In the mid nineties a former geologist stood on the edge of Austin building his own distillery out of second hand equipment and welded pipe. He had no experience with spirits, but he had been making infused vodka for friends and reckoned it could turn into something. It became the first legal distillery in Texas.
Expert description
Tito's Handmade Vodka is an American Vodka distilled from corn in pot stills six times over and bottled at 40%.
The unusual part is the still type. Almost all vodka in the world is made in continuous column plants, because that is the fast and inexpensive way to clean up a spirit. Tito's runs pot stills instead, the same shape you know from Single Malt Whisky and cognac, and every batch is distilled six times. It takes longer and uses more grain, but it allows tasting along the way and cutting the distillate exactly where you want it.
The raw material is corn, and that is what gives the soft, almost creamy character. The vodka is finally filtered through activated charcoal, which strips the last of the sharpness. Because no wheat, rye or barley is involved, Tito's is certified gluten free, and that is one explanation for how big it became in the United States.
The bottle looks the way it does on purpose. Ordinary glass, paper label, no crystal and no artist collaboration. The company is still called Fifth Generation and still sits in Austin, and the money goes into the contents rather than the packaging.
Tasting notes
Nose
Mild and lightly sweet with a trace of corn and vanilla. There is almost no alcoholic sharpness to smell.
Palate
Soft and rounded with a creamy texture. The corn gives a light sweetness, and a fine peppery edge arrives right at the back of the mouth.
Finish
Clean and short. The sweetness drops away immediately and no heat lingers.
Specifications
Name: Tito's Handmade Vodka
Distillery: Tito's Handmade Vodka
Region/Country: Austin, Texas, USA
Type: American Vodka
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Distillation method: Pot distilled six times from corn, filtered through activated charcoal
EAN no.: 619947000112
Serving suggestion: In a Vodka Soda with lime, or in a Bloody Mary where the softness carries the spice.
Flavour profile
Soft · Creamy · Lightly sweet · Clean
Did you know?
The man behind it is called Bert Beveridge, and that is his real surname. He picked up the nickname Tito as a child. Not many people in the drinks trade are born with a better head start.
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