Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLASE AZUL CLASE AZUL CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AND A MILLENIA OF MEXICAN HERITAGE A Mexican Clase Azul bottles celebrate Mexican artisanal heritage. Milestone by Rachel Burkons W 68 / the tasting panel / january 2013 PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS traditions of Mexico with every bottle hen you walk into one of the of Clase Azul we make," explained magniicent rooms at Los Lomeli, "and in the past 15 years, we've Cabos resort Las Ventanas worked to celebrate the passion of al Paraiso, you're greeted with specMexican art, whether it's tequila or the tacular ocean views, friendly service work of local craftsmen." and staff . . . and a mini bottle of Clase Azul Reposado. It's all part of the ongoing partnership between these two luxury brands, who jointly celebrated their (separate) 15 years of excellence with a fabulous fête in late November that showcased Clase Azul's newest offering, a 15-year-old special bottling which pairs the art of craft spirits with the tradition of Mexico's rich cultural heritage. "This is a dream come Mexican artist Bibiana Huber and Arturo Loemli, true, 15 years in the making," General Director and Master Distiller for Clase Azul. said Arturo Lomeli, General Housing a special blend of two Director and Master Distiller for Clase extra-aged tequilas (one aged 15 years Azul, as he and renowned Mexican in Spanish sherry casks, the other aged artist Bibiana Huber walked through the brand's pop-up art gallery showcas- for 11 years total, six in Portuguese port barrels, ive in American oak), ing 15 beautifully handcrafted bottles each bottle represents and celebrates a designed by Huber and made by moment in time for Mexican heritage, artisans across Mexico. "We honor the from the Day of the Dead, to ancient Mayan mythology. "We felt that it was important to honor the diverse traditions of Mexico, and celebrate our rich cultural and artistic heritage," continued Lomeli, himself an artist in the tradition of Mexico's native spirit. Each bottle, which includes a gorgeous case also inspired by the Mexican arts theme, tells a story that unities four unique products with Mexican Designation of Origin: amber, Olinala lacquerware (from a Mexican village that's produced stunning lacquered wood art since pre-Hispanic times), Talavera pottery and, of course, tequila. "These are the products that represent the heart of Mexico," continued Lomeli, "and we are so proud to bring them all together in these beautiful bottles." Pricing will start at $30,000, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Fundación con Causa Azul, a non-proit that supports local arts throughout Mexico, and the bottles will tour the United States in 2013. For more information and to learn when and where you can see these special bottles, visit www.tequilaspremium.com.