Clase Azul founder debuts US’ ‘first’ luxury blended Tequila
Charles Durazo, co-founder of Clase Azul México, and Alberto Orozco, the former master blender for Patrón and Clase Azul, have joined forces to create Blended Blue Tequila.
Blended Blue is described as the first luxury agave spirit brand in the US to build a portfolio exclusively around Tequila blends.
According to the brand, families in Mexico have blended Tequila for 75 years, based on culture and tradition. Blended Blue honours the craftsmanship behind blending Tequila.
“The current luxury Tequila segment is quite crowded and requires new brands to have a reason to exist. The reason can’t be that the Tequila segment is booming,” said Durazo, co-founder and CEO of Blended Blue Tequila.
“Brands that don’t have a compelling reason to exist will be swallowed up by the roughly 1,200 Tequila brands currently on shelves in the US.”
The inaugural release, named Maravilla, is a blend of añejo aged 13 months and reposado, matured for two months in oak.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Maravilla offers flavours of black tea, chocolate, agave, leather, pineapple, vanilla, and spice on the palate.
Master blender Orozco, who crafted the expression, added: “Our mission is to create the best blended Tequila products that we can. We are excited about this mission to move the brand forward.”
Blended Blue Tequila Maravilla is now available primarily in California markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
It retails for US$135 for a 750ml bottle.
The brand raised US$315,000 through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), also known as a microfund, in partnership with Allied Venture Partners.
Blended Blue secured its initial shipment of 400 cases on 1 June 2026.
Durazo gained recognition in the Tequila industry in 2003 as the co-founder of Clase Azul Tequila. He was involved with the company for 14 years, including serving as a board member.
Orozco, on the other hand, worked at the Patrón Spirits Company from 2006 to 2018, following Bacardi’s acquisition of the brand. He left to join Clase Azul México, where he stayed until 2023.
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