes from, in part by highlighting México’s rich cultural diversity and artisanship. Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí continues this tradition and cements the brand’s position as a true Mexican luxury house.
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The mezcal
Looking specifically at the mezcal itself, Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí is made using green agave (Agave salmiana), a variety of agave that is native to the region. San Luis Potosí is characterized by its semi-desert slopes and plains, in addition to its high altitude, with this agave in particular growing best at around 6,500 ft.
In San Luis Potosí lies the small community of Estación Ipiña which has around 250 inhabitants, a fifth of which work in mezcal production. It’s here that Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí is made.
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“We’re delighted to introduce a spirit that’s so deeply rooted in the history and landscape of its place of origin. The generational wisdom safeguarded by the mezcal-producing community of Estación Ipiña, San Luis Potosí has given rise to a distinctive mezcal,” says Viridiana Tinoco, Clase Azul México’s master distiller. “Its unique aromatic and tasting notes reflect its traditional craftsmanship and capture the essence of the green agave used in its production.”
The new mezcal is full-bodied thanks to the time-honored regional process that is used. The unique character is extracted with the traditional methods of steam cooking in vaulted stone ovens, milling in a Chilean mill and double distillation in copper stills.
Those fortunate enough to taste the liquid should expect aromatic notes of cooked agave, caramel, green chili, sweet fruit, freshly cut grass and wildflowers, alongside herbal flavors, lime zest and clove with a mineral spiced finish.
The decanter
As always with Clase Azul México releases, the decanter is as well-considered as the liquid it holds. In this instance, Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí’s red color specifically pays homage to the Huachichil, a group of desert nomads that roamed the region’s landscape. Translated from the Aztec Nahuatl language, Huachichil means “heads painted red,” as the nomads were known for wearing red dye to mimic the plumage of a finch, a revered guardian of the tribe.
San Luis Potosí, the homeland of the Huachichil, is represented by the carvings that adorn the base of the decanter, depicting both the plains and mountains of the central plateau, in addition to agave plants and the revered finch.
Like all previous Clase Azul México mezcal releases, the cap features a unique handmade design. For Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí, the cap is decorated with colored yarn, depicting the finch in light under a starry sky, as it keeps a vigil over the landscape.
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Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí is available in a 1-liter decanter, at 43% ABV at an SRP of $370, claseazul.com
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