Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
may 2018 / the tasting panel / 1 15 and hence my relationship with Tito's began. I love the story behind the brand and Tito's vision to seize on an opportunity to break into an extremely difficult spirit market—and I absolutely love how much Tito's gives back." Tito's is also a mainstay at The Rusty Knot, a quirky, nautical-inspired tiki bar also located in New York City. With décor that can only be described as "your uncle's basement in the '70s" and a beautiful view of the Hudson River, The Rusty Knot is wildly-popular within the local LGBTQ community. "We have a Tito's happy hour every Sunday here," says Ryan Fitzgerald, The Rusty Knot's General Manager. "We use Tito's for our twist on the Moscow Mule with fresh citrus, ginger puree, and a splash of soda water. Instead of a copper mug, we use a tiki mug and garnish it with a plastic mermaid. It's a very popular cocktail." The Tito's Family Regarding Tito's ongoing relationship with the bartending community, Polley says the brand "often taps into a number of mixolo- gists we've worked with over the years when creating new cocktails." "This is a trade that continues to expand with so many talented people creating so many interesting drinks," he adds. In the end, it's Tito's consistently high quality and taste that make it the clear choice when bartenders find themselves reaching for a clear spirit. "Since our vodka is distilled from corn, it's naturally gluten-free and has a smooth, slightly-sweet mouthfeel," Polley says. "We've found that this flavor profile complements both cocktails and neat drinks just the same, with many bartenders viewing Tito's as the perfect white canvas to create their art." Once an underdog, Tito's has eradicated any doubt that the brand is now a true leader in the spirits world. "Thinking about the future, Tito's Handmade Vodka will continue to do more of the same: make the best vodka we can make and trying to make it available in every state, market, and account," Polley says. "We know that people stick with brands they trust and treat them right. Hopefully we can continue to bring more consumers into our family while helping grow the vodka category!" Tito's Lemon Thyme Lemonade ◗ 2 oz. Tito's Handmade Vodka ◗ 1 oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ 2 dashes Regan's orange bitters ◗ ¾ oz. lemon thyme simple syrup Shake and strain over fresh ice. Top with seltzer water. Angry Mule ◗ 2 oz. Tito's Handmade Vodka ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ ½ oz. roasted jalapeno simple syrup ◗ ½ oz. Pickett's #1 Medium Spicy Ginger Syrup Shake and strain over fresh ice. Top with seltzer water. Tito's Handmade Vodka ($20) For those who dream in vanilla, marshmallow, and red licorice, the aromas from Tito's Handmade Vodka will surely lure you in. The palate, however, will wake up the senses with black pepper underlying the sweeter notes. Texturally round and silky, this 80-proof pot-still spirit is elegant and refined. 93 —M.M.