Overview: Founded by Idaho-raised Boise State alum Chad Allen and his wife Cristina, Volans Tequila has quickly gained recognition for its award-winning traditional approach to crafting tequilas. With over two dozen major awards under its belt, including Rolling Stone’s 2024 “Best Blanco” recognition and Double Gold at the 2025 Agavos Awards, Volans is making waves in the spirits industry.
The Full Story
Chad Allen’s journey to creating Volans Tequila began on his family’s fly fishing lodge, Three Rivers Ranch, where he grew up. After graduating with a degree in entrepreneurship from Boise State University, Allen quickly found entrepreneurial success by opening TRR Outfitters, a fly fishing shop that has since expanded to four locations across Idaho. However, it was during his visits to Cristina’s family in Mexico that Chad developed a taste for tequila and began exploring the possibility of creating his own brand.
With the help of Cristina’s father, Miguel, an agricultural scientist with knowledge of agave cultivation and distillation, Volans Tequila was born. The pair partnered with third-generation master distiller Felipe Camarena to create their unique blend of traditional methods and modern innovation. Their tequilas are made from estate-grown Blue Weber agaves in Jalisco’s Los Altos region, cooked in a stone oven for 24 hours, then cooled for another 24 hours before being shredded by “Igor,” a machine that breaks up the agave fibers.
The mosto, or agave juice, is then fermented using natural open-air fermentation with a proprietary yeast. The surrounding environment plays an important role in shaping the tequila’s flavor profile, which is influenced by the region’s unique terroir and climate. Volans distills their fermented mosto twice in 100% copper pot alembic stills to create a smooth, full-bodied spirit.
Production & Profile
Volans Tequila offers a range of tequilas, including blanco (unaged), reposado (aged between two months and under a year), anejo (aged one year to under three years), and special editions. Their Extra Anejo is aged in barrels for over three years, resulting in a dark-colored spirit with rich flavors of vanilla, oak, and spices.
The unique labels on each Volans tequila bottle tell the story of their production process and terroir. The red reposado label matches the iron-rich soil where their agave fields are grown, while the blanco’s blue-green label reflects the color of their estate-grown Blue Weber agaves. Each bottle is a testament to Chad and Cristina’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
Brand & Industry History
The story of Volans Tequila is deeply rooted in its founders’ personal experiences and connections to Mexico. Chad Allen’s love for fly fishing led him to Idaho, where he grew up on his family’s lodge, while Cristina’s family ties introduced him to the world of tequila production.
Volans has quickly gained recognition as a leader in traditional tequila crafting, with over two dozen major awards under its belt. Their commitment to authenticity and innovation is reflected in their unique approach to distillation and aging processes.
What This Means
The success of Volans Tequila sends a message about the importance of tradition and craftsmanship in the spirits industry. By embracing innovative methods while staying true to its roots, Volans has created a brand that stands out from the crowd.
This trend is not limited to tequila; it’s part of a larger movement towards artisanal production and authentic storytelling in the beverage industry as a whole.
Consumer Takeaway
For consumers looking for an elevated drinking experience, Volans Tequila offers a unique opportunity to taste the art of traditional crafting. With its rich flavors and distinctive labels, each bottle is a testament to Chad and Cristina’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
As Volans continues to expand its reach across the globe, it invites consumers to join their journey in exploring the world of artisanal tequila production.
Source: Read the original article
