Tito's Vodka

When a buddy leaves the finest American vodka in your place, you recall never having rated it, though it was present for much of your early military service. If this sounds familiar, I'll guide you through the scoring. Though most grain vodkas taste alike, this one stands out. Given my extensive knowledge of grain spirits, this makes sense as it's just tasty corn. While corn distillate is naturally sweet with a nice body, it requires excessive aging to develop a palatable, mature flavor. So, instead of letting young American whiskey languish in a drawn-out process, I'd rather acknowledge a distillery that transforms this grain into something straightforward in just a few days. To someone like me, accustomed to new make whiskey, the aroma is so familiar it's hard to pinpoint. It certainly has raw corn and a fair amount of alcohol for just 80 proof. Barely perceptible in the background is a hint of citrus, common for a fresh neutral spirit, but it's otherwise quite simple. A medium body, leaning slightly light, but the taste is far from weak. Very sweet initially, akin to light caramel, transitioning to raw sugar with undertones of vegetal notes and citrus in the finish. It's noticeably sweeter on the first few tastes and becomes warmer toward the end of the glass. For anyone with just one vodka bottle among hundreds of other spirits, this is the go-to. It's an American spirit with actual character, which is rare in the vodka realm. It's classic, flavorful, and an excellent choice if you frequently indulge in the most unexciting spirit category.

A muted and mostly neutral aroma from grains, with faint hints of citrus, wheat, and fresh air. A mild sweetness, neutral grains, and light spiciness on the palate. It's rather bland, appearing less homemade and more like neutral grains diluted to 40% ABV, with metallic copper notes. The mouthfeel is viscous, silky, and velvety, with a slight spiciness and a mild, sweet, lightly citrus finish. Tasted chilled. It is debated whether copper pot stills can be used today. Also, be aware that ALL VODKA, or any distilled spirit, is gluten-free. Distillation separates gluten. If gluten is present, it is from added flavorings after the distillation process. This applies to vodka, whiskey, whisky, tequila, gin, rum, etc.

This is a well-made vodka; it's neither exceptional nor unpleasant. It works well as a mixer but is less ideal neat. The palate is clean with some lemon peel. It has a slightly oily and sweet taste with a bit of warmth. The finish is short and has a bit more burn than anticipated. I know many people rave about this vodka, but I don't find it particularly special. I'll save $5 and get Absolut instead. It's not bad, just unremarkable, which is why I'm giving it an average score.

On the nose: I detected notes of lemon and citrus! On the palate: The lemon fades as the lime appears, and the tropical citrus flavor remains. Finish: The citrus and lime linger with a strong hint of… pineapple? A definite surprise, but a welcome one. Overall: A very popular and very good mixing vodka, well-suited for tropical-inspired cocktails.

This vodka presents a complex aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. It begins sweetly with a taste of bitter grapefruit. The finish has a hot sensation of cinnamon and black pepper. It's not ideal for drinking straight or in mixed drinks.

Not very pleasant at all. Rough and sweet simultaneously. Acceptable as a mixer, but significantly behind competitors at its price point. It appears only the Russians and Poles can produce decent vodka.