Clase Azul Just Dropped a Stunning $2,000 Tequila for Day of the Dead

Clase Azul México made its reputation on luxury. Founded in 1997, the tequila brand has earned a reputation among collectors and tequila drinkers for producing unique, limited-edition bottlings in bespoke decanters. They have several boutique shops around the globe and even opened  a 50-acre estate and brand home called La Hacienda that opened earlier this year in Jalisco.  

"We believe our blend of heritage, artistry, rarity, and verified authenticity is what makes Clase Azul a truly collectible spirit," says Olivia Kragen, Clase Azul's VP of Brand & Communications. 

Their latest limited edition is timed to the season. The newly launched Clase Azul Tequila Día de Muertos Edición Limitada Trascender is a celebration of Día de Muertos (AKA Day of the Dead), a two-day tradition in Mexico where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives in a celebration that often includes a fair amount of food and drink.

Curated by Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco, this limited-edition añejo is a blend of two tequilas aged for more than 30 months. One component is finished in casks previously used to ferment wine destined for Champagne production, while the second is matured in casks that previously held American whiskey.

Trascender marks the beginning of this new chapter, following a five-year series called Nuestros Recuerdos, which highlighted different sensory expressions. For now, each new edition will serve as an individual expression (so don't look for Trascender II next year). 

As with all Clase Azul releases, the packaging here is exquisite. It's presented in a hand-painted decanter designed by Clase Azul's creative director, Sofía Ortiz

Only 10,000 of these lovely decanters are available worldwide for a price roughly around $2,000. We spoke with Ortiz, Tinoco and Kragen about this limited edition release and what makes them special. 

It Takes Two Years to Design a Clase Azul Expression

"At a minimum, a limited edition takes two years to develop from start to finish, and sometimes even longer," says Ortiz. "We begin by reflecting on the story we want to tell and how we can translate that into something meaningful through the artistry of the decanter. With Día de Muertos, there's an added responsibility to honor a tradition that carries such deep cultural significance in Mexico."

The idea behind the bottle reflects the beliefs associated with Día de Muertos, that life doesn't simply end, but transforms. "In Mexican tradition, we honor those who have passed by keeping their memories alive, and we wanted to capture that idea of transcendence through the decanter," says Ortiz. "For me, the piece represents the journey of the soul from the earthly world into the spiritual realm. Every element tells a part of that story, from the deep blue and magenta tones to the flowers and golden brushstrokes."

Related: This Rare Clase Azul Tequila Was Aged In Whiskey And Armagnac Casks

The Design Reflects a Soul's Journey and Is Unique for Each Bottle

As Ortiz explains, the glaze transitions from deep blue to vibrant magenta, symbolizing the passage from the earthly world into the spiritual realm. At the base is a floral composition inspired by the flowers associated with Día de Muertos, including marigolds, which are traditionally believed to guide departed souls. "And one of the most meaningful elements for me is the return to our signature feathered brushstroke technique," she says. "We wanted to reconnect with the essence of Clase Azul México's artistry, using hand-applied strokes of 24-karat gold to represent the soul's ascent toward the sun. As the flowers give way to light, the design becomes a visual expression of transformation. There are also smaller details, like the skulls and crystalline droplets, that speak to the relationship between life and death. Each decanter is meticulously hand-painted by our artisans, so while the story remains the same, every piece carries its own unique expression."

The Champagne Element of the Blend Was Important

"I wanted to create something that reflected the central idea behind the edition: that what came before continues to shape what exists today," says Tinoco. "That led us to explore how different aging environments could contribute not only to the flavor of the tequila, but also to the story we wanted to tell. The first component is an añejo aged for more than 30 months and finished in casks previously used during the initial fermentation of wine destined for Champagne production. What makes these casks particularly interesting is the influence of autolysis , a process in which yeast cells break down after fermentation, contributing notes of pear, peach, and that characteristic freshness of Champagne wines. I was drawn to the idea that these casks could impart something of their own history to the tequila. We complemented this with a second añejo, also aged for more than 30 months, in American whiskey casks."

The Final Blend of Two Añejos Makes for an Extremely Unique Tequila

"My goal was to frame the notes of the first spirit, adding complementary notes of walnut and cacao nibs, while also extending its finish on the palate. Together, the two create a complex yet harmonious expression, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, cacao, and toasted walnut," says the distiller. "For me, the beauty of this blend is that each component brings its own character, but together they create something entirely new."

The Best Way to Buy These Bottles? Become a Private Client. 

Trascender is available at La Hacienda in Jalisco and a few Clase Azul boutiques around the globe, along with "select international retailers" (it's already sold out on our Men's Journal Spirits Shop ). And even on the Clase Azul site , it simply has a button that says "inquire to purchase." As Kragen notes, "Acquiring a Clase Azul limited edition is a relationship-driven experience. Our Private Clients are introduced to upcoming releases through their dedicated Client Manager, often before any public announcement is made. Priority access is extended based on collecting history, brand affinity, and program tenure."

For the rarest of releases, the company even employs a curated lottery system for its members. That said, this is a luxury experience, more akin to buying a high-end vehicle: It's often accomplished in -person at one of Clase Azul's destination properties or through a curated private preview. When you're selling tequilas that can fetch up to $22,500, it's probably good to buy the bottles in person. 

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Oct 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Drink section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.