…..With only a few days before Cinco De Mayo, I thought it only appropriate I spend the week educating you on some great tequilas and tequila recipes to try this week as well as throughout the summer. Coincidentally I just returned from a week long trip in Mexico and have Plenty of reviews for you to look forward to which brings me to this one, a sophisticated tequila good for mixing, great for sipping, and sure to have you speaking Spanish in no time.

*Warning, if you’re looking for any “Jose Cuervo” reviews from me please click the little x in the top right portion of your screen to find it”

Clase Azul is an ultra premium, 100% Weber Blue Agave Reposado Tequila. It’s produced and bottled in the Jesus Maria region of Arandas, Jalisco, MX and aged for a minimum of eight months in small oak barrels. It was one of the first and last tequilas I tasted during my trip to Mexico. Usually when I see a big fancy bottle on the shelf that’s a warning more money was put into the design of the bottle than the taste of the “rock-gut” liquor inside however this one was an exception to the rule.

Appearance: It’s look is what will draw most people in. It comes in a “Talavera” style bottle unique in its shape and beautiful in it’s design. Every bottle is a unique piece handcrafted by local Mexican artists. It’s towering ceramic bottle and unique shape bring to mind antique pieces you would find at a shop or in your grandparents house. For you thrifty folks I’d suggest re-using this bottle around the house once you finish the tequila .

Aroma: Not to be outdone by the beautiful imagery on the outside, the tequila on the inside smells equally amazing. Upon opening, you get a punch in the face of floral and sweetness. A little hint of vanilla creeps into the nose as well.

Taste: By now you’re thinking, “Ok this thing cost 5 times as much as Jose, it comes in this huge designer bottle, and it smells AMAZING, so when will I be let down”… To put it simply, this one delivers. For tequila lovers this is like a party in your mouth and for tequila “squealers” this one will turn you into a believer. (My wife “The Novice Drinker” was quite impressed. Her exact words being ‘It’s good” and that says ALOT). Don’t worry, it will still mix just fine in your Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrise cocktails but I HIGHLY recommend you sip this one and enjoy its flavor. They manage to bring together a fully flavored tequila with a smooth finish that will have you wanting more (I sure did).

Price: $45.99-100 (Depending on where you buy, and which style)

Grade: A- (Because I have yet to find an A+)

Paloma 2011 (Created by The Professional Drinker)
1 oz Clase Aazul Reposado Tequila
2 1/2 oz Grapefruit Juice (Fresh Squeezed Please !)
Splash of Countreu
Splash of Tonic Water

Try this one with a Collins glass. Add in tequila followed by grapefruit and then top off with your orange liqueur followed by the tonic. A refreshing take on the classic Paloma.

Cranberry Refresher
1/2 oz Clase Azul Blanco Tequila
3 oz Lemon Lime Soda
Splash of Cranberry

Add ingredients one into a rocks glass. Pour tequila followed by your soda (pop) and top off with cranberry.

Tequila Sunrise (Classic)
2 oz Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
3 1/2 oz Orange Juice
2 Splashes of Grenadine (Try making your own)

Build in a highball glass. Add in Tequila and OJ and then top with Grenadine.

Cozumel OJ
1 oz Clase Azul Reposado
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
3 oz Orange Juice
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Add all ingredients into a shaker. Shake well and strain into a martini or rocks glass over ice.

Clase Azul samples were provided courtesy of just about every Mexican business owner I came in contact with. They offer a wide range of products including a delicious Pomegranate I highly recommend and a wonderful Anejo. Keep checking back throughout the week and all this summer for some excellent recipes and reviews. Remember I’m tasting these so you don’t have to ! Don’t forget to become a Fan on Facebook. Class Dismissed !