Trailblazing Tequila

The Epic Story of Epic Western

By McKenna Mears | Photography Courtesy of Epic Western

Born on a truck bed parked in the Texas countryside, Epic Western is shaking up the canned cocktail scene. With a mantra of “We make it like you’d mix it,” they’re here to tell tequila aficionados to saddle up!

Cofounders Royce Itschner, Dub Sutherland, and Adam Love were tired of playing bartender during events. “We were all on the same page—if someone could can the drinks we were mixing, life would be so much easier,” shares CEO Adam Love, a real estate developer turned beverage entrepreneur. “The seeds were planted for Epic Western that day.”

Epic Western’s canned sparkling tequila cocktails are made from 100 percent Weber Blue Agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico. | Photo by Paul Pryor

Using 100 percent Blue Weber Agave Tequila, certified Mexican mineral water, and real citrus, Epic Western’s journey began with a mission to create premium tequila-based cocktails that capture the essence of homemade drinks. Legally, the only way to make 100 percent Blue Agave Tequila products in a can or bottle is to produce and package them in the region where the agave plant is grown. That locale is the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. So, Epic Western took their production south of the border.

“We’re dedicated to quality above all else. While many canned drinks choose a malt base or a mixto tequila, we insist on using only the finest ingredients,” Itschner emphasizes. “We are not about cutting corners; we want to ensure our customers enjoy a top-tier taste experience—one we take pride in and happily raise a glass to. If we couldn’t can our cocktails like we make them at home, we simply weren’t going to do it.” He, Sutherland, and Love embarked on a two-year quest to develop a supply chain that would uphold their uncompromising standards. The result is a lineup of canned cocktails with zero sugar and a focus on natural ingredients, with flavors including Ranch Water, Chispa Rita (a sparkling spin on a skinny margarita), La Paloma, and Brush Fire (a spicy take on a skinny margarita).

Epic Western’s sparkling tequila beverages are perfect for beach days. | Photo by Noah Custer

We saw an opportunity to create something truly special

The road to fruition wasn’t without its challenges. From navigating legal restrictions to perfecting the recipes, the team at Epic Western remained steadfast in its pursuit of creating a cocktail the founders were proud of. “We were faced with setbacks in our respective industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, but instead of dwelling on the challenges, we saw an opportunity to create something truly special,” Sutherland shares.

Collaborating with industry experts and enlisting the support of beverage enthusiasts, Epic Western quickly gained traction, initially securing statewide distribution in Texas and expanding its reach across the nation. One pivotal moment in the company’s journey occurred when Roy Seiders, cofounder of YETI coolers and a friend of the founders, met with the three of them to discuss the idea of Epic Western. Intrigued by the venture, Seiders decided to become an equity partner. With the backing of YETI Capital and bolstered by esteemed partners such as David Mangum (Florida fly-fishing expert), Jimmy Walker (PGA Tour player), Rob Fordyce (fishing guide and TV host), JT Van Zandt (Texas fly-fishing guide), and Ranar Moody (24.7 Hunt), Epic Western is thriving.

Photo by Hadley Chillura

As the brand continues to flourish, the team stays true to its commitment to quality and a relentless pursuit of the genuine article. With exciting new flavors on the horizon, Epic Western is pushing the boundaries of the canned cocktail market.

Photo by Noah Custer

From backyard barbecues to beachside bonfires, Epic Western invites you to raise a can and toast to the adventurous spirit of the Wild West. This premium tequila cocktail will surely be the new main squeeze for tequila lovers, packing a punch perfect for long days on the water, the golf course, or raised high at your favorite outdoor music venue. Cheers to Epic Western—where every can tells a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of the perfect cocktail.

— V —

Visit EpicWestern.com or follow @epicwestern on Instagram to learn more or shop all the flavors.