Welcome to the spirited tale of Tito’s Handmade Vodka – a journey that starts from scratch and soars to the top shelf! Our hero, Tito Beveridge, is an average guy with an above-average vision, determined to create a vodka that’s both high-quality and affordable. Little did he know, his humble concoctions in an old-fashioned pot still would lead to a brand that redefines the vodka landscape. Grab a glass as we pour out the story of Tito’s rise from underdog to top dog in the competitive world of spirits.

Introduction to the founder – Tito Beveridge

Tito Beveridge is a man of many trades. The self-described “hustler, entrepreneur, and spirit enthusiast” spent his college years exploring the music scene in Austin, Texas while selling everything from firewood to worms. He was never afraid to take risks or think outside the box – and it’s this same attitude that led him down the path of distilling.

After completing the Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) course in 1992, Tito began producing vodka out of his very own pot still. With a little bit of grit and determination, he was able to create a product that stood out from the pack. It was smooth and clean with a unique flavor profile – something that people could appreciate and enjoy without breaking the bank.

The Humble Beginnings

Tito’s First Distillery

In the mid-90s, Tito established his first distillery on a patch of land in Austin, Texas. It was an ensemble of makeshift pot stills, cobbled together with little more than a couple of Dr. Pepper kegs, a turkey frying apparatus, and sheer determination. This rudimentary setup was hardly the picture of a modern vodka distillery, but it was within this creative chaos that Tito began to distill his first batches of vodka. He would cook, taste, and tweak each batch, iterating on the recipe until he landed with something special. Tito’s “Mockingbird Distillery” was a labor of love, the birthplace of a vodka that would soon take the spirits world by storm.

Overcoming the Early Challenges

Just like any underdog story, Tito’s journey wasn’t without its fair share of hurdles. The beverage industry, dominated by big names, presented daunting challenges. Financing was a significant struggle, as banks were skeptical about investing in a one-man distillery. Regulatory red-tape was another major roadblock; Tito was the first to apply for a legal permit to distill in Texas, and the journey was fraught with bureaucratic obstacles. Despite these challenges, Tito persisted. He tirelessly refined his distillation process and boldly introduced his vodka to anyone who would try it. He brokered deals with local stores and bars, essentially becoming his own distributor. Tito’s unwavering belief in his product and his relentless hustle gradually won over critics and vodka enthusiasts alike, marking the start of Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s ascent to fame.

The Rise to Fame

The Defining Moments

There were several key moments that propelled Tito’s journey from a local Austin vodka to a nationally recognized brand.

The Unforgettable Double Gold Win

In 2001, Tito’s Handmade Vodka entered the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Despite being a relatively small and unknown brand at the time, Tito’s Handmade Vodka walked away with the ‘Double Gold Medal’, an honor reserved for the unanimous favorite amongst the judges panel. This accolade was a game-changer, catapulting Tito’s Vodka onto the national stage and garnering it the attention it deserved.

The Power of Word-of-Mouth

Another significant moment in Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s rise to fame was the organic growth it experienced through word-of-mouth. Customers who experienced Tito’s smooth vodka were quick to share their discovery with friends, and soon enough, the demand began to skyrocket. This groundswell of support was instrumental in expanding Tito’s brand recognition and market presence.

The Embrace of the Craft Movement

As the craft movement began to take hold in the spirits industry, Tito’s Handmade Vodka was perfectly positioned to ride the wave. With its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity, Tito’s was a natural fit for consumers looking for a more artisanal option. Tito’s served as a beacon for this movement, helping to pave the way for other craft distilleries.

Through a combination of fortuitous events, relentless hustle, and a high-quality product, Tito’s Handmade Vodka was able to rise from a humble homemade vodka to a celebrated top-shelf spirit. From here, Tito’s Vodka continued to build on its success, becoming a staple in bars and homes across America.

The Windsor Saloon is a big fan of Titos Vodka and it can often be seen in our videos! From the Mockingbird Distillery to today, Tito’s Handmade Vodka has maintained its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With each batch produced with care in Austin Texas, it’s no wonder why Tito’s is a beloved staple of many bars and homes across America. Here at The Windsor Saloon, we are proud to serve this spirit with pride! Cheers!