Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/746412
november 2016 / the tasting panel / 53 november 2016 / the tasting panel / 53 and volcanic rock used to roast the hearts, meanwhile, gener- ate enough heat to impart the important smoky finish with notes of ash, wood, and chocolate. While what's inside the mezcal Clase Azul bottle will surely start conversations, the extraordinary matte black decanter will keep it going. It is crafted with the same care, attention to detail and respect for tradition as the mezcal itself. The decanter is hand- carved by artisans from a small community of Mazahua natives, Santa Maria Canchesda, from the state of Mexico. The stopper is fashioned by artisans belonging to Huichol culture in a painstaking process incorporating beeswax, resin, a needle and individually placed beads. What results is a complete package that embod- ies Clase Azul's commitment to safeguarding Mexican culture and roots in its many artistic forms. 4, 5, 6. The Clase Azul decanter is hand-carved by artisans from a small commu- nity of Mazahua natives, and the stopper is fashioned by artisans belonging to Huichol culture in a painstaking process incorpo- rating beeswax, resin, a needle and individually placed beads. 1, 2, 3. 3. After After har- har- vest, vest, the the Clase Clase Azul mezcal mezcal is is crafted crafted through through a generations- generations- old palenque (production (production house) house) distillery distillery house) distillery house) process involv- involv- ing ing the the slow slow underground underground roasting roasting of of the the agave hearts. november 2016 / the tasting panel / 53 2 3 6 5