Tito's Handmade Vodka – America's Original Craft Spirit Experience

Updated → September 2025

Discover America's original craft vodka, six times distilled in copper pot stills from 100% corn. This gluten-free spirit delivers exceptional smoothness with a clean finish, perfect for classic cocktails or sipping neat.

The Austin Revolution in American Vodka

When Tito Beveridge started infusing vodkas for friends in Austin, Texas, during the mid-1990s, he couldn't have imagined he was launching a revolution in American spirits. Tito's Handmade Vodka emerged as the first legal distillery in Texas, challenging the dominance of European vodka brands and proving that American craft spirits could compete on the world stage.

The story begins with a sixth-generation Texan who earned the nickname "the vodka guy" among his circle of friends. Armed with determination and a loyal dog by his side, Beveridge risked everything to pursue his passion. After countless experiments and refinements, he sold his first case in April 1997, marking the beginning of what would become America's original craft vodka movement.

The Austin distillery operates differently from mass-production facilities. Each batch undergoes taste testing to ensure consistency and quality, maintaining the artisanal approach that defined Tito's Handmade Vodka from day one. This commitment to craftsmanship resonates with consumers seeking authentic, locally-made spirits with genuine stories behind them.

Craft Distilling Heritage and Tradition

The craft distilling movement gained momentum as consumers developed sophisticated palates and sought alternatives to industrial spirits. Tito's Handmade Vodka pioneered this shift by demonstrating that American distillers could produce premium vodka rivaling international brands. The company maintains its original principles: small-batch production, meticulous quality control, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Traditional vodka production often prioritizes volume over character, but Tito's Handmade Vodka takes a different approach. The distillery combines time-honored techniques with modern quality standards, creating a product that honors tradition while meeting contemporary expectations. This balance between heritage and innovation distinguishes craft spirits from their mass-produced counterparts.

The Copper Pot Still Difference

The choice of distillation equipment profoundly impacts the final product's character. Tito's Handmade Vodka exclusively uses old-fashioned copper pot stills, a deliberate decision that sets it apart from competitors using column stills. Copper naturally removes sulfur compounds during distillation, contributing to the vodka's exceptional smoothness and clean finish.

Pot still distillation requires more time and attention than column distillation, but the results justify the effort. Each batch receives individual attention, allowing master distillers to make subtle adjustments that ensure consistent quality. The copper interacts with the vapor during distillation, catalyzing chemical reactions that enhance flavor development and remove unwanted compounds.

The six-times distillation process further refines the spirit, achieving remarkable purity without stripping away character. Many vodkas undergo excessive filtration or distillation, resulting in neutral spirits lacking personality. Tito's Handmade Vodka strikes an optimal balance, removing impurities while preserving subtle flavors that make each sip memorable.

Taste Profile and Tasting Notes

Professional tasters consistently praise Tito's Handmade Vodka for its distinctive profile. The initial nose reveals subtle notes of cinnamon and white pepper, accompanied by delicate lemon peel aromatics. These opening impressions prepare the palate for the complexity that follows.

On the tongue, pepper spice emerges alongside black cherry undertones and a touch of vanilla sweetness. The mouthfeel remains remarkably smooth, coating the palate without burning or harshness. The finish exemplifies cleanliness and dryness, leaving no unpleasant aftertaste or alcohol burn that plagues inferior vodkas.

Corn-Based Production Process

The decision to use 100% corn as the base ingredient reflects both practical considerations and quality objectives. Corn provides natural sweetness that translates into smoothness after distillation, while also ensuring the final product remains completely gluten-free. Tito's Handmade Vodka sources high-quality corn from American farmers, supporting domestic agriculture while maintaining consistent raw material quality.

The fermentation process transforms corn starches into alcohol through carefully controlled conditions. Temperature regulation, yeast selection, and fermentation duration all influence the final product's character. Master distillers monitor each stage, making adjustments based on experience and sensory evaluation rather than relying solely on automated systems.

After fermentation, the wash enters the copper pot stills for the first of six distillation runs. Each pass through the still increases purity and refinement, concentrating desirable flavors while removing unwanted compounds. The heads and tails – the first and last portions of each distillation run – are separated and redistilled, ensuring only the finest heart of the run makes it into bottles.

Gluten-Free Certification and Benefits

The gluten-free certification of Tito's Handmade Vodka provides peace of mind for consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While distillation theoretically removes gluten proteins from grain-based spirits, starting with naturally gluten-free corn eliminates any concerns about cross-contamination or trace amounts.

Beyond health considerations, the corn base contributes distinctive characteristics that wheat or rye-based vodkas cannot replicate. The natural sweetness and full body create a more satisfying drinking experience, whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Low-calorie conscious consumers also appreciate that Tito's Handmade Vodka contains no carbs or added sugars.

Cocktail Versatility and Mixology

The exceptional smoothness and clean profile make Tito's Handmade Vodka an ideal foundation for classic and contemporary cocktails. A simple Tito's and soda showcases the spirit's quality while providing refreshment without overwhelming flavors. The vodka's character shines through even when mixed, elevating simple combinations into memorable drinks.

Classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule benefit from the vodka's smoothness, which complements ginger beer's spiciness without competing. In a Bloody Mary, Tito's Handmade Vodka provides a clean canvas for tomato juice and seasonings while contributing subtle complexity. The Espresso Martini showcases how well the vodka pairs with coffee flavors, creating a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

Modern mixologists appreciate the vodka's versatility in craft cocktails. The clean finish doesn't interfere with delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or fruit purees, while the subtle vanilla notes complement dessert-style cocktails. Professional bartenders often reach for Tito's Handmade Vodka when creating signature drinks that require a premium base spirit.

Comparison with Premium Vodkas

In blind tastings, Tito's Handmade Vodka consistently performs well against premium imported vodkas costing significantly more. The pot still distillation creates complexity that column-distilled vodkas often lack, while the corn base provides distinctive character compared to wheat or potato-based spirits.

European vodkas traditionally dominated the premium category, but American craft distillers have proven that quality transcends geography. Tito's Handmade Vodka offers comparable or superior quality to many imports while supporting American manufacturing and agriculture. The unpretentious packaging – a simple paper label on a standard bottle – reflects the brand's focus on quality over marketing.

Love, Tito's Philanthropy Program

The Love, Tito's initiative represents the philanthropic heart of Tito's Handmade Vodka, turning spirits into love and goodness throughout communities. Over the past five years alone, the program has donated more than $150 million to nonprofit organizations, supporting over 20,000 charitable groups and 50,000 nonprofit events.

The company's charitable focus spans disaster relief, community building, animal welfare, and veteran services. The Vodka for Dog People program exemplifies this commitment, starting with helping stray dogs found near the distillery and expanding into a nationwide initiative supporting animal rescue organizations. Every bottle purchased contributes to these philanthropic efforts, allowing consumers to support meaningful causes while enjoying premium vodka.

Local communities benefit directly from Love, Tito's partnerships with grassroots organizations. Rather than limiting support to large national charities, the program embraces smaller nonprofits making tangible differences in their communities. This approach multiplies the impact of charitable giving, creating positive change at the neighborhood level while addressing broader social challenges.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The optimal serving temperature for Tito's Handmade Vodka depends on personal preference and intended use. For sipping neat, slight chilling to around 32-40°F enhances the smooth texture without muting flavors. Room temperature serving allows full appreciation of the subtle aromatics and flavor nuances, particularly when conducting tastings.

Food pairings expand beyond traditional caviar and blinis. The vodka's clean profile complements seafood beautifully, especially oysters and sushi. Rich, creamy dishes benefit from vodka's palate-cleansing properties between bites. Surprisingly, Tito's Handmade Vodka pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts, the vanilla notes bridging savory and sweet courses.

Awards and Industry Recognition

Industry competitions and spirits ratings consistently recognize Tito's Handmade Vodka for excellence. The Double Gold Medal at the World Spirits Competition marked an early validation of quality, while subsequent awards reinforced the brand's position among premium vodkas. Critics praise the balance between smoothness and character, noting how pot still distillation creates complexity absent in many competitors.

Consumer awards carry equal weight, with Tito's Handmade Vodka earning loyalty through consistent quality rather than marketing campaigns. Word-of-mouth recommendations drove initial growth, and customer satisfaction maintains the brand's momentum. Professional bartenders frequently name it as their preferred vodka for both personal consumption and cocktail creation.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Proper storage ensures Tito's Handmade Vodka maintains its quality over time. Unlike wine, vodka doesn't improve with age once bottled, but proper storage prevents degradation. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. The high alcohol content prevents freezing in standard freezers, making freezer storage an option for those preferring ice-cold vodka.

Once opened, vodka remains stable indefinitely when properly sealed. The alcohol acts as a preservative, preventing bacterial growth or spoilage. However, frequent temperature changes or exposure to air can gradually affect flavor subtleties. For optimal quality, consume opened bottles within 1-2 years, though Tito's Handmade Vodka remains safe to drink indefinitely when stored correctly.

Chicago Availability and Delivery

Chicago residents enjoy convenient access to Tito's Handmade Vodka through UnCorkIt Chicago's comprehensive delivery service. As Chicago's only one-hour delivery option for premium spirits, UnCorkIt provides unmatched convenience for last-minute entertaining or spontaneous celebrations. The store's knowledgeable staff can recommend cocktail recipes and pairing suggestions tailored to individual preferences.

The River North location serves downtown Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods with both in-store shopping and rapid delivery options. Regular customers appreciate the extensive selection beyond Tito's Handmade Vodka, including mixers, garnishes, and barware for complete cocktail experiences. The store's commitment to customer service extends beyond sales, offering education about spirits and cocktail crafting.

Authenticity and Verification

As Tito's Handmade Vodka gained popularity, counterfeit products occasionally appeared in certain markets. Authentic bottles feature specific characteristics: the signature copper-colored cap, embossed glass details, and precise label placement. Purchasing from reputable retailers like UnCorkIt Chicago ensures authenticity while supporting legitimate distribution channels.

The simple paper label contains important information including batch details and production location. Each bottle represents the same commitment to quality that defined the brand from its inception, maintaining consistency across millions of bottles while preserving the handmade ethos.

The Future of Craft Vodka

Tito's Handmade Vodka paved the way for numerous craft distilleries entering the vodka category. The success demonstrated that American consumers value quality, authenticity, and supporting domestic producers. As the craft spirits movement continues evolving, Tito's Handmade Vodka remains a benchmark for balancing growth with maintaining artisanal quality standards.

Innovation in the vodka category often focuses on flavors or marketing gimmicks, but Tito's Handmade Vodka succeeds by perfecting the fundamentals. The commitment to pot still distillation, corn-based production, and rigorous quality control creates a product that needs no artificial enhancement. This philosophy resonates with consumers seeking authentic experiences over manufactured trends.

The future promises continued growth for premium American vodkas as consumers increasingly prioritize quality and provenance. Tito's Handmade Vodka established the template for success: unwavering quality, authentic storytelling, and genuine connection to community values. As new distilleries emerge, they build upon the foundation established by America's original craft vodka.