If you like vodka, you’ve probably heard of Ketel One and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Both brands have gained immense popularity over the years and are often compared to each other. While Ketel One is known for its smooth and crisp taste, Tito’s is praised for its affordability and versatility.
If you’re wondering which one to choose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Ketel One is made from wheat, giving it a unique flavor profile, while Tito’s is made from corn, making it gluten-free. Both are distilled multiple times, resulting in a clean and pure taste.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Ketel One and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. We’ll compare the taste, price, and other factors to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you’re looking for a high-end vodka for a special occasion or an affordable option for everyday use, keep reading to find out which one is right for you.
History of Ketel One and Tito’s Handmade Vodkas
Ketel One Vodka History
Ketel One Vodka has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when the Nolet family began distilling spirits in the Netherlands. The family has been in the distilling business for over 300 years and currently runs the company in its 11th generation. The name Ketel One originated from the original coal-fired copper still used to distill the vodka, Distilleerketel #1.
The Nolet family initially produced Dutch genever, which was popular locally. However, they took note of the rising thirst for vodka in the U.S. and decided to create a product specifically aimed at this large, desirable market. And so, Ketel One was born.
Ketel One Vodka is distilled from 100% wheat in copper pot stills, filtered over loose charcoal, and rests in tile-lined tanks until ready. The vodka is named after the original copper pot still, “Distilleerketel #1.”
Tito’s Handmade Vodka History
Tito’s Handmade Vodka was founded by Tito Beveridge in 1995 in Austin, Texas. The company started with a small 16-gallon pot still and has since grown to become one of the largest craft distilleries in the U.S.
Tito’s Vodka is made from corn and distilled six times, which is more than the standard for most vodkas. The company claims to use a unique distillation process that results in a smoother, cleaner taste. Tito’s Vodka is also gluten-free and certified kosher.
Despite its relatively short history, Tito’s Vodka has become a popular choice among vodka drinkers and has won numerous awards for its quality and taste.
In summary, both Ketel One and Tito’s Vodkas have interesting histories that have contributed to their success in the market. Ketel One has a longer history and is distilled from wheat, while Tito’s is a newer brand made from corn. Ultimately, the choice between these two vodkas comes down to personal preference and taste.
Production Process
When it comes to vodka, the production process plays a crucial role in determining the taste and quality of the final product. In this section, we will take a closer look at the production processes.
Ketel One Vodka’s Production Process
Ketel One Vodka is made using a unique and traditional process that has been passed down through generations of the Nolet family. The process starts with the selection of the finest wheat grains, which are then milled and mixed with water to create a mash. The mash is then heated in a copper pot still, which produces a high-quality distillate.
The distillate is then filtered through activated carbon to remove any impurities, resulting in a smooth and crisp vodka. Ketel One Vodka is then bottled and shipped to consumers around the world.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s Production Process
Tito’s Vodka is made using a different production process than Ketel One Vodka. Tito’s Vodka is made from 100% corn and is distilled in a pot still. The corn mash is fermented for several days before being distilled in small batches.
The resulting distillate is then filtered through activated carbon to remove any impurities, resulting in a smooth and clean vodka. Tito’s Vodka is then bottled and shipped to consumers.
Both Ketel One Vodka and Tito’s Handmade Vodka use high-quality ingredients and unique production processes to create their signature vodkas. While Ketel One Vodka uses wheat as its base ingredient, Tito’s Handmade Vodka uses corn. Both brands use pot stills and activated carbon filtration to produce high-quality and smooth vodkas.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to the taste of Ketel One and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, there are some noticeable differences. Here’s what you can expect:
Ketel One
Ketel One Vodka is known for its smooth and crisp taste, with a slightly sweet finish. It has a subtle hint of citrus and a light, peppery finish. The wheat-based ingredients give it a slightly nutty flavor, which sets it apart from other vodkas. It is also known for its clean finish, which makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy drinking vodka neat or on the rocks.
Tito’s Handmade
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, on the other hand, has a slightly sweeter taste with a smooth finish. It has a slightly fruity aroma, with a hint of vanilla and a light, peppery finish. The corn-based ingredients give it a slightly sweeter taste, which makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy mixing their vodka with fruit juices or other sweet mixers.
Comparison
When it comes to taste, both Ketel One and Tito’s are excellent choices, but they do have some differences. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ketel One | Tito’s Handmade | |
| Taste | Smooth, crisp, slightly sweet with a light, peppery finish | Slightly sweeter with a smooth finish, slightly fruity aroma |
| Ingredients | Wheat-based | Corn-based |
| Best Served | Neat or on the rocks | Mixed with fruit juices or other sweet mixers |
If you prefer a slightly nutty flavor with a clean finish, Ketel One is a great choice. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste with a smooth finish, Tito’s is the way to go.
Price Comparison
Both brands offer high-quality vodka, but there is a difference in the price range.
A 1.75L bottle of Ketel One vodka is priced around $43.34, while a bottle of Tito’s Handmade Vodka costs about $36.00. As you can see, Ketel One is more expensive than Tito’s.
Price is often used to reflect quality, but in this case, the difference in price is due to the ingredients used in the production process. Ketel One is made from wheat, which is a more expensive ingredient than corn, which is what Tito’s uses.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Tito’s is the way to go. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a premium vodka that is made from high-quality ingredients, Ketel One is a great choice.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on your location and where you purchase the vodka. Be sure to compare prices at different stores to find the best deal.
While Ketel One is more expensive than Tito’s, the difference in price is due to the quality of ingredients used in the production process. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Tito’s is a great choice, but if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a premium vodka, Ketel One is worth considering.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between Ketel One and Tito’s vodka comes down to personal preference and taste. Both are high-quality vodkas that have their own unique characteristics.
If you’re looking for a wheat-based vodka with a smooth taste, Ketel One might be the better option for you. It’s slightly more expensive than Tito’s, but it’s still a great choice if you’re willing to spend a little extra for quality.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a corn-based vodka that’s gluten-free, Tito’s might be the better option for you. It’s a mid-range premium vodka that’s affordable and has a crisp, clean taste.
Ultimately, both Ketel One and Tito’s are excellent choices for anyone looking for a high-quality vodka. It’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your taste buds and budget.
Here’s a quick summary of the main differences between Ketel One and Tito’s:
| Ketel One | Tito’s Handmade |
| Wheat-based | Corn-based |
| Smooth taste | Crisp, clean taste |
| Slightly more expensive | Mid-range premium vodka |
| Produced in the Netherlands | Produced in the United States |
| Flavored vodka options | No flavored vodka options |
| Uses a combination of pots and column stills | Pot distilled |
In the end, the choice is yours. Try both and see which one you prefer. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong with either Ketel One or Tito’s Handmade.