Monthly Tequila Roundup: From Clase Azul to BrewDog, the Most Buzzed About Agave Spirits Releases of February 2024

The spirits industry was put on pause throughout January as sobriety and mocktails trended to new heights of popularity. Distillers took a moment to regroup, waiting with bated breath. February rolled around and the floodgates inevitably opened once more.

Looking back, the month was loaded with exciting and unorthodox agave spirits releases that expanded boundaries in new directions. From additive-free cristalinos to Mexican-made sotol, here are the five most buzzed-about debuts of February 2024.

Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Widow Jane

(Photo: Tequila Ocho)

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Tequila Ocho’s commitment to additive-free single-estate distillation has cemented it as one of the all-time greats in the eyes of agave spirit enthusiasts. Expanding its audience to whiskey fans, the brand teamed up with Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery for a 12-month bourbon-finished añejo.

Bottled at 48% ABV — the latest in a high-proof trend —  the new expression balances heady aromas with rich flavors of caramel and baking spice. Tequila Ocho die-hards quickly snatched up the $90 release soon after launch, though you can still find it floating around the Internet in the range of $150.

Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí 

(Photo: Clase Azul)

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Clase Azul, known worldwide for its elegant, ultra-expensive tequila decanters, has quietly begun introducing a range of regionally-inspired mezcals over the past few years.

The latest is Mezcal San Luis Potosí. Unlike the brand’s previous mezcal releases — distilled from Agave Cenzino and Cupreata respectively —  Potosí is distilled from Agave Salmiana, otherwise known as the “green giant” due to its 8-10 foot height and 25-year maturation period. Gathering its influences together, the pinkish-red bottle pays homage to local Huachichil craftwork with a meticulously hand-knit topper.

At $370, this is the most expensive SRP for a Clase Azul Mezcal to date. Chances are, it’ll only get higher from here.

Mijenta Cristalino

(Photo: Mijenta Tequila)

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Mijenta’s award-winning formula has, up until recently, been defined only by a Blanco, Reposado and limited-edition Añejo.

Expanding its repertoire into one of the trendiest of trends, Mijenta added to its portfolio with a charcoal-filtered Cristalino. Aged eight months in Symphony barrels built from staves sourced throughout Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the expression is said to balance aromas of maple, caramel and coconut with a palate chock full of “sweet and silky” vanilla and chocolate.

Originally coined in 2009, Cristalinos have largely been defined by big-name brands and comparatively low prices. If you’re looking for an additive-free twist on the concept, Mijenta’s latest release is retailing at $119.

Casa Rayos

(Photo: Casa Rayos)

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Last month, Scottish producer BrewDog Distilling Co. unexpectedly tossed its hat into the agave spirits ring with Casa Rayos Blanco.

Made in partnership with the acclaimed Orendain family of Jalisco, the release is said to combine hearty flavors of lime, orange zest and spicy black pepper into a budget-friendly $40 package. Though not without its fair share of typical BrewDog controversy, the release is a welcome addition to a growing tequila market across the pond.

Casa Lotos Sotol

(Photo: Casa Lotos)

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Though not technically an agave spirit, sotol can generously be lumped into the “agave adjacent” category. Distilled from dasylirion wheeleri succulents native to the Chihuahua desert, sotol carries a rich heritage in northern Mexico much the same as tequila and mezcal do in southern Mexico.

Following Los Magos and Pernod Ricard’s Nocheluna, Casa Lotos is the latest brand to bring the spirit to the US. Loaded with funky, terroir-driven flavor and a distinctly vegetal finish, the release can be picked up just shy of $45.

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