When it comes to premium tequila, two names that often come up are Avion Reserva 44 and Clase Azul.
Both brands are known for their high-quality tequilas made from Blue Weber agave. Blue Weber is a type of agave exclusively grown in Jalisco, Mexico.
This blog post will compare these two tequila brands and see which reigns supreme.
Avion Reserva 44
Avion Reserva 44 extra añejo is in a league of its own with a unique taste profile. This ultra-premium tequila is crafted using the finest Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico.
Its unique production process sets Avion Reserva 44 apart from other tequilas.
The Production Process of Avion Reserva 44
The production process of Avion Reserva 44 begins with the hand-selection of the finest Blue Weber agave plants.
These plants are grown for seven to ten years before they are harvested. It ensures that only the best agave is used to produce this tequila.
Once the agave is harvested, it is roasted in clay ovens for 72 hours. This slow-roasting process gives the agave flavor a smoky note unique to Avión Reserva 44.
After roasting, the agave is crushed, and its juice is fermented for 72 hours. The fermented juice is then double-distilled in small batches using traditional copper pot stills.
Careful distillation ensures that only the purest, highest-quality tequila is produced.
The tequila is then aged for 44 months in American oak barrels, previously used to age bourbon. This aging process gives the tequila a rich, complex flavor profile, including vanilla, caramel, and oak hints.
Avion Reserva also offers a Cristalino version of their tequila. The Avion Reserva Cristalino goes through an additional step where the aged tequila is filtered to remove the color and impurities. The result is a clear, transparent tequila that maintains its unique flavor profile.
The Cristalino is a great option for those who prefer clear tequila but still want to experience the rich, complex flavors of aged tequila.
Avion Reserva 44 is a unique tequila from the hand-selection of the finest Blue Weber agave plants to the careful distillation and aging process.
Every step is taken to ensure that only the best, highest-quality tequila is produced.
Avion Reserva 44 will impress even the most discerning tequila connoisseur. So why not give it a try and experience the best of the best in premium tequila?
Clase Azul Tequila
Few brands can match the quality and craftsmanship of Clase Azul premium tequila. This Mexican brand is renowned for its exceptional tequila.
The tequilas are made using the finest Blue Weber agave grown in the state of Jalisco. But what makes Clase Azul truly special is its unique production process.
The Production Process of Clase Azul
Step 1: Agave Harvesting
The production of Clase Azul begins with carefully selecting mature Blue Weber agave plants. They are grown for seven to ten years before they are harvested.
Expert jimadors hand-select these plants and use a sharp tool called a coa. They remove the leaves and extract the heart of the agave, known as the piña.
Step 2: Roasting
Once the piñas have been harvested, they are roasted in traditional brick ovens for 72 hours. This slow-roasting process gives the agave a distinctive smoky flavor that is a hallmark of Clase Azul tequila.
Step 3: Milling
After roasting, the piñas are crushed to extract their juice. It is then fermented for several days using a proprietary yeast strain exclusive to Clase Azul.
The fermentation process is closely monitored to ensure that the tequila achieves the desired flavor profile.
Step 4: Distillation
The fermented juice is then double-distilled in copper pot stills to produce Clase Azul's signature tequila. It ensures that only the purest and highest-quality tequila is produced.
Step 5: Aging
Clase Azul offers several types of tequila, each aged for varying times in different types of barrels.
- Clase Azul Plata is unaged and bottled immediately after distillation. It is a clear and smooth tequila with subtle hints of sweet agave.
- Clase Azul Reposado is aged for eight months in oak barrels. The result is a tequila with a smooth and complex flavor profile, including vanilla, caramel, and oak hints.
- Clase Azul Anejo is aged for 25 months in oak barrels. It has a deep, rich flavor profile that includes chocolate, dried fruit, and spices notes.
- Clase Azul Ultra Anejo is aged for five years in sherry casks and is a rare, limited-edition tequila. It is highly sought-after by tequila connoisseurs.
- Clase Azul Mezcal Joven is made from 100% Cenizo agave and is double-distilled in copper pot stills. It gives it a smooth and smoky mezcal with citrus notes and agave.
- Clase Azul Gold Limited Edition is a blend of Clase Azul Plata and Clase Azul Anejo. Resulting in tequila with a complex flavor profile including oak, vanilla, and agave notes.
Step 6: Bottling and Presentation
Once the tequila has been aged to perfection, it is bottled in handcrafted ceramic bottles. The bottles are individually painted and numbered by skilled artisans.
The ceramic bottles are then topped with a unique cork stopper adorned with a silver agave plant. It makes them true works of art.
Clase Azul is a brand that takes great pride in its tequila, using only the finest ingredients. It also uses the most meticulous production process to ensure each bottle is a masterpiece.
It has a range of tequila to suit every taste and occasion. Clase Azul is a brand that truly deserves its place among the elite tequila brands in the world.
Comparing Avion Reserva 44 with Clase Azul
Aesthetic Appeal: Avion Reserva 44 vs Clase Azul Bottle Presentation
When it comes to presentation, Avion Reserva 44 comes in a sleek, modern bottle with a metal label. Clase Azul tequila is presented in a hand-painted ceramic bottle meant to resemble a Mexican pottery urn.
The Clase Azul bottle is often considered a work of art. It can also be repurposed as a vase or a decorative piece. Both bottles are visually stunning and appeal to different aesthetic tastes.
Tasting Notes: Avion Reserva 44 and Clase Azul Flavor Profiles
Clase Azul and Avion Reserva 44 are two of the finest premium tequila brands with unique flavor profiles.
Clase Azul is known for its smooth and creamy taste with hints of vanilla and caramel. Avion Reserva 44 boasts a bold and complex flavor with notes of agave and oak.
Both tequilas are best enjoyed as sipping tequilas to appreciate their intricate flavors.
Clase Azul and Avion Reserva 44 are premium tequilas crafted using traditional methods and aged to perfection. They offer a bold and complex flavor profile that appeals to tequila enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
These brands promote their products responsibly by partnering with the Distilled Spirits Council.
They both educate consumers about the rich history and unique characteristics of tequila. They also ensure their production processes meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Clase Azul |
Avion Reserva 44 |
|
Aging |
Aged in oak barrels for varying times |
Aged for 44 months in petite oak barrels |
Flavor Profile |
Smooth and creamy with hints of vanilla and caramel |
Bold and complex with notes of agave and oak |
Best Served As |
Sipping tequila |
Sipping tequila |
Handcrafted Bottles |
Yes, hand-painted ceramic bottles |
Yes, frosted glass bottles |
Production Process |
Traditional methods, cooked in brick ovens, distilled in copper stills |
Hand-selected blue agave, slow-roasted in brick ovens, distilled in small batches |
Distillery Location |
Jalisco, Mexico |
Jalisco, Mexico |
Awards |
Numerous international awards, including the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition |
Named "Best Tasting Tequila" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 |
Other Premium Tequila Brands to Consider
While Avion Reserva 44 and Clase Azul are excellent tequila brands, other premium tequilas worth trying include:
1. Casa Dragones Joven is a tequila brand that's gaining popularity. It is a sipping tequila aged for five years in new French white oak barrels. It has a unique flavor profile, including spice, vanilla, and pear notes.2. Don Julio 1942 is a premium tequila that has been around for a while. It's aged for at least two and a half years in American oak barrels.
The aging gives it a smooth taste and a deep amber color. It has caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes, perfect for sipping.
3. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is another premium tequila worth trying. It's aged for at least three years in French and American white oak barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor.It has notes of chocolate, vanilla, and spice and is perfect for sipping.
Conclusion: Which Premium Tequila Reigns Supreme?
When choosing between Avion Reserva 44 and Clase Azul, it comes down to personal preference. Avion Reserva 44 has a unique aging process that gives it a rich, complex flavor, while Clase Azul has a more traditional tequila taste.
Both tequilas are visually stunning and appeal to different aesthetic tastes. It's also worth trying other premium tequila brands, such as Casa Dragones Joven, Don Julio 1942, and Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, to see which suits your palate the best.
Ultimately, the best premium tequila is the one that you enjoy the most. So grab a bottle of each and find out.