Volans Añejo
At Volans Tequila, our journey has always been about exploration, passion, and commitment to crafting exceptional tequila that captures the spirit of our Mexican heritage. Today, we are excited to introduce our latest expression, Volans Añejo Tequila — a unique and limited edition of just 2,700 bottles aged for one year and twelve days in freshly dumped and first-filled American, French, and German oak barrels.
A Journey into the Art of Barrel Aging
Volans Añejo was born from a deep dive into the art of barrel aging. Building on our successful single-barrel reposado program, we experimented with various barrels from world-class cooperages, bourbons, and wineries to create something extraordinary.
Nearly two years ago, we embarked on a quest to explore the impact of different barrels and the spirits they once held. This journey took nearly a year to find and select the perfect combination of barrels. The final blend of our new Volans Añejo consists of 70% American oak, 20% German oak, and 10% French oak barrels.
The Art of Barrel Tasting: Crafting the Perfect Añejo
What makes these barrels exceptional is that they were all freshly dumped, or ‘wet,’ barrels when delivered to El Pandillo in late April 2023. They were first filled with Volans Blanco tequila, with an ABV of 45%, on May 3rd, 2023, and emptied on May 15th, 2024.
During the year, we tasted our barrels periodically to observe and document the changes during the aging process. Of the 20 barrels, 10 were designated for our single-barrel reposado, while the other 10 were reserved for Volans Añejo tequila. We invited some of our incredible ‘tequila friends’ to join us in these tastings. Everyone took notes and rated their favorites. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!
These tastings, combined with the feedback from each single-barrel selection, helped us develop the final profile for our añejo.
Aged to Perfection
Our Volans Añejo was aged for precisely one year and twelve days, allowing the tequila to develop its rich, complex character while retaining the vibrant essence of its agave roots. The aging process enhances its unique flavor profile, balancing the oaky, complex richness of the barrels with the natural sweetness of the agave.
Crafted from the Finest Agave in Jalisco
Volans Añejo is crafted from mature, estate-grown Blue Weber Agaves in the highlands of Jalisco, specifically in Jesús María. The agaves are harvested from the estate of Felipe Camarena, surrounding the renowned El Pandillo Distillery. This region, known for its red clay soils and high elevation, contributes to the distinctively smooth and sweet characteristics of our tequila.
A Traditional Yet Innovative Production Process
Our production process begins by cutting the agaves in half and removing the cogollo (the stalk or core of the agave) to ensure that only the highest quality agave mosto is used, reducing bitterness and off-flavors. The agaves are then hand-stacked in Stone & Brick ovens, where they are steam-cleaned for several hours to remove impurities. After that, they are cooked slowly for 22 hours and then cooled for another day.
The agaves are shredded with Felipe Camarena’s custom-built shredder, nicknamed “Igor,” which shreds the agaves without damaging the fibers. They are then gently crushed with the 20,000-lb mechanical tahona, “Frankenstein.”
Fermentation and Distillation: A Unique Approach
Fermentation takes place in open-air stainless steel tanks, using a mix of natural ambient yeast and a unique yeast strain passed down from Felipe Camarena’s grandfather. Distillation is carried out using 100% copper pot stills, custom-designed by Felipe himself, adding another layer of uniqueness to our tequila.
Inspired by Nature and Committed to Sustainability
At Volans, we are inspired by nature and committed to sustainable practices. The Volans Tequila Añejo label reflects this inspiration, with colors representing the copper used in Felipe’s pot stills.
El Pandillo is one of the most sustainable distilleries in Mexico, utilizing rainwater, deep well water, and spring water in the production process and employing methods that minimize environmental impact.
A Limited Edition for the True Tequila Enthusiast
This limited edition Volans Añejo is a standout for any avid tequila enthusiast. Its uniqueness, story, and quality make it an exceptional addition to any collection. Whether you are a connoisseur or a newcomer to premium tequilas, Volans Añejo offers a distinctive experience worth savoring.
