My love of vodka

Making Texas vodka work: Trading going blind for a blind tasting

Dripping Springs Vodka was smooth chilled and straight-up.
Hudson Ferus Vodka, made from corn, has no aftertaste and is smooth as a baby'sbottom.
Tito's handmade vodka from the Mockingbird Distillery in Austin is suited forJello shots.

I’ve been advised that the key to success is to do something you love. So when a good friend and I sat down to discuss potential business ideas, we decided that our mutual affection for vodka fit the bill — we would create our very own for the world to enjoy.

While researching the process of how to make vodka, it didn’t take long to uncover a few perils. Not only is home distilling illegal in most states, but consuming an inadequately prepared vodka mixture can make you go blind. Suffice to say, we decided to pass on the fledgling idea.

I still wanted to explore my affinity for vodka, and I was curious to check out a few offerings from our home state to see if they would appeal to a panel of experts (my friends).

The average price of these bottles is less than the premium brands (Grey Goose Vodka weighs in at $56.45 for 1.75L). And if the Texas vodkas below meet the standards of my picky panel (believe me, they can sniff out a lame vodka from a mile away), why not keep it local?

The results of our blind tasting are below — the unflavored vodkas were served first, straight-up and chilled. For round two, ice and club soda were added. I must say I was surprised by the outcome; read on to see why.

Dripping Springs Vodka — 1.75 L $27.34
A good showing.

• Straight-up and chilled: 2nd place
Comments: a bit of a bite, good for mixing, tingy aftertaste
• With soda: tied for 1st place
Comments: goes down easy; the most neutral tasting of the three

Hudson Ferus Vodka — 1.75 L $22.88
The overall favorite.

• Straight-up and chilled: 1st place
Comments: no aftertaste, "smooth as a baby’s bottom," and the only one of the three that can stand alone
• With soda: tied for 1st place
Comments: slight herby flavor, very smooth

Tito’s Handmade Vodka — 1.75 L $28.41
Won’t make you go blind, but…

• Straight-up and chilled: 3rd place
Comments: strong alcohol smell, a tad harsh, Jell-O shot material
• With soda: last place
Comments: good for a frat party, strong mineral flavor

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another surprise shutter

Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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