Tito’s Handmade Vodka Review
A trailblazer in the nation's contemporary distilling revival, Tito's Handmade Vodka is made in Austin, Texas, at the first distillery the state has had since Prohibition. Despite its modest beginnings, the wildly popular brand is currently the nation's best-selling vodka and among the top spirits in the United States.
A Comprehensive Review of Tito's Handmade Vodka: Flavor Profile, Uses, and History
Tito's Handmade Vodka has become a staple in bars and homes alike, renowned for its clean flavor profile, approachability, and affordability. Our tasting panel enthusiastically recommends Tito's for a variety of cocktails, including classics like the Vodka Soda, Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, and Bloody Mary.
Tasting Notes of Tito’s Handmade VodkaAppearance- Color: Clear
Upon nosing, Tito's presents a rich bouquet of aromas that includes:
- Sweet corn
- Vanilla
- Cereal grain
- Cornbread
- Green vegetables
- White and black pepper
- Anise
- Fennel
- Bright citrus notes, especially lemon zest
- A pleasant minerality
On the palate, Tito’s reveals a delightful medley of flavors:
- Grilled sweet corn
- Creamy vanilla
- Spices from white and black pepper
- Ripe red tree fruits
- Juicy pineapple
- Candy corn
- Toffee
The finish is characterized as medium to long, offering a slight warmth with lingering notes of:
- Black pepper
- Toffee
- Toasted hazelnuts
Tito’s Handmade Vodka can be compared to other popular brands such as:
- Skyy
- Absolut
- Smirnoff
- Svedka
- Stolichnaya (Stoli)
- Ketel One
Tito's versatility shines in various applications:
- Straight Up: Enjoy chilled with a citrus peel.
- Cocktails: Perfect for mixed drinks like Vodka Soda, Moscow Mule, Vodka Collins, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Lemon Drop, Screwdriver, and Greyhound.
Opinions among our reviewers varied regarding the complexity of Tito's, but they unanimously agree on its mixability, accessibility, and value for money.
- Tony Abou-Ganim praises Tito's as a "wonderful example of a domestic, corn-based vodka that is approachable, complex, and very mixable."
- Julie Reiner emphasizes its "fantastic price point," noting the absence of chemical notes that can plague other vodkas.
- LP O’Brien acknowledges that while Tito's may lack complexity, it excels in creating balanced cocktails.
Reviewers commonly noted the sweet corn, cereal grain, vanilla, and black pepper aromas, with Reiner highlighting its clean profile without off-putting chemical notes. Abou-Ganim appreciates the vodka’s "rich, full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel," a sentiment echoed by Reiner.
The finish is slightly hot, with black pepper notes lingering, contributing to its overall appeal for cocktail mixing.
The Production Process of Tito’s Handmade VodkaTito's Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin, Texas, using non-GMO yellow corn sourced from local and Midwestern farms. The production process, while somewhat secretive, involves:
- Distillation: Tito’s is distilled six times, originally using a copper pot still and now likely employing a mix of column and pot stills to accommodate production demands.
- Filtration: Charcoal is used to filter the distillate, and the vodka is left unaged before bottling, preserving its fresh flavor.
The brand, which was founded by Bert Butler Beveridge, also referred to as "Tito," has a special place in American distilling history. In 1995, Tito acquired the first official permit to distill in Texas—marking the establishment of the first microdistillery in the U.S. since Prohibition.
Despite financial challenges, including maxing out 19 credit cards, Tito launched his business, Fifth Generation, Inc., named in honor of his Texas roots. In 1997, Tito's handmade vodka began production.
A pivotal moment came in 2001 when Tito's won the Double Gold for Best Vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), propelling the brand to national prominence. Today, Tito's Handmade Vodka is not only the leading vodka brand in the U.S. but also a favorite across various regions.
ConclusionTito's handmade vodka stands out for its quality, affordability, and versatility. Whether you're enjoying it straight or mixed into a cocktail, Tito's offers a delightful experience for both vodka enthusiasts and casual drinkers. With its rich history and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder Tito's has earned its place as a beloved choice for many.
