The limited-edition, handpainted bottle tops anything the brand has done previously to mark Day of the Dead celebrations.

Clase Azul's Día de Muertos: Música limited edition bottle

In life, there’s sleight of hand and real magic. Clase Azul has perfected the latter. The storied tequila brand continues to conjure ways to impress its fans. The latest example is the recently released Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) bottle, Música.

For this limited-edition añejo tequila, Clase Azul’s master distiller, Viridiana Tinoco, crafted a distinctive 26-month aging process. It began in American whiskey barrels before being divided into two batches: one finished in Scotch whisky casks from the Isle of Skye and the other from the Speyside region. The two were then blended to create a truly exceptional spirit.

Clase Azul's Día de Muertos: Música limited edition bottle

My first taste occurs in Puerto Vallarta at the One&Only Mandarina, where a small group gathers at a long table decorated with marigolds, candles and gorgeous offerings similar to ofrendas—vibrant altars and offerings crafted to honor departed loved ones during Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

A soft breeze flickers the candle flames as multiple courses paired with Clase Azul’s famous bottles (including plata, mezcal and gold) lead to the liquid crescendo and the newly crafted añejo. I sip these exceptional tequilas from a copita. It’s a small, shallow glass with a wide mouth and narrow base, crafted to enhance the tequila’s aroma and allow for an optimal tasting experience when enjoyed neat.

Full disclosure: I am partial to the brand’s añejo, so I wonder how Tinoco would differentiate this new liquid.

The setting for the first taste of the Día de Muertos: Música limited edition bottle at the One&Only Mandarina

She does a masterful job, as Música distinguishes itself with aromas ranging from nutmeg and dried plum to honey and peat smoke. The palate includes hints of chocolate and cinnamon that loiter beautifully before a smoky finish. While the tequila tastes divine on this balmy night along the southern Mexican coast, sipping next to an outdoor fire on crisp autumn and early winter nights might be even better.

When I post real-time pictures of my experience on Instagram, the first question fans of the brand ask is, What does the bottle look like? Thousands collect Clase Azul’s bottles, especially limited editions, and they won’t be disappointed.

The eggplant-colored decanter crafted for this limited edition captures the soothing rhythm of Día de Muertos melodies. On the back of its base, Mexican illustrator David Espinosa, known as “el Dee,” depicts a vibrant scene in golden and lilac tones—a lively, eclectic musical ensemble. Some members appear skeletal, while others don allegorical masks, all marching to the sounds of trumpets, drums, tambourines and bandolones.

The setting for the first taste of the Día de Muertos: Música limited edition bottle at the One&Only Mandarina

The centerpiece is a 40-piece skeleton, adorned in 24-karat gold with a delicate patina finish, brought to life as a cheerful, accordion-playing Catrina. Her long limbs are animated, giving the illusion of her playing the instrument while dancing to its rhythm.

“For this edition, I wanted to reinterpret music into sensorial chords to evoke nostalgia, since during Día de Muertos we remember the great moments shared with our loved ones,” says Tinoco. “Seeking to achieve a harmony of notes with different nuances through the casks, for one part I included smoky notes which are reminders of candles and incense of this festivity and, for the other, sweet notes suggestive of the delicacies placed on ofrendas.”

More than anything, Tinoco understands the essence of the brand. It’s magic.