Clase Azul Unveils Blanco Ahumado: A Smoky New Take on Tequila Tradition
- Miami Living Team
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
When Clase Azul México set out to create its newest tequila expression, Blanco Ahumado, Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco had one goal: to fuse ancestral techniques with modern craftsmanship. “We wanted to recover methods that aren’t always explored in tequila-making,” Tinoco told Miami Living, “and reimagine them with the artisanal mastery that defines Clase Azul.”
This newly released tequila brings a subtle smoky elegance to the brand’s traditionally unaged Blanco category, crafted using time-honored techniques more commonly found in mezcal production. It’s a bold yet refined spirit—one that honors the rich culture of Los Altos de Jalisco, while showcasing Tinoco’s visionary approach to distillation.
Reinterpreting Tradition: The Making of Blanco Ahumado
Blanco Ahumado’s signature flavor starts deep underground, where blue agave piñas are roasted in a firewood-fueled pit oven lined with volcanic stone—an ancient technique rarely used in tequila production. “I wanted to recreate the mezcal process we use for our Durango expression,” Tinoco explained. “But applying those techniques to tequila didn’t yield the same results initially. We went through many trials, refining the cooking time and customizing the distillation process, until we captured the smoky character we envisioned.”
After roasting, the agave is shredded and fermented using Clase Azul’s proprietary wild yeast—a strain developed from the natural ecosystem surrounding their agave fields. “We tested 33 strains, and only one had the ability to convert sugar into alcohol while also adding incredible aromatic complexity,” said Tinoco. “It’s one of the most important contributors to our tequila’s character.”
That attention to detail extends to every stage. Fermentation happens in open tanks under carefully monitored conditions, allowing delicate and complex notes to emerge. The spirit is then double-distilled in custom copper stills, amplifying both purity and flavor depth.
Tasting Notes and Artistic Presentation
The result is a smooth and sophisticated tequila, marked by aromas of smoked agave, red apple, and plum. On the palate, expect fresh lemon, minerality, and a silky texture with a lingering smoky finish.
True to the brand’s artistic DNA, the Blanco Ahumado decanter is also a work of symbolic craftsmanship. Semi-opaque glass alludes to smoke from the cooking process, a dark ceramic base evokes volcanic stone, and copper-toned accents nod to the stills used in distillation. The 750 ml bottle (45% ABV, 90 proof) is priced at $250 USD and comes in an exclusive presentation case.
A Spirit with Soul
Clase Azul’s ethos has always been about more than premium tequila—it’s about storytelling through flavor, design, and cultural homage. “Every detail of Blanco Ahumado tells a story,” Tinoco said. “It’s a sensory expression of our home and our heritage.”
Since its founding in 1997 by Arturo Lomelí, Clase Azul has grown into an internationally recognized luxury spirits brand, now available in more than 90 countries. Beyond its spirits, the brand continues to innovate experiences—like Clase Azul La Terraza Los Cabos, which blends fine dining, mixology, and cultural immersion.
To learn more, visit claseazul.com or follow them on Instagram at @claseazulofficial.
