#United States #Austin #Tito's Handmade Vodka #LALO Tequila #Fifth Generation

Tito's Handmade Vodka Grows Its Family with LALO Tequila

AUSTIN, Texas — In a landmark move for the spirits industry, Tito's Handmade Vodka has officially announced the acquisition of a majority stake in LALO Tequila. This partnership marks a significant step for both brands, celebrating their shared roots in Austin and commitment to integrity and traditional craftsmanship.

Tito's Handmade Vodka, founded by Bert "Tito" Beveridge as Texas’ first legal distillery, is well-known for its award-winning vodka. Today, the brand embarks on a new journey, joining forces with LALO Tequila, which has rapidly risen to become one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the United States. Co-founded by Eduardo "Lalo" González and David "R" Carballido, LALO embodies the spirit of family tradition through its production processes that pay homage to generations of tequila-making skills.

A Modern Take on Tradition

LALO Tequila prides itself on simplicity and quality, using just three carefully selected ingredients: fully mature Highland agave, mineral-rich deep well water from Jalisco, and champagne yeast. This unique combination results in a blanco tequila celebrated for its clean and distinctive flavor, winning the hearts of consumers from coast to coast.

“We’ve always said at Tito’s, if you’re going to do something, do it well,” shared Tito Beveridge. “I’ve known LALO’s founders for a long time; they care about their product, keeping things simple while adhering to high-quality standards. That resonates with us.”

The acquisition aims to provide LALO with robust sales support and access to an extensive distribution network, propelling the brand’s growth from a local name to an internationally recognized entity.

Upholding Heritage

Lalo González expressed his pride in this new chapter, stating, “My late father is the namesake of this brand, and I know he would be proud to see how far we’ve come. This is a natural continuation of our journey.” His commitment to preserving the integrity of LALO Tequila's production is unwavering, ensuring that every step honors the family's rich heritage.

Both Tito's and LALO have cultivated loyal followings built on authenticity, and this new partnership is set to amplify their reach. Notably, LALO has attracted a fanbase thanks to its clean flavor profile and the founders' decision to avoid industry shortcuts, reflecting the same ethos that helped Tito's gain prominence in its early days.

Jim McDermott, one of LALO’s co-founders, noted, “Tito has been a close friend in Austin for years, influencing our approach. Together, our companies are stronger.”

Bridging Cultures

This acquisition also represents a cultural exchange. David Carballido commented, “This partnership gives us the chance to share the beauty of Mexico with the world, inviting more people to experience our country while staying true to our Mexican legacy.”

As Tito's Handmade Vodka embarks on this new venture, it marks a first in its history for strategic acquisitions, focusing on mutual respect and allowing both brands to thrive while remaining dedicated to their primary mission: producing exceptional products.

Both brands have secured top-tier financial and legal advisories for this move, with PJT Partners and DLA Piper serving Tito's and Perella Weinberg and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati representing LALO. The transaction is currently proceeding through the necessary regulatory approval processes, with expectations of closing soon.

About the Brands

Tito's Handmade Vodka emerged in the mid-90s when Tito Beveridge crafted it in a makeshift distillery in Austin. As a sixth-generation Texan, Tito’s journey parallels that of LALO. LALO Tequila stands out as a fresh take on traditional tequila—crafted with love and expertise that honors both history and forward-thinking production.

This partnership shapes a promising future for both Tito's Handmade Vodka and LALO Tequila, solidifying their legacies in the spirits industry while respecting their heritage and fans who cherish these authentic brands.