As a longtime tequila lover, Clase Azul Mexico is among my go-to brands. I’ve long admired the company’s beautiful spirits and the gorgeous, collectible handmade decanters they come in. The Clase Azul Tequila Plata is my favorite expression, but the new Clase Azul Tequila Blanco Ahumado has me at a full stop—with a distinct smoky profile reminiscent of mezcal, it is a stunner, to say the least.
Blanco Ahumado marries the methods of mezcal making with the traditions of tequila. The brand’s Master Artisan, Viridiana Tinoco, explains that it is made by cooking blue weber agave in a pit dug into the ground and lit with firewood and volcanic rocks. Shredding and fermenting the agave comes next. The final step is double distilling the liquid in custom-made copper stills. The release about the tequila says that the spirit “is imbued with the essence of Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, where Clase Azul Mexico is based.
Tequila may be famous, but the region itself, save for a few areas, is largely untraversed and begging to be explored. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Mexico numerous times and have been to parts of Jalisco, but there is so much more I have yet to touch.
In celebration of her new tequila, Viridiana shared why she loves Jalisco so much and what visitors can see and do when they come
Our interview follows.
The press release for Blanco Ahumado says that the tequila is “imbued with the essence of Los Altos de Jalisco.” What exactly does this mean, and how and why does Jalisco play such an important role in Blanco Ahumado’s identity?
The Altos de Jalisco, or the Jaliscan Highlands, are a geographic and cultural region in the eastern part of Jalisco, known for tequila production but also as a bastion of Mexican culture rich in tradition and heritage. Jalisco is also the home of Clase Azul Mexico. While most tequilas are now cooked above ground, the method of underground baking dates back to the beginning of tequila production in Jalisco.
Tell us your inspiration for rescuing the ancestral tequila-making methods of the past. How does this method affect the flavor profile of Blanco Ahumado?
Everything we do at Clase Azul Mexico is aimed at sharing the magic of Mexico with the world – old and new, traditional, and trailblazing. The cooking process used to create Blanco Ahumado is a way to pay tribute to the history, but also the future, of the tequila category. By using methods from the past, we also create something newer for the future, which is the perfect blend of time-honored tradition and innovation.
Although the agave used to make Blanco Ahumado is cooked underground, like mezcal, what keeps it a tequila is the use of Blue Weber Agave. Mezcals can be made from a variety of agaves, but tequila must be made with Blue Weber – what actually gives mezcal a large part of its flavor profile is the method of cooking the agaves in a pit dug into the ground. Agaves used for tequila are not often baked this way, so the final result is a tequila with a delicately smoky profile.
Besides the delicious tequilas from the region, what are some other wondrous things Jalisco is known for? What makes Jalisco so special?
Jalisco is a stunning state in Mexico, renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It’s the cradle of mariachi music, our iconic Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican hat dance) dance, charrería (Mexican rodeo), and exquisite handicrafts. Our cuisine is also a highlight, featuring specialties like tortas ahogadas, pozole, and carnes en su jugo.
Guadalajara, the state capital, is Mexico’s second-largest city in terms of population and commerce, and a leader in development and growth. Jalisco is also home to numerous breathtaking tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches, the luxurious Careyes, Chapala’s vast lake, Tapalpa’s setting in the Sierra Madre, and much more.
When you’re not making tequilas and mezcals, where are your favorite places to visit in Jalisco? What are some of your favorite restaurants? What are the best hotels for travelers?
I’m a foodie and Jalisco’s cuisine is amazing. I frequent restaurants like Xocol. Bruna, and one of my absolute favorites is Hueso – Alfonso Cadena’s restaurant which surprises guests with its spectacular design and a fusion of French and American cuisine, as well as its use of exotic flavors.
For more traditional eats, I love La Birria de la 30 in downtown Guadalajara for the birria, and the torta ahogadas at Las Tortas del Profe Jiménez can’t be beat. Tortas ahogadas, for example, are exclusive to Guadalajara, since you cannot find this type of bread anywhere else in Mexico – so this is highly recommended when in town. If you are in the mood for out of this world tacos, Juan’s famous barbacoa tacos is a culinary gem born in the heart of Santa Tere. With numerous locations, their barbecue tacos, whether soft or crunchy, offer an explosion of flavor.
I’m also a fan of having drinks at Alexa’s or El Gallo Altanero, and for a “Guadalatiki” experience, head to De la O Cantina which offers a fusion of traditional Guadalajaran flavors and food offerings with the vibrant and tropical concept of a tiki bar. It’s the best place to try local tequilas and so much fun!
And if you’re in the mood for dessert, try Churros La Bombilla – they sell churros and hot chocolate beloved by Tapatios (Guadalajara locals) or for you’re looking for something cold, go enjoy Raspados Jalisco, the first ice cream shop to open in the center of Guadalajara in 1926.
When it comes to hotels, I prefer boutique options like Casa Habita and Demetria, but if you’re looking for luxury, the Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are also great choices.
I love Casa Habita’s unbeatable location and design in the trendiest area of Guadalajara, Colonia Lafayette. It’s a house designed in the ’40s with a newly built contemporary tower offering 37 rooms and suites. Demetria has a breathtaking glass and metal design and is also located in Lafayette – the property offers hotel rooms, but you can also rent one of their 6 private apartments.
I’m also passionate about exploring Jalisco’s beautiful destinations.
In Jalisco, you can get a little bit of everything, different aspects of our culture that appeal to everyone. Puerto Vallarta, for example, is known for exciting nightlife, a bustling downtown and I could spend hours walking up and down the Malecon – the beach-side boardwalk where street performers keep you entertained and there’s an abundance of shopping and food options to keep you full and happy. Visit the ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta, where you can also make your own chocolate.
If you want something a bit more private and luxurious, Careyes offers gorgeous architecture, hidden beaches with swimmable coves and offers a stunning mix of Mediterranean and Mexican styles. It’s the perfect getaway if you want to immerse yourself in nature, while also ejoying art, culture and community.
In your opinion, what’s the best way for travelers to experience Jalisco’s tequila culture?
If you come to learn about the history and process of tequila, you have to visit Tequila, a town in the state of Jalisco about an hour from Guadalajara. It’s known as the birthplace of tequila and is famous for its tequila production. The city is situated near the Tequila volcano and is surrounded by fields of the main ingredient, the blue agave plant.
The production process can be observed in various distilleries and haciendas. The National Tequila Museum and the Los Abuelos Museum have exhibits on the history of this drink. You can also visit the Altos region, which is one of the best regions for producing tequila in Jalisco, located about an hour and a half from Guadalajara. To enjoy tequila-based drinks like the Paloma or Batanga, head to La Capilla – one of the oldest cantinas in town.