SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Mexico‘s finest hand-crafted tequilas are making their way across the United States. Casa Tradicion, along with its exclusive United States importer, Tequilas Premium, are pleased to bring the exquisite line of Clase Azul Tequilas to Massachusetts and Rhode Island (MS Walker), Connecticut (Eder Brothers), Hawaii (Southern Wine & Spirits), Washington (Southern Wine & Spirits) and South Carolina (Southern Wine & Spirits) in time for summer.

Each gorgeous, shapely-silhouetted bottle of Clase Azul is a stunning work of art. Made with organic agave in Jalisco, Mexico, Clase Azul Tequila is crafted with time and care. Master distiller, Arturo Lomeli, blends time-honored tradition with innovation to produce a truly superior tequila. He waits more than nine years to harvest his agave at its peak of maturation when the heart of the plant is rich with flavor. Cooked with steam in traditional brick ovens, the agave achieves a deep, rich flavor, bringing out its juices. Next, Lomeli uses his proprietary yeast strain for fermentation, adding a rich complexity to the tequila. Clase Azul Tequila is distilled in copper pot stills and filtered three times for smoothness.

The line includes three extraordinary tequilas, Clase Azul Plata, Clase Azul Reposado, and the Limited-Production Clase Azul Ultra, as well as the uniquely delicious La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila Liqueur:

• Clase Azul Plata is made with naturally filtered water that is purified in a five-step process. This blanco tequila is crisp and clear with a smooth finish. It is perfect for sipping and delicious in cocktails.
• Clase Azul Reposado is aged in oak barrels for at least eight months, giving the tequila an intense gold color. This reposado tequila has a taste that is smooth and clean with hints of vanilla. It is the ideal sipping tequila.
• Clase Azul Ultra is a limited-production, ultra-aged tequila and the crown jewel of the Clase Azul Tequila line. This highly revered extra-anejo is made in small batches of 100 numbered bottles that retail for $2000 each. Clase Azul Ultra offers a sublime tequila experience. Aged for five years in sherry wood casks from Spain, it is smooth with a lush taste full of agave character.
• La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila Liqueur is a delightful combination of Clase Azul Plata and an exotic variety of pomegranate flavors. At 38 proof, the deep red beverage is sweet and tart and is a wonderful base for cocktails.

With these states on board, Clase Azul Tequilas are currently available in 22 states throughout the USA and are the second best-selling tequilas in duty-free Mexico.

For the introduction in Hawaii, Tequilas Premium will work with Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii. “We are excited to have Clase Azul in our line,” says Warren Shon, Executive V.P., General Manager of Southern Wine & Spirits. “Hawaii is the perfect market for this upscale tequila. Clase Azul will be right at home in our state’s luxury hotels and restaurants.”

“M S Walker is excited to add one of the most sought-after brands to our premium tequila portfolio,” says Roger Biron Director of Sales, On Premise for Massachusetts‘ M S Walker. “The strength of the brand, Clase Azul, is evident when mentioning it to account, many of whom will order it sight unseen. This white-hot category is a prime profit center for any level of restaurant, bar or club.

“The rise of Clase Azul in the United States has been tremendous,” says John Hanson, President of Tequilas Premium. “We have been strategically introducing Clase Azul to the appropriate markets at the right time, and that has been paying off. Our partnerships with Southern Wine & Spirits and our other distributors have been growing strong as the brand continues its terrific journey. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead!”

“It has been a joy to see Clase Azul Tequilas reaching new heights in distribution,” adds Lomeli, master distiller and owner of Casa Tradicion. “My company and I have worked for years to perfect our tequila and to make it a true work of art. It gives me such pleasure to be able to introduce Clase Azul Tequila to the United States. Salud!”

About Casa Tradicion:
Launched in 1997, Casa Tradicion is a Mexico-based company that produces the finest hand-crafted tequilas in the highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico. Using only organic agave, Casa Tradicion blends time-honored traditions with innovation to make such superior products as La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila Liqueur, Clase Azul Plata, Clase Azul Reposado, and Clase Azul Ultra.

About Tequilas Premium:
Tequilas Premium is the exclusive importer of Clase Azul Tequila and La Pinta in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, Tequilas Premium was founded by John Hanson, a 25-year food and beverage veteran. For more information, visit www.TequilasPremium.com.

SOURCE Clase Azul Tequilas