Tito's is a corn-based vodka distilled in Austin, Texas, by a single distiller

Tito's Handmade Vodka is produced by Tito's Beverages, a distillery founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, by Tito Beveridge (his legal name). The vodka is made from corn and distilled in a pot still rather than a column still — the traditional method used by most large vodka producers. Tito himself oversees the distilling process, which is why the label says "handmade."

The distillery operates as a small-batch producer, meaning each batch is made in limited quantities compared to major commercial vodka brands. Tito's remains based in Austin and has grown from a local product to national distribution, though it is still independently owned and operated by its founder.

Key Takeaways

  • Tito's is distilled from corn using a pot still method, which differs from the column still process most large vodka makers use.
  • The vodka is produced in Austin, Texas, by founder Tito Beveridge, who personally oversees the distilling process.
  • Tito's is gluten-free because it is made from corn rather than grain, though it is not certified by a third party for this claim.
  • The distillery produces vodka in small batches and has remained independently owned since its founding in 1997.

Why Tito's uses corn instead of grain

Most vodka producers use grain — wheat, rye, or barley — as their base ingredient. Tito's chose corn, which is less common in vodka production. Corn ferments into alcohol just as grain does, but it produces a different flavor profile: corn-based vodka tends to be slightly sweeter and smoother than grain-based varieties.

Because corn is gluten-free, Tito's vodka contains no gluten. This matters for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, though the distillery does not carry a third-party gluten-free certification. The distilling process itself removes proteins that carry gluten, so even grain-based vodkas are typically gluten-free, but the corn base means Tito's starts with an ingredient that never contained gluten.

How the pot still method differs from column distilling

A pot still is a large copper vessel where fermented liquid is heated, and the alcohol vapors are collected and cooled back into liquid. This process is repeated multiple times — Tito's distills its vodka six times. Each distillation removes impurities and concentrates the alcohol.

A column still, used by most large producers, is a tall tower where fermented liquid flows down while steam rises up, separating alcohol from water and impurities in a single continuous process. Column stills are faster and more efficient at scale, but pot stills allow the distiller more control over flavor and texture. The repeated heating and cooling in a pot still can preserve or develop subtle flavors that column distilling strips away.

Tito's six-time distillation in a pot still is labor-intensive and slower than column distilling, which is one reason small-batch producers use this method. The result is a vodka that many drinkers describe as smoother or more refined, though taste is subjective and depends on individual preference.

What "handmade" means on the label

The term "handmade" on Tito's label refers to the fact that Tito Beveridge personally oversees and manages the distilling process, rather than the vodka being produced by a large automated facility. It does not mean the vodka is made by hand in the literal sense — fermentation, distillation, and bottling still use equipment and machinery.

In the spirits industry, "handmade" typically signals small-batch production and direct involvement by the founder or head distiller. For Tito's, this means the same person who founded the distillery in 1997 is still involved in decisions about how the vodka is made, what ingredients are used, and how many batches are produced each year.

Tito's production scale and distribution

Tito's Handmade Vodka is produced in much smaller quantities than major vodka brands owned by large multinational corporations. However, it is not a rare or limited product — it is widely available in liquor stores across the United States and in many countries internationally.

The distillery has grown significantly since 1997, but it remains independently owned and operated from its Austin headquarters. Growth has allowed Tito's to expand distribution while maintaining the small-batch distilling method. The company does not release exact production numbers, but the brand's availability in most major retailers shows it produces enough to meet widespread demand.

How Tito's vodka tastes and how it is typically used

Corn-based vodka tends to have a slightly sweeter taste than grain-based vodka, and the pot still method can add subtle smoothness. Tito's is often described as clean and smooth, with a mild sweetness. Like most vodkas, it is neutral enough to mix into cocktails without overpowering other ingredients, but also drinkable on its own or over ice.

Tito's is used in the same ways as any other vodka — in mixed drinks, shots, or neat. It has no special properties that make it better or worse for any particular cocktail. The choice between Tito's and another vodka usually comes down to personal taste preference and price, since vodka quality and flavor vary by producer and method, not by brand reputation alone.

The price and availability of Tito's

Tito's Handmade Vodka is priced in the mid-range for vodka — more expensive than mass-produced brands like Smirnoff or Absolut, but less expensive than ultra-premium vodkas. The exact price varies by location, retailer, and bottle size, but a 750-milliliter bottle typically costs between $25 and $35 in most U.S. markets.

The vodka is distributed nationally and is stocked in most liquor stores, grocery stores with liquor sections, and online retailers that ship alcohol. Availability may vary by state due to different alcohol shipping and sales laws. Because Tito's is independently owned and produced in smaller batches than major brands, occasional shortages can occur in specific regions, but the product is not rare or difficult to find in most places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tito's vodka actually gluten-free?

Yes. Tito's is made from corn, which contains no gluten. The distilling process also removes proteins that carry gluten, so even grain-based vodkas are typically gluten-free. However, Tito's does not carry a third-party gluten-free certification, so people with severe celiac disease should research the distillery's production practices if they have concerns.

Why is Tito's more expensive than other vodkas?

Tito's costs more because it is produced in smaller batches using a pot still method, which is more labor-intensive than the column distilling used by large producers. Small-batch production and the involvement of the founder in the distilling process add to the cost. You are paying for the method and scale, not necessarily for superior quality — taste preference varies by individual.

Can you taste a difference between Tito's and mass-produced vodka?

Many people report that Tito's tastes smoother or slightly sweeter than mass-produced vodka, which may be due to the corn base and pot still method. However, taste is subjective, and blind taste tests show that vodka preference often depends on personal palate rather than brand or price. Some drinkers notice a difference; others do not.

Is Tito's vodka made in Austin, Texas?

Yes. Tito's Handmade Vodka is distilled and bottled in Austin, Texas, at the distillery founded by Tito Beveridge in 1997. The company remains based there and has not moved production to another location.

What makes Tito's different from other small-batch vodkas?

Tito's uses corn instead of grain, distills six times in a pot still, and is overseen by its founder. Other small-batch vodkas may use different base ingredients, different distilling methods, or different numbers of distillations. The differences affect flavor and smoothness, but no single method is objectively "better" — it depends on what you prefer to drink.