Volans takes its name from the constellation of the flying fish, and the bottle is made at El Pandillo in Jesús María under Felipe Camarena, whose signature appears on the front label. That name carries real weight among people who follow tequila closely, because El Pandillo is one of the most respected distilleries in Los Altos and Camarena is known for doing traditional things with a considerable amount of engineering thought behind them. The agave comes from the Los Altos highlands, grown at altitude, which develops sweeter and more floral sugars than lowland fruit. It is slow cooked in stone ovens for around twenty two hours, then left to cool for up to another thirty six before anything else happens, which is a patient approach where most producers are trying to shorten the cycle. Milling is done on a modern nineteen thousand pound tahona, and the water is a deliberate blend of collected rainwater, spring water and deep well water rather than a single source. The distinguishing step comes last. The tequila is aerated and oxygenated, a process the producer uses to lift away harsher compounds, and it is genuinely noticeable in the glass, producing a rounded and unusually soft mouthfeel for an unaged spirit at 40 percent. It is also certified additive free, with no glycerin, sugar syrup or added flavoring, which matters in a category where those are permitted and common. What you get is clean and mineral driven: sweet cooked agave, citrus, white flowers and pear on the nose, then agave and pepper over a crisp slate minerality on the palate. Drink it neat and slowly. It rewards attention in a way most blancos do not.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Mexico |
| Region |
Jesús María, Los Altos highlands, Jalisco |
| Category |
Tequila |
| Expression |
Blanco |
| Agave |
100% Blue Weber Agave, highland grown |
| Distillery |
El Pandillo, NOM 1579 |
| Master Distiller |
Felipe Camarena |
| Cooking |
Stone oven, dual steam, approximately 22 hours |
| Milling |
Modern tahona |
| Water |
Blend of rainwater, spring water and deep well water |
| Distillation |
Double distilled, copper pot stills |
| Additives |
Certified additive free |
| Age |
Unaged |
Tasting Notes
Color: Crystal clear and bright, unaged with no wood contact.
Nose: Sweet cooked agave leads, with crushed minerals, white flowers, meyer lemon, ripe pear and apple, and a lift of black pepper.
Palate: Crisp and expressive, with cooked agave and citrus up front, white pepper heat through the middle, and a distinct slate minerality underneath. The aeration gives it a notably rounded mouthfeel.
Finish: Clean and elegant, closing on a refreshing mineral lift and lingering agave sweetness.
FAQ
What proof is Volans Blanco? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
Where is it made? At El Pandillo distillery under NOM 1579 in Jesús María, in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, under master distiller Felipe Camarena.
Is Volans additive free? Yes. It carries additive free certification, meaning no glycerin, sugar syrup, oak extract or added flavoring.
What is the aeration process? After distillation the tequila is aerated and oxygenated, which the producer uses to lift away harsher compounds. The result is a noticeably rounder, softer mouthfeel than most unaged tequila at this strength.
How is the water sourced? From three sources blended deliberately: collected rainwater, spring water and water from a deep well of more than 450 feet.
Where can I buy Volans Blanco Tequila online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
